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.