Adventures in London: Issue 58

What a truly unexpected weekend!!! Friday night, I went out to a local wine bar with my London brother and sister for some a good family advice session. It had been a while since we've had the chance to hangout, so it was a delightful spur of the moment decision to meet up for wine, cheese and bubbly....

The following day, I introduced my sister to Borough Market. We were originally supposed to go to see Harry Potter, but we opted to postpone and tour Borough Market. Never thought that I would ever be the person to introduce this place to a local, but there you have it. Despite living here, my dear sister had never been to this heavenly market until that Saturday. I know you have heard this from me plenty of times, and for those of you that have been there you know what I mean...this place is truly the most amasing place in London. A definite must see!!!

After our eating tour of the market, we walked along the Thames heading towards West London. I know what you are thinking...I am so damn predictable. What can I say, I love that walk!!! I absolutely love London! Similar to NYC, you just never know what you are going to stubble upon. While walking past the National Theatre, we came across a swing session. The national theatre despite being one of the ugliest buildings in London is a fun place to go. In the summer time, the national theatre host a number of outdoor shows, activities, etc. They just know how to have fun...London in general just knows how to have a good time....which is why I am looking forward to the 2012 Olympics. It is going to be one massive party and celebration in London...with the summer games and more importantly the marathon taking place. It is a win-win!

So back to the National Theatre, that particular day, they had a Live swing band playing while dozens of swing dancer jived and lindy hopped and jitterbugged. The crowd was filled a mix of people who clearly knew how to swing dance, with those that were there just to have a good time...you had the 30-something mixed in with the 60-something couples... and you had a 12 year old kid who played the piano with such pizazz that you would have thought he had been played for 40 years.

The rest of the bank holiday weekend was spent relaxing at home, staying in bed and catching up with friends at night. All and all, two excited thumbs up for the bank holiday weekend!! May mark the end of summer, but happy it ended on good weather with good friends and memories!!

Hope you all are well!

xoxo

T

Adventures in London: Issue 57

What a crazy roller coaster of a week. It started out rather rough, but got much better once the weekend came :-) So completely ignoring the events of the week...let's start with the Mindshare Summer Party.

On Friday, the worldwide team had our summer party hosted in Clapham Common. It is a day for the company to relax, eat, drink, answer pub quiz questions and enjoy some laughs with fellow colleagues. This day also reminds you of why you work for such a company. Yes times can be rough, and our schedules are quite tasking, but we all care for each and it is days like this that remind us what a unique company Mindshare really is. Someone once told me that if you cut me, I would bleed purple -- I am a Mindsharian through and through. I want to deny it on days, but I think I need to come to grips with the 5+ year relationship that I have had with this company.

So after a late night of drinking, eating 9 orders of chips and garlic bread and later dancing - - it was time to prepare for the second annual Clapham Pub Crawl. Starting where we were supposed to finish last year, the course started in Clapham Old Town and made its way through the High Street upward to Clapham North (strategically ending near my flat). There were a total of 9 bars mapped out for this crawl ranging from beer gardens to pub to swanky motijo bars. It was a bit of a mix, but I did get the chance to go to some places that I have been wanting to go, but never have. Did also discover a really nice pub that plays ESPN America, so will have to check out the pub on American sports nights...will look forward to baseball season there :-)

A total of 10 people embarked on this challenge, some who had partaken in the first pub crawl, and others were new and were not aware of the challenge ahead (I should have warned them that half pints were going to be the ticket to survival - instead I kept this token of wisdom to myself). It was a delight to have the group together. Most of us have been working crazy schedules (me in particular), so we do not get the chance to gather as a big group often...so when we do it is without doubt that the evening is going to be filled with dancing, laughing, singing and great moments that we will cherish (and if we forgot them, there are plenty of photos to capture the day). We were blessed with great weather and the ability to tour the beer gardens of my neighborhood during the first half of the crawl - - we later had to go inside once the sunset as the temperature fell.

In town for the weekend, and one of the reasons for the crawl, was my dear friend Chris Parks from the Mindshare NY office. I've worked with Chris for the past 3 years or so and he was go-to person when I was having one of those days and just need a hug. You always need a hug-it-out partner at the office. The fact that he sat across from my work husband did make for some interesting maneuvering (tee hee hee).

It was a nice relaxing weekend with Chris. We never had the chance to spend so much time together so I am happy that we got the chance to catch up here in London. Chris after all is responsible for introducing me to Buck Hunter and consequentially my obsession with this game when I am at the Wharf (or any other bar).

The next day (Sunday), we travelled into London for roast on the Thames overlooking Tower Bridge. Then walked along the Southbank to the London Eye where we met up with Chris's brother and he friend. From there we walked up through Covent Gardens (where we stopped for shandies and beers), to Buckingham Palace, through Green Park and then made our way to Below Zero in Mayfair (shown above). The Absolut Ice Bar is probably one of the coolest experiences. The entire bar is made of ice, including the glasses. You are given thermal capes and can only stay in the bar for 40 minutes (you really don't want to stay longer than that to be honest). If you are a vodka fan I would highly recommend checking this place out if you are in London (and for those who are like me and do not like the taste of Vodka they have a bloody mary there that is delightful).

It was a crazy weekend, filled with a roller-coaster of highs and lows. I am happy that although it started on a low, it very much ended on a high with Chris' weekend visit to London. It was a pleasure to catch up with him and have a relaxing weekend in London. Weekends like this remind me why it is I moved here :-) That said, I cannot wait until November, when I will get to see my friend Chris again while we run the NYC marathon...well if that happens...but that is another story...

Hope you all are well. Miss you all and love you more.

xoxo

T

The

Adventures in London: Issue 56

This week has been rather low key - but that is to be expected when the previous weekend is spent in Rome :-) Something interesting did happen this weekend though... for the first time, I felt like I was living in NYC. Don't know what it was about this week, but it felt very much like a NYC style week of getting together with friends, impromptu dinner & drinks

On Wednesday, Powers and I met up at Southwark tavern near London bridge for "date night". We were intially supposed to go to dinner at an indian restaurant I have been wanting to try near Brick Lane, but we were both snowed under with work, so we settled on just meeting up for some fruli and nachos!! 

What we did not plan for (but perhaps should have expected) was that I would be chatted up by some nice Irish twins at the bar. Gosh if I can remember their names now (Powers...any help), but they joined us for a couple of drinks in our "cave". Maybe you can help with something, one of them said that I sounded like Jodi Foster. The reason that I bring this up, is this is NOT the first time someone has said that. My family said that to me during my brother's wedding - what I cannot tell is whether that is a good thing or if I should be offended. Well after constant shout-outs that my friend was married and I lost my attention span for them, the Irish twins left Powers and I to our Fruili :-)

That weekend, I had another "NYC moment". While bike shopping in Clapham with KV (yes I bike shopping as my bike that I shipped from the NYC was kindly borrowed by someone and never returned). Guess that is what I get when I put try to store my bike in the wrong covered shed. Anyway, bike shopping turned into coffee at Esca which then turned into burgers at the SUN (aka, my new favorite neighborhood watering hole), where we were later join by Powers and Kevin. Just like a typical Staurday in NYC, this beautiful day started with a simple shopping trip turned into an all day event with people joining as the night progressed.  Made me miss the...oh god...cannot believe the name of the place has slipped my mind....BOAT BASIN!!! There we go! Phew...now what was I saying...

Well moving on....this weekend was the half marathon. Although, I was unable to be there in person to cheer the racers and watch not only Paula Radcliffe, but Deena Kastor race the street of New York, I am thankful that NYRR aired the race online. Sipping a cup of coffee I sat on my sofa cheering and smiling while Paula ran through the streets of New York. As she ran through Central Park, down 5th ave, through Times Square, down the west end highway past Chelsea Piers I could not help but smile as these images brought back so many fond memories. Felt a bit home sick to be honest...cannot wait to be back in New York running those same streets (well not exactly the same).  One year, I am going to have to plan a trip so I can run this race, well worth the experience if you ask me :-)

Well on that note, I am going to call it a night. Hope you all are well. 

xoxo

T

Note: I sadly did not take any of these photos...but the entry looked too bare without any photos

Adventures in London: Issue 55

A (21 Feb 09): Rome August 7th? let me know what you think 22 Feb 09

T (22 Feb 09): I will look up flights

A (23 Feb 09): See if you can take 1 day off since I've heard that the Vatican itself is a one day tour

T (26 Feb 09): BOOKED!!! ROME HERE WE COME!

The length of time of booking our trip to actually taking it seemed like YEARS!! But I am happy to say that the Rome trip finally came!! Sad part is that it is finished.

Thursday night I met my cousin in Rome (have realised that I have opted to make all the romantic trips with my brothers - Rome with Aashin, Paris with Bhai...where to shall we go Zubin, Suneet & Sohin?)

Thursday was an early night since I landed around midnight and we had plans to wake up early Friday so we could make it Vatican City before the lines. I will say, we did not show up THAT early to the Vatican as we enjoyed our Italian breakfast on the rooftop of our restaurant. Thankfully, we still managed to bypass waiting for 3 hours in line :-) The Vatican is truly a phenomenal state. As we later learned on our bus tour - Vatican City, with a population of 900, came into existence in 1929. I could go into the other facts, but I won't spoil the bus tour facts in case you go :-)

There we elections taking place, so we were slightly limited to what we were able to see, but we did manage to see St Peters's Basilica and later went to the Vatican museum. I have to say, the museum is truly a beauty and I am happy that we waiting in the sun for 1 hour to see it. But the museum is definitely not a leisurely, go at your own pace museum. Rather, it is more like you are being herded little cattle from room to room until you find yourself in the Sistine Chapel - where despite the numerous signs saying no talking, there are plenty of whispers and SHHHHs to be heard all around. After our tour of the museum and nearly missing the famous staircase (which is exit staircase for anyone who has not been), it was off to lunch and some vino. Despite the notion that there was not such thing as bad food in Rome, we searched long and hard for the most disappointing pasta and wine that tasted like vinegar. YUCK! (I am happy to report that the food from there only went uphill with each meal)

After the Vatican, we took the day a little easy. The idea of walking around Rome in the blistering heat was not appealing so instead we opted to eat Gelatto and take a site-seeing bus tour for a couple of hours before returning to the hotel.

Post nap, and once the weather cooled down a bit, it was back to exploring the city. We made our way to the Trevi fountain. There is a legend that if you want to ensure that you return to Rome, you throw a coin in the fountain - needlesss to say we both did and even have the photos to prove it :-)

There is just something that was utterly peaceful about hanging out around the fountain. It was packed beyond belief with people (as was EVERY site that we went to), but there was just something about the fountain that was soothing. Around the corner from the fountain, we stopped at a little cafe for what we were had planned for more gelatto, but then ended up having antipasta and lattes! So very tasty! 

After spending some time at the Trevi, we walked over to the Spanish Steps. Before going to Rome, everyone said, "you have to go to the Spanish Steps". Maybe I missed something, but I did not see what the big deal was. The steps were packed with people and I really did not see the use of sitting on the steps. That said, if there was a gelatto stand nearby, I would have sat on the steps and enjoy my ice cream. Sadly, there was no ice cream stand and as such we climbed the steps and made our way to Piazza de Popolo and the Pincian Hill. From here we enjoyed some prosecco and watched the sunset over Rome.  I have to say, I think that was my favorite experience of the weekend :-)

...well that experience may be tied with the "bike ride" later that evening. While walking back to the hotel after a delicious meal in the Piazza, we saw the coolest thing. Granted we had just past by bikes for rent that we opted not to take, but when we saw the "bike" [shown on the left] and we could not resist. Similar to the Flintstone's vehicle, this bike-car was equipped with two sets of pedals, two steering wheels and a break. We took to the roads of Rome just like any other vehicle - which was probably not the smartest idea, but definitely the most unique method to tour Rome. If you are ever in Rome and come across this, please rent one. If I can suggest though, do not take the 2-seater! The bike-car is bloody hard work with two people and reckon it would be more enjoyable with 4 people driving.

The next day we headed over to the Coliseum and the Palatine Hill. We decided to take a tour thinking that this would bypass some of the lines....the only thing was we then had to wait for the the group to "fill their spots". Another tip for anyone thinking about going to Rome...avoid going in August. The smart people that my cousin and I are, we went to Rome when the temperature is at it's peak. The average temp while we were there was 29 degrees (85ish degrees).  Although the heat was a nice change from the London weather, there is only so much site seeing that your body can handle. Let's put it this way...I was too hot to take photos. After a bit, I just stopped. I just did not have the energy to snap another photo (not to mention that Xavier was starting to melt in the blistering sun). 

When we were finished with the tour, we headed towards the Trastevere neighborhood for the best pizza and gelatto ever! We walked around the cute, non-tourist neighborhood for a bit and then headed back into Rome where we took a nap during the rest of our bus tour through Ancient Rome and back to the hotel.

It had been a good 9 years since both of us played, but it seemed fitting. Over a bottle of procescco and cheese Aashin and I played rummy for hours. Playing rummy brought back quite a lot of memories from both of our childhoods... but I am not going to go into them. 

It was a great weekend and I am so very pleased and grateful to have had the weekend alone with my baby brother :-)

xoxo

T

Adventures in London: Issue 54

I don't have anything jazzy to share this week, so I thought (or was requested last weeks by Sparks) I would go back and answer all the questions of the week. Enjoy!

Issue 13: If your house/apartment/flat was on fire and you could only save 3 objects what would they be. (You are aware that all living being are safe and you have insurance for all the items in the house. Answer should not include what you generally carry when away from the residents). Answer: my computer (since it has all my photographs), my temple and my dad's photo. I am assuming that I have at least one camera on me since I normally do. 

Issue 15: What would your ideal job be if money was not an issue?! How would you like to spend your day if you had the choice? Answer: My ideal job would be to be a sports photographer. I would love to spend my days running, taking photos and cooking. 

Issue 16: What would your ideal vacation be and where? Answer: I am still searching for the ideal vacation. I need to figure out where I want to spend my two-week sabbatical - am torn between Australia and India

Issue 22: What is your favorite part of the holidays? Is it the snow? The presents? The mulled wine? The tree? The cookies? Answer: It is spending it with family - the snow, the cookies, the presents - they are all icing on the cake

Issue 23: 1) Do you have hopes or goals? 2) If you said yes to either, care to share what it is? Answer: I try to just have hopes and when you have goals you set yourself up for disappointment if your goals are not achieved. That said, I cannot help from time to time to have goals for certain things

Issue 26: What is your favorite thing to cook? To eat? Answer: To cook, I would have to say curry (or anything Indian right now). To eat, it would either be sushi or pani puri

Issue 27: What book should I read next? Answer: This was more of a poll question. I am currently reading Eclipse (3rd part in the Twilight books). I normally have a cycle of fiction-non fiction- running, but I am going to break that cycle and read harry potter next

Issue 30: This is more of a vote: should I go to Brussels/Bruges or Florence for Easter weekend? Answer: Again, this was more of a poll. Survey went with Florence, but I ended up not going to either for the Easter holiday

Issue 31: What is the one thing that you HAVE to do in this lifetime? Answer: My answer may have been different at the time of issue, but right now I am going to say it would be to run a marathon. 

Issue 34: If you had to pick between a spoon full of avocado and a spoon full of raisins, which would you rather eat? Answer: I would pick a spoon full of raisins. Really do not like avocado

Issue 36: What is your favorite CD? Answer: Really depends on the mood. The last CD that I bought and could not stop listening to was Sugarland, "Love on the Inside"...that CD has some brilliant songs on it. 

Issue 37: Should I cut my hair short or grow it out again? Answer: Well this is more of a decision, I decided to grow my hair out.  Should be ready to donate in a year

Issue 38: The Corrs once sang, "You're forgiven, but not forgotten". It is better to forget or to forgiven? Can you ever truly move on if you have not forgotten your past? Can you move on if you have not forgiven yourself or your past? Or do you need a combination of both? May be there is no answer to this question, but I am curious on your thoughts.... Answer: You ought not to forget your past cause that makes you who you are today. The question then is can you truly forgive a person if you do not forget the circumstance? I think you can, but that is not easy. I think more often we come to terms with happen and need to learn to accept it.

Issue 39: What are your top 5 movies that you can watch regardless of mood or time of day? Answer: (1) Bend it like Beckham, (2) Braveheart, (3) Fight Club, (4) Rang de Basanti, (5) American President

Issue 40: In countries that do not celebrate Memorial Day and Labour Day, how do you know when you can start wearing white? Do these "fashion rules" only  apply to the US?! Answer: Apparently there is no answer to this. You can wear white trousers when it starts feeling like summer, and you stop when it starts feeling like winter. 

Issue 41: Who would you want to play you in your movie? Answer: No idea! A family member, said that I looked like Vidya Balan - so I guess her. 

Issue 43: Where are you going on your next vacation? Answer: I will answer this at this moment in time. My next vacation is Rome and it starts on Thursday :-)

Issue 44 & 45: What is your favorite part about summer? (doesn't need to be this summer necessarily) Answer: Summer for me is hanging out in the park, eating/drinking outdoors and running NYRR races, BBQs.... had some of that this summer, but still not quite a NYC summer

Issue 46: What is your fondest memory of you and I? Answer: I have too many memories of myself and I to answer this question. If you would like to know one of you and I, ask and I will respond. 

Issue 48: On a scale of 1 to 10, how happy are you? Answer: Right now is probably not the best time to answer this question. I am about a 6

Issue 49: Is there something that do you (even though you don't like to/it) because you are with people you care about (i.e watching football, eating oysters, running...) Answer: My friend answer backed reminding me that I ate chocolate for 6 months when I was out with her cause I did not want to tell her that it made me sick. So there is that, and I suppose some others, but I am going to leave it with the chocolate thing. 

Issue 50: What is your favorite flavour of ice cream? Answer: Coffee and any special at Stewart's

 

Issue 51: What do you generally eat for breakfast? Answer: Latte and a banana or a nutrigrain bar. On weekends it is a bowl of Captain Crunch or beans and toast when my stock of American cereal runs out.

Well there you have it...good night. 

Hope you all are well. 

xoxo

T