It's like the call of the wild....there's some kind of pull that this tiny, cozy little bar has. It's difficult to determine what exactly makes it so endearing - the blue gauzy curtains in the front windows pulled back like in a living room, the ever present drone of football on the big screen telly, the black couch and coffee table that are ignored in favor of the hightop tables holding pints of beer, the owner, Salem, who gives everyone a handshake or a double-cheek-kiss upon entering, or maybe the amazing photographs that line the walls - portraits taken by frequent patron and friend Benj, photos that capture London and the life that it engenders, or maybe it's the people who gather at this watering hole, the eclectic mix of south Londoners who remember your name and welcome you enthusiastically into their small but generous football haven. Whatever it is about the Viva, I'm glad I've found it.
And last night - the place, the people, and the conversation did not disappoint. I'm such a regular now that Salem has my glass of white wine waiting on the bar before I've taken off my coat. And wine I did enjoy last night...making it a very late night with some hilarious moments of trying to learn how to play poker - in preparation for a standing invitation this Friday for dinner and a rugby match followed by a game of poker with a group of friends. I have a suspicion that I may just be a poker whiz. :)
Today the sun was in an out - it was a reflective kind of day, and Kahlil Gibran's "The Prophet" was my companion. My favorite passage of the day....
Time
And an astronomer said, Master, what of Time?
And he answered:
You would measure time the measureless and the immeasurable.
You would adjust your conduct and even direct the course of your spirit according to hours and seasons.
Of time you would make a stream upon whose bank you would sit and watch its flowing.
Yet the timeless in you is aware of life's timelessness,
And knows that yesterday is but today's memory and tomorrow is today's dream.
And that that which sings and contemplates in you
is still dwelling within the bounds of that first moment which scattered the stars into space.
Who among you does not feel that his power to love is boundless?
And yet who does not feel that very love, though boundless, encompassed within the centre of his being,
and moving not from love thought to love thought, nor from love deeds to other love deeds?
And is not time even as love is, undivided and paceless?
But if in your thought you must measure time into seasons, let each season encircle all the other seasons,
And let today embrace the past with remembrance and the future with longing.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
A Week In Review
There is a saying that time flies when you're having fun...I think it may be more accurate to say that it speeds by like a bullet. I unfortunately seem to be making a habit out of updating this blog on a weekly basis, so much more stressful to remember the exact details of my adventures. And this past week has definitely held it's share of excitement.
Tuesday was a fantastic day. Art and Football. Spent part of the rainy day inside the TATE Britain, perusing British art from centuries ago up to the modern ages. My favorite British artist might be William Turner - known for being the most famous English romantic landscape artist. He's also known as the "painter of light." I'd hang his canvases on my wall. Had a lovely dinner of soup and jacket potato at a great traditional English Pub by Stockwell - watching the rush hour foot traffic, all dressed in black, all holding umbrellas, before heading to Balham for football. Tuesday was a great day for football - yes, indeed, I am a bona-fide football fan - Manchester United matched against AC Milan and the infamous David Beckham, who just so happens, used to play for Man-U before going to America to play. Now he plays for the European team when the American season is over, most likely because he wants a spot on the team for the World Cup this year. So Becks was up against his old teammates (sort of reminiscent of games where Favre played against the Packers) and although I am a true Man-U fan now, I still wanted Bechkam to have a good game. We won and it felt incredibly victorious - Viva was a happy place to be that evening.
As if London is not the perfect place to be - I experienced a taste of the English countryside on Friday, along with a snowstorm on Thursday night. Took a road-trip with a friend north to Wolverhampton, and Thursday night's snowstorm (that missed London) was entirely too much like Minnesota. However, cars continue to drive at 90mph even in the hazardous conditions. I opened my eyes twice during the three hour drive. Friday we went bowling and I beat everyone, all three games...116, 128, 115, had lunch at a great pub overlooking the valley, explored the shops in Tettenhall, and drove to Bridgnorth. Bridgnorth is beautiful with a busy town set atop ancient cobblestone streets, the River Severn running through it like in a children's book of fairytales. The countryside had rolling hills, farmlands, sheep, and short stone walls dividing the land into geometrically perfect shapes. The roads were narrow with trees and shrubbery lining the winding path, roundabouts at every intersection that led into small towns where everyone knows each other. We had hot chocolate at a cafe and then spent the evening with dvds and popcorn. Saturday was a beautiful day with the sun shining, perfect for driving back into London. Listening to Manchester United lose (over the radio) and traveling at 120mph, not as perfect.
Sunday was spent like it should be, with a lazy stroll through Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, and lunch at the Serpentine Bar & Grill. Spent time with friends in Balham, stopped into Viva to say hello, and then watched Seth Rogen ham it up on "Knocked Up."
Yesterday, Monday, was a day to celebrate, my friend Lee's birthday, another year as an adventurer in the jungles of time and space. He witnessed his first musical theater extravaganza with Les Miserables, a truly emotionally moving show as usual. And dinner at the most perfect Italian place in Soho, called Franco's...where they open the door for you, take your coat off of you, and usher you inside with an Italian accent, they have wine bottles hanging from the ceiling, pictures of the Pope and Marlon Brando in the Godfather adorning the walls, too many tables with an eclectic mix of candles burning brightly, and they bring you a homemade Italian dessert that you didn't ask for, just because they like you - because they're that kind of place. It was perfect.
Today has been rainy and as most Londoners would say - horribly cold. I find the weather to be completely tolerable and mild. Laundry has been the order of the day, with a walk to and around Paddington Station, groceries, and of course, some writing. Football is on the menu this evening at Viva...and although Man-U is playing, I'm feeling quite cozy in my space, and not at all excited by the prospect of taking the tube 40 minutes to Balham. We'll see what happens. For now, I'm going to enjoy my chocolate, European style...Belgian milk chocolate coated butter toffee popcorn pieces...America might want to take a lesson in confectionary delights from this side of the pond.
Tuesday was a fantastic day. Art and Football. Spent part of the rainy day inside the TATE Britain, perusing British art from centuries ago up to the modern ages. My favorite British artist might be William Turner - known for being the most famous English romantic landscape artist. He's also known as the "painter of light." I'd hang his canvases on my wall. Had a lovely dinner of soup and jacket potato at a great traditional English Pub by Stockwell - watching the rush hour foot traffic, all dressed in black, all holding umbrellas, before heading to Balham for football. Tuesday was a great day for football - yes, indeed, I am a bona-fide football fan - Manchester United matched against AC Milan and the infamous David Beckham, who just so happens, used to play for Man-U before going to America to play. Now he plays for the European team when the American season is over, most likely because he wants a spot on the team for the World Cup this year. So Becks was up against his old teammates (sort of reminiscent of games where Favre played against the Packers) and although I am a true Man-U fan now, I still wanted Bechkam to have a good game. We won and it felt incredibly victorious - Viva was a happy place to be that evening.
As if London is not the perfect place to be - I experienced a taste of the English countryside on Friday, along with a snowstorm on Thursday night. Took a road-trip with a friend north to Wolverhampton, and Thursday night's snowstorm (that missed London) was entirely too much like Minnesota. However, cars continue to drive at 90mph even in the hazardous conditions. I opened my eyes twice during the three hour drive. Friday we went bowling and I beat everyone, all three games...116, 128, 115, had lunch at a great pub overlooking the valley, explored the shops in Tettenhall, and drove to Bridgnorth. Bridgnorth is beautiful with a busy town set atop ancient cobblestone streets, the River Severn running through it like in a children's book of fairytales. The countryside had rolling hills, farmlands, sheep, and short stone walls dividing the land into geometrically perfect shapes. The roads were narrow with trees and shrubbery lining the winding path, roundabouts at every intersection that led into small towns where everyone knows each other. We had hot chocolate at a cafe and then spent the evening with dvds and popcorn. Saturday was a beautiful day with the sun shining, perfect for driving back into London. Listening to Manchester United lose (over the radio) and traveling at 120mph, not as perfect.
Sunday was spent like it should be, with a lazy stroll through Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, and lunch at the Serpentine Bar & Grill. Spent time with friends in Balham, stopped into Viva to say hello, and then watched Seth Rogen ham it up on "Knocked Up."
Yesterday, Monday, was a day to celebrate, my friend Lee's birthday, another year as an adventurer in the jungles of time and space. He witnessed his first musical theater extravaganza with Les Miserables, a truly emotionally moving show as usual. And dinner at the most perfect Italian place in Soho, called Franco's...where they open the door for you, take your coat off of you, and usher you inside with an Italian accent, they have wine bottles hanging from the ceiling, pictures of the Pope and Marlon Brando in the Godfather adorning the walls, too many tables with an eclectic mix of candles burning brightly, and they bring you a homemade Italian dessert that you didn't ask for, just because they like you - because they're that kind of place. It was perfect.
Today has been rainy and as most Londoners would say - horribly cold. I find the weather to be completely tolerable and mild. Laundry has been the order of the day, with a walk to and around Paddington Station, groceries, and of course, some writing. Football is on the menu this evening at Viva...and although Man-U is playing, I'm feeling quite cozy in my space, and not at all excited by the prospect of taking the tube 40 minutes to Balham. We'll see what happens. For now, I'm going to enjoy my chocolate, European style...Belgian milk chocolate coated butter toffee popcorn pieces...America might want to take a lesson in confectionary delights from this side of the pond.
Monday, February 15, 2010
My RearView Mirror
When I was in high school, my BFF and I were hopelessly devoted to Jo Dee Messina (country music rocked back then!) and there was this song that played constantly on the radio, our daily companion on the ride to school - and for some reason, that only the Universe understands, I awoke this morning to the lyrics running through my head. It's been 11 years since I've heard that song and yet the music is clear..."Bye Bye love, I'll catch you later - Got a lead foot down on my accelerator and the rearview mirror torn off - I ain't never lookin' back and that's a fact..." Well, despite the melody that drums in my ears, and the words that scroll through my mind, I am actually quite determined to look back through the rearview mirror on this past week of my life.
What a week it has been. When I left off last, Friday was a day of endless possibility and the sun was shining like a beacon of joy into the cold souls in Hyde Park. It was an amazingly uplifting kind of day where you can't help but smile as you walk along the footpath, knowing that others see you and are either quite amused or quite terrified by your inner glee. Last Saturday I found myself in Balham, at Viva of course. Viva is Balham's "Central Perk" or its "Cheers" - it's an extended living room where friends and acquaintances meet on an almost daily basis, where young guys in pinstripe suits loosen their ties and have a pint having just gotten off the rush hour train, and where the few 'in-between jobs' people get their daily dose of human contact, sports, and beer. Each character in the joint has their regular spot, their perspectives greatly missed when not present. Saturday was the Rugby Opener - Six Nations!! Woohoo! Indeed I know less about rugby than I do about football, but the passion is intense and the rivalry strong. It was Wales against England - and the bar was packed. Moaning and swearing and lots of laughing (on my part) could be heard up and down the street. I met even more people and have become somewhat of a regular at Viva myself.
Sunday continued in its 'sports fanatic' fashion and I was once again in Balham. This time, just a quick hello in Viva, a few condolences to my friend Benj for all the losses he was surviving from his varied teams, and then to a proper football party - an American Football SuperBowl Party, no less. I have met the one person in England who likes American Football. No - actually, there appear to be more than a few, but it was quite nice to have a taste of home. He even prepared the classically American, spinach and artichoke dip and potato skins, as game-time snacks. I enjoyed the game, was pleased with the Saints' victory, and disappointed that all the fabulous commercials were inaccessible - and found myself at my doorstep at only half past three in the morning!
Monday was a day of recovery, and Tuesday yielded a productive day of writing. However, my intention to write in Hyde Park, at the Serpentine Bar & Grill (more like a cafe) was only partially successful due to their heating problems. After two hours of typing in my winter apparel, my hands ice-cold, and my body not at all warmed by the vegetable pizza and hot tea...I left for a warmer spot. It was a great day.
Wednesday was spent acting like a tourist again - this time with a visit to the Tate Modern - huge art museum of very eclectic modern art pieces both new and old. Some of my favorite pieces from Picasso are housed here, as well as Monet's huge Waterlilies. The museum is a complete contradiction and moves one through surrealism, dream and fantasy to violence, political aggression, and sexuality. It also has amazing views of the Thames River from the balconies. Walked across the Millennium Bridge into "The City" as it's called - right to the base of St. Paul's Cathedral. Enjoyed a falafel burger and a cider at a great pub, watched the city dwellers race by, and then finished the evening in Balham - at Viva - for football.
Thursday was a great day, spending time with friends here and talking with friends back home. It was a low-key kind of day and I was given permission to use my friend's kitchen in Balham to cook a proper meal. First meal that I cooked since my arrival that held more preparation than a microwave or a toaster. Blissful. There's something about cooking that makes me happy...I think it's the idea that you start with so many separate pieces, all distinct and yet similar, and somehow, magically you end up with the finished dish - the completed puzzle, where things have been joined together in a harmonious and ingenious way. I skipped out on the traditional English fare of fish and chips, or even beans on toast - and opted for something more akin to my American palate - spinach and sundried tomato tortellini, garlic bread with red pesto, and a mixed greens salad with pear, dried cranberries, walnuts, and blue cheese.
Friday was a rainy day perfect for movie-watching. Had lunch at a great pub in Balham with Pete and Lee and then hit up the Cinema for "The Wolfman." Honestly, I wasn't moved by it - something about the gore and the violence and the lack of connection to the characters or their stories...wasn't my cup of tea. But I did enjoy my sour candies - or sweets, as they are called here. I also got my fix of Chinese food that night while at Viva. It's become a weekly tradition to have Chinese takeaway from two doors down - and they may have the best vegetable dumplings I've ever tasted.
Saturday held a visit to South Kensington to see the Museum of Natural History - think big dinosaurs and Ben Stiller. However, I forgot that Saturday and "free entrance" meant that half on London's population would be present. The building was unbelievable - the architecture amazing and gawk-worthy, and of course the gigantic Stegosaurus skeleton in the grand entrance was jaw-dropping. But the crowds were stressful, limiting my view of most of the unbelievably cool sights, and leading me to almost fall down the huge central staircase taking down several people with me. So I will return another day to finish what I started. Saturday evening ended in the West End at a truly fantastic bar/nightclub called Freedom. Purple lighting, chandeliers, white leather booths, a lot of Brittany Spears tunes, and a cozy atmosphere with a buff bare-chested guy walking around serving shots (I left with the impression that the bar may have, in fact, catered more to the male population). Nevertheless, I had a fantastic time, a few mojitos, and good conversation with a friend.
Sunday - Valentine's Day...walked through the markets in Covent Garden, people-watched, and generally marveled at the crafts and trinkets on display. Walked down the Strand (one of the great streets in London that leads to Trafalgar Square) and stopped for dinner at Pizza Hut - which, by the way, is considered somewhat upscale here across the pond. Wine glasses on the tables, pasta options, and cheese stuffed mushrooms with a balsamic glaze reduction are on the menu. What kind of twilight zone is this?! Ended the evening with loads of laughs at the Covent Garden Comedy Group show. There were three performers and the final one, an American from Idaho, was truly the funniest. Even my British companion thought so. Us Yanks are quite the hysterical people.
And now my eyes can readjust from the rearview mirror to the road that lays ahead with my foot securely planted on the accelerator...it's Monday, the start of a new week. So many avenues to walk down, so many unexpected treasures around each corner. I am certain that the week holds inexplicable magic and new discoveries. Today I've been writing, and feeling inspired, and will likely visit my tree-laden oasis soon. Bring on the adventures, dear Universe...a new week has begun.
What a week it has been. When I left off last, Friday was a day of endless possibility and the sun was shining like a beacon of joy into the cold souls in Hyde Park. It was an amazingly uplifting kind of day where you can't help but smile as you walk along the footpath, knowing that others see you and are either quite amused or quite terrified by your inner glee. Last Saturday I found myself in Balham, at Viva of course. Viva is Balham's "Central Perk" or its "Cheers" - it's an extended living room where friends and acquaintances meet on an almost daily basis, where young guys in pinstripe suits loosen their ties and have a pint having just gotten off the rush hour train, and where the few 'in-between jobs' people get their daily dose of human contact, sports, and beer. Each character in the joint has their regular spot, their perspectives greatly missed when not present. Saturday was the Rugby Opener - Six Nations!! Woohoo! Indeed I know less about rugby than I do about football, but the passion is intense and the rivalry strong. It was Wales against England - and the bar was packed. Moaning and swearing and lots of laughing (on my part) could be heard up and down the street. I met even more people and have become somewhat of a regular at Viva myself.
Sunday continued in its 'sports fanatic' fashion and I was once again in Balham. This time, just a quick hello in Viva, a few condolences to my friend Benj for all the losses he was surviving from his varied teams, and then to a proper football party - an American Football SuperBowl Party, no less. I have met the one person in England who likes American Football. No - actually, there appear to be more than a few, but it was quite nice to have a taste of home. He even prepared the classically American, spinach and artichoke dip and potato skins, as game-time snacks. I enjoyed the game, was pleased with the Saints' victory, and disappointed that all the fabulous commercials were inaccessible - and found myself at my doorstep at only half past three in the morning!
Monday was a day of recovery, and Tuesday yielded a productive day of writing. However, my intention to write in Hyde Park, at the Serpentine Bar & Grill (more like a cafe) was only partially successful due to their heating problems. After two hours of typing in my winter apparel, my hands ice-cold, and my body not at all warmed by the vegetable pizza and hot tea...I left for a warmer spot. It was a great day.
Wednesday was spent acting like a tourist again - this time with a visit to the Tate Modern - huge art museum of very eclectic modern art pieces both new and old. Some of my favorite pieces from Picasso are housed here, as well as Monet's huge Waterlilies. The museum is a complete contradiction and moves one through surrealism, dream and fantasy to violence, political aggression, and sexuality. It also has amazing views of the Thames River from the balconies. Walked across the Millennium Bridge into "The City" as it's called - right to the base of St. Paul's Cathedral. Enjoyed a falafel burger and a cider at a great pub, watched the city dwellers race by, and then finished the evening in Balham - at Viva - for football.
Thursday was a great day, spending time with friends here and talking with friends back home. It was a low-key kind of day and I was given permission to use my friend's kitchen in Balham to cook a proper meal. First meal that I cooked since my arrival that held more preparation than a microwave or a toaster. Blissful. There's something about cooking that makes me happy...I think it's the idea that you start with so many separate pieces, all distinct and yet similar, and somehow, magically you end up with the finished dish - the completed puzzle, where things have been joined together in a harmonious and ingenious way. I skipped out on the traditional English fare of fish and chips, or even beans on toast - and opted for something more akin to my American palate - spinach and sundried tomato tortellini, garlic bread with red pesto, and a mixed greens salad with pear, dried cranberries, walnuts, and blue cheese.
Friday was a rainy day perfect for movie-watching. Had lunch at a great pub in Balham with Pete and Lee and then hit up the Cinema for "The Wolfman." Honestly, I wasn't moved by it - something about the gore and the violence and the lack of connection to the characters or their stories...wasn't my cup of tea. But I did enjoy my sour candies - or sweets, as they are called here. I also got my fix of Chinese food that night while at Viva. It's become a weekly tradition to have Chinese takeaway from two doors down - and they may have the best vegetable dumplings I've ever tasted.
Saturday held a visit to South Kensington to see the Museum of Natural History - think big dinosaurs and Ben Stiller. However, I forgot that Saturday and "free entrance" meant that half on London's population would be present. The building was unbelievable - the architecture amazing and gawk-worthy, and of course the gigantic Stegosaurus skeleton in the grand entrance was jaw-dropping. But the crowds were stressful, limiting my view of most of the unbelievably cool sights, and leading me to almost fall down the huge central staircase taking down several people with me. So I will return another day to finish what I started. Saturday evening ended in the West End at a truly fantastic bar/nightclub called Freedom. Purple lighting, chandeliers, white leather booths, a lot of Brittany Spears tunes, and a cozy atmosphere with a buff bare-chested guy walking around serving shots (I left with the impression that the bar may have, in fact, catered more to the male population). Nevertheless, I had a fantastic time, a few mojitos, and good conversation with a friend.
Sunday - Valentine's Day...walked through the markets in Covent Garden, people-watched, and generally marveled at the crafts and trinkets on display. Walked down the Strand (one of the great streets in London that leads to Trafalgar Square) and stopped for dinner at Pizza Hut - which, by the way, is considered somewhat upscale here across the pond. Wine glasses on the tables, pasta options, and cheese stuffed mushrooms with a balsamic glaze reduction are on the menu. What kind of twilight zone is this?! Ended the evening with loads of laughs at the Covent Garden Comedy Group show. There were three performers and the final one, an American from Idaho, was truly the funniest. Even my British companion thought so. Us Yanks are quite the hysterical people.
And now my eyes can readjust from the rearview mirror to the road that lays ahead with my foot securely planted on the accelerator...it's Monday, the start of a new week. So many avenues to walk down, so many unexpected treasures around each corner. I am certain that the week holds inexplicable magic and new discoveries. Today I've been writing, and feeling inspired, and will likely visit my tree-laden oasis soon. Bring on the adventures, dear Universe...a new week has begun.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Busy Bee
I seem to have kept the suspense going splendidly by waiting five days to update my adventures...many apologies for my delay. So it would seem that Manchester United was victorious on Sunday, as was I in my prediction of the final score (I really should have put some money on my bet). Bar Viva was crowded with rivals for Sunday's game and became enjoyably obnoxious as the night progressed, aided of course with a bottle of wine for my part. Man-U beat Arsenal 3-1 to go home with the glory...I took a taxi home at 3:30am with the hopes of being without a hangover the next day.
Monday (feeling fabulous) I took the tube to Piccadilly to view a flat in the heart of Soho. Although the location was amazing - the flat was less than appealing and the idea of sharing the small and dirty bathroom with a German doctor in the opposite flat was the deal-breaker. I spent the rest of the afternoon wandering around Soho and Picadilly - found my way back to Waterstone's. It was as if I wore a homing device and inexplicably found myself standing in front of the gates of literary freedom. I of course went in and perused the floors - this time in poetry. I've adopted a new interest in Greek Mythology and have begun a new journey, a rekindled journey, with Homer's Illiad and The Odyssey. The soup at the 5th View was Spicy Tomato today and equally delicious as last time - the view was even better. Shopped a bit on Oxford Street, people watched in Mayfair, walked through the drizzle on Bayswater, and eventually made it back to my flat - quite happy.
Tuesday was a fantastic day - I was a "tourist" leading a "local" around town. How is it possible that people who live in London have never been to Buckingham Palace? It's an outrageous idea to live on the outskirts of this bustling metropolis and to never admire the innate treasures. Lee came into London from Tooting Bec station and got a proper taste of London - Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Green Park, Buckingham Palace, St. James's Park, Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery, the Crypt Cafe at St. Matin-In-The-Field, Soho - Leicester Square, and views of Westminster and Big Ben - with plans to see them up close and personal another time. Walking through the museum again was perfect - and after revisiting my 18-20th century favorites, wandered into a new wing with Leonardo da Vinci and Rafael's works. Lunch in the Crypt cafe was delightfully eerie - the brick pillars and gothic arches above and the tombs of the dead below. Tuesday's adventures ended an amazing meal at Firefly in Balham (Mediterranean sample platter) with football at Viva and great conversation well into the morning hours.
Wednesday morning I found myself on Tottenham Court Road to help out a new friend. Pete, a local of Viva and friend of the others I have met, was going furniture shopping for a new sofa and I offered my assistance. Seeing a new part of central London was really enjoyable, the 8 furniture stores not as much...although we found some success towards the end of the journey. After the morning and early afternoon well-spent laboring over cushion firmness, we headed back to Balham and met with Lee for lunch at a pub. I completely forget the name, but it was a perfect balance of eclectic and urban trend -both in decoration and menu offerings. I had the Pumpkin and Coriander Chili with wild rice - truly amazing. Being completely unaccustomed to so many daily plans since my arrival, I was knackered and took a long nap...waking in time for football at Viva and time spent with friends.
Thursday, yesterday, was a day for movies. I went to the Cinema (also known as a Movie Theater). I also got my first glimpse of a proper Mall - how exciting! My journey included a ride on the double-decker red bus, which was not nearly as fun as I remembered from last time - maybe I'll have to sit on top on my next bus ride. Saw "Sherlock Holmes" - and I thought it was really fantastic. I'm not sure that my companions held it in as high regard as I did, but we all seemed to enjoy it. Did you know that at the cinema in London, it's rather rare to find salted popcorn (and it is never buttered) - generally the popcorn is sweet...hmm. I forwent the popcorn in favor of the create-your-own-candy-bag...and filled the bag with an assortment of treats. The evening held a viewing of the dvd, "The Hangover" - truly hilarious, and of course more lovely time spent with good people.
Today - Friday - is yet to be discovered. The sun is shining through my window and I can hear the swans at Kensington Gardens calling my name...it has been too long since my last walk there. Time to go and feel inspired.
Monday (feeling fabulous) I took the tube to Piccadilly to view a flat in the heart of Soho. Although the location was amazing - the flat was less than appealing and the idea of sharing the small and dirty bathroom with a German doctor in the opposite flat was the deal-breaker. I spent the rest of the afternoon wandering around Soho and Picadilly - found my way back to Waterstone's. It was as if I wore a homing device and inexplicably found myself standing in front of the gates of literary freedom. I of course went in and perused the floors - this time in poetry. I've adopted a new interest in Greek Mythology and have begun a new journey, a rekindled journey, with Homer's Illiad and The Odyssey. The soup at the 5th View was Spicy Tomato today and equally delicious as last time - the view was even better. Shopped a bit on Oxford Street, people watched in Mayfair, walked through the drizzle on Bayswater, and eventually made it back to my flat - quite happy.
Tuesday was a fantastic day - I was a "tourist" leading a "local" around town. How is it possible that people who live in London have never been to Buckingham Palace? It's an outrageous idea to live on the outskirts of this bustling metropolis and to never admire the innate treasures. Lee came into London from Tooting Bec station and got a proper taste of London - Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Green Park, Buckingham Palace, St. James's Park, Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery, the Crypt Cafe at St. Matin-In-The-Field, Soho - Leicester Square, and views of Westminster and Big Ben - with plans to see them up close and personal another time. Walking through the museum again was perfect - and after revisiting my 18-20th century favorites, wandered into a new wing with Leonardo da Vinci and Rafael's works. Lunch in the Crypt cafe was delightfully eerie - the brick pillars and gothic arches above and the tombs of the dead below. Tuesday's adventures ended an amazing meal at Firefly in Balham (Mediterranean sample platter) with football at Viva and great conversation well into the morning hours.
Wednesday morning I found myself on Tottenham Court Road to help out a new friend. Pete, a local of Viva and friend of the others I have met, was going furniture shopping for a new sofa and I offered my assistance. Seeing a new part of central London was really enjoyable, the 8 furniture stores not as much...although we found some success towards the end of the journey. After the morning and early afternoon well-spent laboring over cushion firmness, we headed back to Balham and met with Lee for lunch at a pub. I completely forget the name, but it was a perfect balance of eclectic and urban trend -both in decoration and menu offerings. I had the Pumpkin and Coriander Chili with wild rice - truly amazing. Being completely unaccustomed to so many daily plans since my arrival, I was knackered and took a long nap...waking in time for football at Viva and time spent with friends.
Thursday, yesterday, was a day for movies. I went to the Cinema (also known as a Movie Theater). I also got my first glimpse of a proper Mall - how exciting! My journey included a ride on the double-decker red bus, which was not nearly as fun as I remembered from last time - maybe I'll have to sit on top on my next bus ride. Saw "Sherlock Holmes" - and I thought it was really fantastic. I'm not sure that my companions held it in as high regard as I did, but we all seemed to enjoy it. Did you know that at the cinema in London, it's rather rare to find salted popcorn (and it is never buttered) - generally the popcorn is sweet...hmm. I forwent the popcorn in favor of the create-your-own-candy-bag...and filled the bag with an assortment of treats. The evening held a viewing of the dvd, "The Hangover" - truly hilarious, and of course more lovely time spent with good people.
Today - Friday - is yet to be discovered. The sun is shining through my window and I can hear the swans at Kensington Gardens calling my name...it has been too long since my last walk there. Time to go and feel inspired.
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