Adventures in London: Issue 110

It has been a rather low key week which has allowed for some post-work socialising with friends. Life too often can get in the way and as Ferris Bueller once said life moves by pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once and awhile, you could miss it. What a genius that Ferris was! Haha

On Tuesday, Powers and I met up for dinner. We were scheduled to go to Oodle Noodle, but instead changed plans to have Indian delivery at hers. It had been a couple of months since I had been to her flat and had not seen it since they furnished the place. We spent a relaxing evening catching up (as we Yanks say), eating cheese and indian food and watching the x-games. Never really followed the sport, but have a new appreciation for the sport. Maybe that will be my next career move. Wouldn't that be a hoot.

Later in the week I caught up with Pat. Aside from being work husband and wife (as we have been called working on Z), him and I are the dearest and closest of friends. On Thursday we caught up with some drinks at the Mindshare bar. It was cocktail night, so we paid a visit to see what they had. There was an interesting drink called the "Long Walker" which was johnny walker, apple juice and a spash of giner ale. Sound nasty...it was. It tasted like Jack Daniels and Red Bull - way to sweet and overpowering of the whiskey taste. We spent the rest of the evening chatting and discussing life, relationships, our goals - - you know the typical stuff.

On Friday, Pat and I went to dinner at Wolfpack and later to the Old School Yard after seeing his new place. Feels like everyone is moving into a new flat - - at some point I need to follow suit. I always talk about moving. Whilst in NYC that is all I did. I was tired of my apartment, but could not find something else that I liked. Conversely, here I rather like my flat. It has just about everything I want, but I want something more. Trying to find a place though in this market is a nightmare.

Back to the School Yard. This place is a proper bar - straight from 1990s. We spent the night singing along to decade of hits ranging from Counting Crows to House of Pain to Mr Big. They even had a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle arcade game which we pleasantly played. Oh man that game brings back memories. I LOVED the TMNT growing up - the cartoons, the movies. Well movie, only liked the first movie and was not impressed with the remake. To make it a truly top the night, there was some random dancing involved. Nothing like a tango in the middle of the dance floor to Rhianna to make for a night. I wish I could say, but this was not the first time I randomly danced to Rhianna with someone. The first time was in Austria in a German apres-ski bar and the second Friday night. Maybe it is me?! Maybe is it Pat?! Oh well... it takes two to tango right!

The rest of the weekend was spent having a low key time at home. True there were things I could have done, but all I wanted to do was relax and enjoy the flat. And that is exactly what I did. Sometimes it helps to listen to your body.

Hope you all are well

xoxo

T

Adventures in London: Issues 100-109

It is during these mini-recaps that I am forced to reflect on the last several weeks and evaluate the highs and lows. How would I evaluate the last 10 weeks? Being rather honest, they were dominated by the lows, but I enjoyed every high that I got. Someone once said, "Hitting bottom is not a weekend retreat, stop trying to control everything and JUST LET GO!!" We cannot always control what happens to us no matter how hard we try. Sometimes it is best to accept that fact. When you do, you can just live. That is what I intend on doing for the next 10 weeks and the weeks after that.

The song used in this recap is "The Aver" by Tonic Fold. It is my friend's band. I went to the concert and absolutely fell in love with the band and songs. There were many to pick from, but I went with this one. It is a bit upbeats and features the band rather well. If you like classical music with a twist, you will enjoy Tonic Fold. They are on iTunes so check them out (http://www.shanecullinan.co.uk)

xx

T

Adventures in London: Issue 109

It has been a pretty low key week. There have been a couple of late nights which would make you question if I have learned anything. Before you keep scratching your head, I will say yes I have learnt something. The difference this time, is that the entire team was there and it was not just me. Who ever said you can't teach an old dog a new trick?! Hey now!!! Who you calling a dog!?!

After the lonely week without Mom and the lack of home cooked food, I was rather looking forward to Si & Bren's Housewarming BBQ. I knew it was going to be a feast of food, but not one could have prepared us for the courses that Si had cooked up. Leaving the canapes and starters aside, there was a kebab course, a fish taco course and finally a hamburger course. I am missing one... pork belly (i did not partake in that one)! As if that was not enough, the evening was finished with an extravagant (may it be sans sticky balls) dessert course.

Each BBQ, your body is tested to its limits. Just how much food can you eat. You start by saying...oh my god this is the tastiest lamb ever...then I love these grilled veggies....how juicy these burgers are. There is just no stopping. You just need to pace yourself though. Those that have been seasoned and prepared know to start out small to ensure that you can taste a little of everything - you will regret it if you don't.

Whilst in Austin, I bought a bottle of blue corn whiskey. I bought it when I was out and about with my cousin. We opened and tasted the bottle this BBQ and I will say that it is rather good. Did not appreciate Austin wines, but their whiskey, that I will purchase again. It smells of tequila, but taste of a mild blend. Could not make a night of drinking it, but a pack or two is not too bad.

Hope you all are well

xoxo

T

Adventures in London: Issue 108

I can hardly believe that it is Mom's last week in London. Where did the time fly?! To kick off the week, we had a very special family dinner at Mango Tree in Victoria. I met one of my Mom's cousins that night. Strange to think about it. I have been living in London for over 2 years now, and I am still discovering the family that lives here. To be fair, I knew he was there, just never met him due to circumstances. It was a lovely evening catching up with the family - swapping stories and getting to know more about one another. Isn't that what family get togethers are all about; share some food, a bottle of rose, some stories and tons of laughter. I am glad that the timing worked out and that my Mom and Uncle's visits overlapped.

This week has been about spending all the precious moments possible with Mom. On Wednesday, the girls and I enjoyed one last "Girls Night with Mom" at the Porterhouse. The porterhouse on a Friday night is worse than the tube during peak hours, but must say that on Wednesday it is not too bad. We were lucky to get a table and enjoyed an evening of 1/2 pints, the majority of the starter menu, and plenty of laughter. I am coming to realise now that I have a matter of days left with Mom that there are so many things that I wanted to do with Mom whilst she was here. Where did the time fly? What were we wrapped up doing? I cannot change the weeks and days that have pasted...only the days ahead.

On Friday, I surprised Mom with afternoon tea at NPG. The afternoon started out much nicer, but then the rain kicked in (hence the grey rather than blue skies above). It was a nice relaxing evening with the special view of Trafalgar Square down to Big Ben. After tea, we walked around the museum a bit and then continued our exploration of London.

There is a place by work called 'The Crypt' that I walk past. I have always been curious to what it was, so Mom and I decided to explore and check it out. After walking around a bit, we headed up to Chinatown for one last Oodle Noodle. In efforts to change it up a bit we did a mix of eat out, take-a-way and buying some fresh veggies.

It has been a sincere delight having Mom here for the past month. I wish she could stay for longer. The last couple of weeks have been lovely exploring new things in London. Thank you for coming and staying for so long.

There was so much to share and show Mom that one month has not been enough. A warning to you all - if you are going to come for a visit I need at least 2 months. Ha ha ha ha.

Hope you all are well.

xx

T

Adventures in London: Issue 107

It has been a lovely week of post work running in Clapham Common with Mom. We started on Sunday. I would drop her off near the gazebo and then run around in circular pattern to ensure that I would pass her 3-4 times (just to make sure no one mistook her for a child and kidnapped her). Aside from that, there is nothing monumental to report regarding the week. The weekend on the other hand was superb. Kicking things off on Friday, Mom phoned to say that she was throwing a dinner party at the flat for my cousin and his GF. The unexpected evening do tend out to be the most special ones. The four of us had a lovely and cherished evening of chatting, going through photos, telling stories and eating. Mom had cooked up everything in the fridge and we made certain to eat it all (or most of it)

The next day was meant to be an early start of running followed by family time with Darshan and Adeline. Well the Rioja from the night before curtailed the plans for the early morning run, but thankfully I was able to rally for lunch at Greenwich market with D&A. I have been to Greenwich a couple of times, but never went to the market. You would think that once you've been to one market, you been to them all, but NO!. This market is a phenomenal combination of festival of nations food and handcrafted creations. In order to have a stall at the Greenwich market, the items for sale must be handcraft by the owner. I absolutely loved the art work in this market. There was one photographer that I was envious of. He did make me wonder what I could do with my photography. Who knows, maybe I will request a stall there one day :-)

After hanging out in Greenwich, it was off to the Bluewater mall. We learned a healthy lesson on this trip - when in doubt buy a ticket. Just cause you can tap your oyster card in, doesn't mean you can tap out. And to TFL - just because you put up signs and flyers out in January, that doesn't mean they are still up. Bluewater is a massive mall - would put Crossgates 18 to shame. We did a little shopping, a little window shopping and then celebrated happy hour with £4 cocktails. It was a great day of spending time with the family.

Since we were on a roll of touring markets, I figured why not one more. This time it was off to Spitafields. I went to Spitafields for the first time when I came to London for a visit on my way back from Monte Carlo. It was closing when I got there, so never really understood what the market was all about. Over two years later I returned to the market just off of Liverpool street and was in awe of the vastness of the market. The market has a bit of everything, music, food, jewelry, and plenty of clothing stalls. The vibe all around the market is relaxing and inviting. Sounds funny, but I liked the rhythm of the market. Had we not been clock watching, I reckon I would have enjoyed going to each of the stalls. Probably would have bought a donut or two, but did not want to spoil dinner :-)

In the evening we met up with my uncle from India. Normally it is just the two of us that dine together when he is in town, but we thought Mom could come along to. We went to Souk off the seven points. It was endearing to see Mom with her youngest brother. Whatever was going on in life seemed to vanish during that dinner. That dinner was just about sharing some laughs and good food with people that you love sincerely. Thinking about that evening makes me smile. I am looking forward to October when my uncle comes to London again. This time, we won't have to share our rose with anyone :-)

Hope you all are well

xoxo

T

Adventures in London: Issue 106

I had the splendid idea on Tuesday to take a trip to Hampstead Heath. Known for its view of London, I thought it would be worth a trip. What I was not aware of is Hampstead Heath is enormous (790 acres to be exact). On the map it looked pretty straightforward. Get off at West Hampstead walk to the park and then within 1 inch you would be at the Kenwood House. Simples!

Turns out that 1 inch was a 45 minute walk for the average person. For Mom and I it was a good 1 hour hike (as we looped back to the path where we started). Just like every other trip with Mom and I has been a learning experience this one did not disappoint. Mom learned not to trust, "it is just around the corner" and I learned Mom does not enjoy taking the unofficially paths (also it is best to follow her sense of direction). After plenty of loops and turns, hills and valleys we finally made it to the Kenwood House for the last tour, some tea, scones and clotted cream. So what is so specially about the Kenwood House? You know, I have no idea. The house is nice, but once you've seen one, you seen them all. For the movie freak that I am, the Kenwood House was featured in the Notting Hill. It is in the scene where Hugh Grant goes to see Julia Roberts on set when she is taping the Henry James period piece. Yup! Made Mom walk 1 hour just so I could see that. Boy she must love me!

To mark 24 years, I wanted to take Mom to the peace pagoda in Battersea Park. Not in the mood to be duped again, on Wednesday was keen to know just how far we would be walking and timed each turn that we took. After walking around the pagoda a bit, we had a little picnic in the park and sunshine before we headed back to watch Inception. Mom started her 4th scarf for the homeless and I struggled through a few more pages in "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo". It was not the typical day, but it was the quiet day that we both needed.

After cleaning the cabinets and every corner of the flat, the weekend arrived which meant it was time for Big E's BBQ and Beerfest. Big E's BBQs are always looked forward to as you know there is going to be a grand selection of ribs, smoked chicken and homemade baked beans (mid west style). This time Big E hosted a beer tasting contest. The rules, each person brings 6 beers to represent a country (in hindsight, this was probably too much) and each beer was then judged on smell, taste, drinkability and empty glass factor. It was a rather interesting and eclectic selection of beers. It was clear that we all have varying taste in beers.

It has been an eye-opening week and was given a new perspective on things. I personally do not know how to react or think, but everyone is entitled to their opinions right? The truth hurts sometimes, but at the end of the day you would rather hear the truth then never know.

Well on that note, hope you all are well.

xoxo

T