Adventures in London: Issue 237

Its July!! When did that happen?! Things kicked off as they usually do…with some element of a 4th of July celebration. This year the BU alumni association threw a "Happy 3rd of July" event. I have been to a few alumni events here in London and each have been interesting in their own right. This event was cool and I am glad that I went. It was great as well to attend with the Bensons (always need to bring your own friends in case you can't make new ones). It was a great event and it got me inspired to get involved again with BU. I was extremely active whilst I was at BU and a bit when I was living in NY. It hard here in London, but I would love to get more involved on things and give back. Just need to find a way. If nothing else…perhaps I can be the "officially photographer" of BU London events :-)

The 3rd of July was naturally followed by the 4th of July. Not an official BU event, but I did celebrate in fashion with another Terrier…Ms Diamond :-) We celebrated at the Red Salon a new BBQ joint in Hoxton Square which can only be defined as heaven. It was a difficult choice of what to order, but Adam and I went for the 50 wing challenge. Our eyes may have been larger than our tummies. Going through 2 dozen wings is a difficult task…but I am proud to say that I made it through 18 of them. Just couldn't push myself for the other 7. Maybe next time I will plan wiser and not go to the American dinner for lunch. That was poor planning on my part.

4th of July is never the same living here in London and this year was marked with an extra bit of oddness. I handed in my paperwork and documents for my ILR. Its all becoming real  now :-)

That weekend it was off to Lyminton and the New Forrest for a visit. It was a much needed weekend away and a great weekend to explore some new parts of England.

It was a relaxing weekend away. With the stress of this Visa application and dealing with lawyers on getting a date, finding the required paperwork, filling out the form I was on the edge. The weekend away offered the perfect escape.

One of my dear friends took me to her hometown to chill. We spent the weekend chilling my the seaside, exploring the town, visiting Southampton, eating and taking a walk in the forrest. Well not a very long walk as someone may have had food poisoning (and no it was not me this time). If a friendship can survive food poisoning, it can survive anything. I am complete awe of the new forrest though and the whole idea that cows and horse roam wild. It is absolutely fascinating :-)

Unfortunately I couldn't stay in Lyminton and take care of my mate as I had a very important date on the 8th! I had my appointment with the UK Border Agency to present my application and evidence for them to grant me ILR; "Please sir can I stay in your country indefinitely?!"

After a long day of waiting and shifting from room to room I was pleased when I had my meet with the agent and was given my letter saying I was APPROVED!

This whole process has been rather anti-climatic. Incredibly stressful with a lot of prep all for a stock letter. The cool part is a few days letter I got my Resident Card. Now that is official and cool :-) Its official, I live in the UK and now have indefinite leave to remain. I can work, live, study…move around as I wish. I am no longer restricted or tied down. What a great feeling :-)

Not the typical celebration or send-off, but for John's farewell from the team we played one last LOTR Risk night. We did it properly this time too with Bacon Dip, Pizza and plenty of whisky. It was an epic match between 4 great players, but somehow we managed to essentially start and finish in almost the same place. I am going to miss our Risk Nites. Tuesday nights just won't be the same without John. Sad that he is leaving Mindshare and the team, but really jealous of the kid. Traveling around Europe and Asia for the next 4 months sounds wicked. I am sad that I did not take the opportunity to do the same. He is going to have a wicked time I am certain.

From one over indulgent evening it was time for another later that week; Regent Park Open Air Theatre to see Pride & Prejudice. I think we have learnt one thing. If you leave the picnic purchasing to Country and I you are going to get enough for to feed 2 dozen people.  Stocked with plenty of bubbles, fruits, desserts and nibbles we enjoyed an incredible evening. You really can't go wrong when you have a whole bottle of bubbles to yourself. Kirk and I made our best efforts to finish the beverages brought. It was a great evening (thankfully the weather held up) and the P&P performance was phenomenal. I think the Open Air Theatre is one of my favorites. I have been there twice now, both with the Bensons and have been impressed by the caliber of the performances. Looking forward to 2014…going to try to see To Kill a Mocking Bird as I think its meant to come back.



Sadly all good things have to come to an end. A previously mentioned, Shirley sadden us all when we told MM and I that he was leaving us to go traveling.

It has been a sincere pleasure working with Shirley and he is truly going to be missed. I am not always the easiest person to work for and tend to hold my team to high standards. Shirley never disappointed and even more truly inspired me everyday.

He brought such a great attitude to work and even on rubbish awful days he was filled with positive optimism. He is a hard character to find. We had a good thing going, but I am pleased for the kid. There are great things in his future I just know it :-) All the best buddy! Glad I got to celebrate your last day with you and send you off with an epic tour of the area…new and old :-)


Not that you can fill the void nor was this the reason, but it makes for a good segway. That weekend and perhaps influenced by the massive hangover I decided to spontaneously get a hamster. She is the cutest thing ever. Don't really know what prompted it, but I am so pleased that I did.

All I would like to introduce you to Cinnamon or "Ninni" to close friends and family. I am sure there will be more tales and stories to be had with this little one. Only a few days and I am confident she is going to be a spoiled little girl!! Just look at that face…how can one say no?!


Continuing the theme of "LATE"s, this month it was off to the London Zoo!! This was a wicked event and one that I would love to repeat. The only annoying thing is most of the animals go to sleep, but it was well worth having full reign of the zoo. Need to learn how to navigate the zoo to fully optimize it, but for a first time I think we did a good job of getting around.

I forgot how much I love the zoo. Remember going to the zoo for the first time when I was 7 or was I 6 in Texas during the whole accident stuff. It was great to just be with family. I think that it what I associate the zoo with…family time. The London Zoo is remarkable and truly impressive.  I love seeing Lions, Tigers, Guerrillas, Camels, Goats, Penguins, Monkeys, Turtles…oh it is AMAZING!!! So much fun. Was truly a kid that night; maybe next time I will dress up :-)

Continuing with the summer fun and in anticipation of the London Triathlon there was a fundraising event. Being Mindshare this meant only one thing…a PUB QUIZ!! Nothing attracts a crowd like a pub quiz. I have really grown to love Pub Quizzes whilst living here and thanks to the ILR exam I was actually able to answer a number of questions :-) Still have no clue about sports here though…must work on that.

It was a lovely evening and its definitely nights like that one that remind me why I work with the guys that I do. I think I can safely say that we are genuinely friends…not just 9-5 co-workers (though it would be great if we only worked 9-5). Above all…I love this view



At the end of July I saw one of my biggest dreams come true… I had my first photography exhibition.  For years I have wanted to do something more with my photography and each year I make that resolution with nothing really coming from it. Until now :-)

I ran into an old co-worker who works at a favorite cocktail bar of mine. He mentioned to me that the bar are continually looking for new 'artists'…so one thing led to another. I presented my portfolio to the General Manager and 3 weeks later I was hanging up my  photos for my first exhibit.

It was a rather fitting and special day for UDYOT to launch. Why UDYOT?! Well apologies, but if you don't know why that is a special name and where it comes from I am not going to share. It's a name dear to me and the man that I dedicated this exhibit to (aka my Daddy) knows what that names means to me.

I chose to celebrate the launch with a few close friends and even though they couldn't be there physically I shared the big day with my family. 28 July is a special day for me so I am pleased that I spent the day doing something with my photography. I think Dad would have been proud and would have enjoyed the exhibition. I am not bother if none of the photographs sell. That is not what it's about… it was just about doing something different.

I have been truly touched by the showing of people that came out to support this exhibit and my new endeavor. Thank you to all my friends, running buddies, old bosses, co-workers and family for all your support.

Photographs from the "Artist" night at the exhibition

Adventures in London: Issue 236

This month I had to do something that I haven't had to do in ages…STUDY! The last time I found myself studying it was to be nationally certified personal trainer back in 2004. I have to admit I do enjoy the process of studying. It is something I always have; its the exams that I don't appreciate nor excel at.

So what am I studying for this time? I am studying for my "Life in the UK" exam which is part of the Indefinite Leave to Remain process. Its a lot to take in… history of the UK from 1088 to present plus all the government, politics, judiciary stuff, etc. Can you see which section I find more interesting?!

The bit on the American Revolution was especially eye-opening :-)

I did think during the process; maybe I should go back to school. I would love to get another degree. I honestly would..but don't think I could do the whole exams, papers, etc. Or could I? We shall see.  I have rather enjoyed the process of studying, sitting in coffee shops, terraces, restaurants reading, note taking…and Skyping (okay that is not part of the process, but fun as heck to catch up with my girls)

Right now I just need to focus on this exam, getting my ILR and then I will be free to do anything (even go back to school if I so desire) :-)


I blame all the studying to date. I discovered something rather wicked this month, libraries are fun. My friend works at the British Library and despite KR's many visits I have never been to the BL until now. Various museums around London hold what they call a "LATE". The BL held a LATE for their Propaganda exhibit. It was a wicked evening actually. They completely transformed the entrance of the BL and made it into a party with badge making, food, drinks, live music and live entertainment. The exhibit itself was rather interesting and gave a unique view into the various forms of propaganda; from the "Your Country Needs You" to "5x a Day". Propaganda hasn't just been political in nature, but had held many forms in many countries. For my first visit to the library…I have rather enjoyed it and looking forward to returning for another "LATE"!


All the studying paid off as I passed my exam. It was rather anti-climatic if I must be honest. You study the 180 pages, take notes, do the practice exams…all for what. For 24 questions. It took me at most 8 minutes to take the exam and within minutes I had my "certificate" - - I PASSED! I wanted to know what my score was, how many I got wrong, but sadly if you pass that is all you get.  Annoying, but what a sigh of relief.

To celebrate, I went out for Pancakes with my study partner and then enjoyed some whisky and indian food with the Bensons. That was then followed by a kick-ass random day of champagne, hat shopping (side note, I never knew fancy hats could cost that much) followed by more champagne and hot dogs. Yes sounds like an insane combo, but it actually works. There is a new restaurant that has opened on Charlotte Street called Bubble Dogs and they serve just that  - - Bubbles and Hot Dogs. It is a strange combination, but it works and they are delicious :-)


After the weekend of pure indulgence it was time to burn off some calories and what better way than by laughing. Months ago we bought tickets for The Book of Mormon. I had heard a few things about the show, but pleased I didn't know too much as I was pleasantly treated to a evening of non stop laughter. The Book of Mormon is simply brilliant! If you have a chance, I highly recommend seeing this show - you will love it.

I really don't want to ruin it so I am not going to say anything more about it. Its not meant to be offensive…just funny. Every religion has its peculiarities and if you can't laugh at it what can you do? I say think until they make one of the Gita or Mahbharata :-)


Armed with my "Life in the UK" certificate and with my not so cheap hat...it was off to do a very English thing… go to the races. Not just any races, but the Royal Ascot horse races.  There is something special about the Royal Ascot races and the tradition attached to it. Sounds very old fashion with rules and regulations on what you can wear down to the length of your dress, neckline, width of your hat, etc but I rather like that tradition stuff. I wish there was more of it around. I know things are meant to evolve and stay with the times, but there is something about keeping up old traditions.

Don't know if it was the champagne, the outfit or the atmosphere, but I really got into the whole horse racing and betting thing. Messed up on my first bet, but thankfully won that one. I went on to win the next 4 races and a total of £180 :-) It was a great afternoon at the races which may have been influenced by some good horse selection. In all seriousness, it was great afternoon as I was with great friends with champagne, plenty of food and great fun! And heck the queen was there…its always a good time when the queen is there :-)

After "hanging out with the Queen" there is only one thing to do… watch DM2! Even more is to watch it twice in one week. We have been counting down the days to DM2 and probably watched every trailer and preview available. We had plans as a team to watch the movie on opening afternoon, but when I saw there was a preview showing I just couldn't resist.

The first one is always the best, but I truly could not stop laughing with the second one. There are some classic scenes in the DM2 and the minions play a larger role in this movie. How can you not enjoy a movie with minions :-)

In between my Minion watching however was a lovely week with Neil Mama & Aarti Mami. They were in town with some friends. Sadly I was unable to attend their Scotland leg due to work and ILR application stuff, but I am so pleased that I got to see them multiple times while they were in London town. We started with dinner at La Perla; nothing like some spicy beer and mexican food to kick things off. We then continued our tasting tour of London with visits to Mango Tree, Souk and ended with a special dinner at Hakasan. The food at Hakasan is lovely, but I am not a fan of places that clock watch and pressure you out the door. Just takes away from the dining experience and I am all about the dining experience especially when I am with family celebrating my Dad's birthday.  I wish that week could have gone on for longer. It was so lovely to have family in town :-) Looking forward to their next trip.

The month ended with "Noni playing the Blues". She had been taking harmonica classes and this was their final showcase. It was incredible to see some of the performances and I am so incredibly proud of my girl. Its not easy performing in front of people, worse yet is inviting your friends and family, but she did it and she was brilliant!!

I am so pleased that I went out to see her show and very much looking forward to seeing her next one. She did inspire me to pick up playing again. I would love to play the upright bass again. I miss playing that instrument; my baby!! Maybe when I get a bigger place I will treat myself.

Who knows maybe Noni and I can start a blues band :-) HAHAHAHA wouldn't that be something.


Its been a lovely month of family, exploring, new experience and being happy.

Hope you all are smiling and enjoying the summer. Its here, get out there it will be over before we know it.

Love you all and miss you more

xxx

T

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!! You would have been 71!!

Adventures in London: Issue 235

Despit KR being in town (YIPPEE), I wasn't going to miss the GOLLY WEDDING!! My baby girl was getting married and nothing would stop me from being there on her special day. We talked about this days many a times over beers at The Wharf and the time has come. To say that I was over the moon when I heard these two kids were getting hitched is an absolute understatement. That's the hard thing about living here. You hear about things. You don't experience them as they are happening, you hear about them after they have been experienced. In the time that I have left NYC, my dear Molly beans has meet and fallen in love with the man of her dreams. I have met him  a few times during my visits (all in about the worse sober state to meet someone special and new). 

It was such a lovely weekend in Maryland. As soon as I reached the hotel (insane story of how I made it to the hotel from the airport, but when in the South everything goes) I was greeted by the Rechen and Rodriguez family. No they were not there specifically to greet me, just good timing on my part. I am glad too cause I got to kick off "Molly/Tini" time from the minute I landed. We went for dinner nearby with the family. It was so great to see Papa & Mama Rechen and meet Gary's Parents. Again, 7hr journey and "fresh" off the plane does not make for the most joyful version of me, but I tried to be in good form as jetlagged as I was.

There are people in your life that just make sense. Doesn't matter how long its been or what, but you just pick up where you left off.  There is only one word to describe it...HOME. That is how it is EVERY time not only with Ms Molly but with Mama & Papa Rechen. One of these days I am going to get a beer-pong rematch and I will prevail this time. Likely not as the Rechens are a machine...don't know how they managed it, but I got schooled that evening way back when at Whiskey River. I am glad I flew in early to spend some precious time with Molly, Gary and family!

Things kicked off on Friday with wedding rehearsal, the rehearsal dinner and then drinks for all attending. I think the big blessing in disguise was my jetlag and the "head in the clouds" feeling as it made the whole weekend a surreal experience. I could hardly believe the wedding weekend had come. It seemed like a movie that I was watching to be honest. I am pleased as if it weren't for the jet lag and all I probably would have been a lot more emotional (and we all know how I love showing emotions). I don't think I stopped smiling the entire weekend in Maryland!

It was so great to see everyone again and to have all our friends in one place to celebrate our dear friends Molly and Gary. I love weddings and the coming together of two families, two hearts celebrated by ones closest family and friends. Each wedding is a perfect celebration of the couple and this was no exception. It was...well...perfect. From the wedding, the readings, the cocktail hour, the meal, the venue, the table arrangement, the music, the dancing...everything was perfect. It may have been redunkulous o'clock in London when the reception finished and despite a detour through Washington DC, nothing says wedding like a pajama, pizza, and iPod dance party in a hotel room! I cannot say enough how great it was to see everyone, to help capture their special day and celebrate the union of two dear hearts and souls! I have never seen my Molly glow so much as she did on her wedding day and I hope that glow never fades (I know that glow will never fade). Thank you for allowing me to be apart of your special day. 

Sadly all good things have to come to an end and the wedding weekend was one of them. It was time to head back to London. It was bittersweet. I was excited about returning back to London to see KR, but was sad to leave everyone. It was great to see the old crew and to meet some of the new peeps.

A trip to Maryland however is not complete without a serving of steamed Old Bay Crabs. For my last lunch State's side I treated myself to a Flying Dog, 4 medium crabs, 1/2lb of shrimp and 1/2lb of steamer clams...was pure heaven!! Though not going to lie.. a seafood fest before taking a flight is not always the smartest thing. My tummy wasn't the happiest with me, but after a few G&Ts we were all good in the hood :-)

I returned back to the Big Smoke just in time to see the Tempest at the Shakespeare Globe. Ever since I moved here I have  always wanted to see a show at The Globe. After Mom and I snuck in last November it made me want to go there properly even more!!

The Shakespeare Globe is magical and seeing The Tempest in there was wicked! I am so pleased that KR and I were able to get tickets for this. The show was absolutely fantastic and the set was and actors were brilliant. I am still amazed that there were no mics or anything.  I was nervous as the weather wasn't the best, but our seats were well covered. It was honestly a dream come true and only fitting that I was with Kristin to experience it all :-)

Of the 3 weekends that KR has been here, it is sad that we only truly had one completely free one to play and explore. We definitely made the most of it. The weekend started with a trip to the delightful Whistable for some Oysters. I honestly think that KR is my lucky charm as for the first time ever I was able to sit at one of the 4 tables in the back rather than the counter. I think KR and I could have stayed there all day ordering food. We had a dozen Oysters, some Guiness Fried Oysters and some Cheese & Pesto Mussels. I honestly could have stayed there all day. From there we went for a much needed walk, sadly the weather gods turned on us and the skies opened up with sheets of rain! We tried to find refuge in an old book shop, but there is only so long you can stay in a book shop or yarn shop before its time to move on. Instead we made our way to the pub for a pint...followed by another pub en route to the station. The rain got in the way of our walk along the beach, but it did make for a very memorable Saturday outing.

Keeping up our momentum of London Exploration weekend on Sunday we travelled to Watford Junction to take a tour of the Magical Harry Potter Studios (again shocked that the timing worked out and that we were able to get tickets for this).  Friends at work said to give yourself 3-4 hours for the tour...I thought they were kidding, but they weren't. We spent about 4 1/2 hours walking about the lot and soaking in every bit of the tour. Listening to each of the tidbit facts, admiring the detail and patience that went into making those films. It is really remarkable. If you are a fan of the books or the movies, I highly recommend you buy tickets for the tour. Allow yourself plenty of time to go through the studio lot, enjoy a butter beer (still convinced that it would have been better with alcohol, but then again what isn't), and appreciate the time and people involved in making theses books come to life.

It has been absolutely amazing having KR in town. Some may think that a month is a long time, but for us two, its not nearly long enough. I honestly cannot believe where the month went. We have had so much fun these past few weeks and truly going to miss having her here. Hurry up and find a way for you and Joseph to relocate here. I know I don't need to convince you two so get on with it :-) Plenty more roast dinners, English pies, Borough Market stalls, ales, historic sites, M&S muppet socks, amongst many others to experience here in London!!! I need my partner in crime to explore with me...we can use our Sherlock Holme pipes!!!

That weekend it was off to Shoreditch for brunch with the Benson and Ms Woody. The exotic restaurant of choice this time was Dishoom (a classic and a favorite). I have never been to the Shoreditch location so inspired by the new location, I decided to try something new. I just love the place!! If they served Pani Puri I would be in heaven. In fact after brunch, Ms Woody and I went for a long walk around the area. I have been to Shoreditch a handful of times; I don't think I am hipster enough to call the neighborhood my hood. Its artsy and trendy area which has its appeal as do the small cafes and restaurants. Definitely want to explore this area more and looking forward to doing so over the course of the year. If I start becoming a swanky hipster please shoot me though -- you have my permission :-)

Nothing says Wednesday night, like a gossip session over cocktails at the Hospital Club. I have heard great things about this place and went for drinks the year before, but as its a private members club I am reliant on the kindness of others to invite me along....that said I am tempted to apply for a membership.

It was nice to see H & Mills outside of work, the fact that we were surrounded by amazing cocktails was an added benefit. It was nice to have a breather outside of work and to vent a bit. Thankfully we did not stay too long on the topic and swiftly moved onto more exciting things -- love, dating and relationships. Actually between work and relationships I don't know which one is less stressful.


Work has been stressful this month..in fact that is putting it nicely. We have our big quarterly report to do and everything imaginable is going wrong. Thankfully I have had a great support team who keeping me sane. Don't know what I would do without them.

Life and work is never that stressful though that I cannot take time off to see my dear Uncle. I love having him in London. Truly nothing like it (well the only thing better would be a Mom visit). We got to see a lot of one another this visit. In addition to our traditional dinner and drinks his first night in town, but we got to do a mini-Tini restaurant crawl to some of my favourite places. The rule was a drink and starter at every venue...we did not make it very far, but we did manage Sussex House, Pix, Freud's and finished with dinner at La Perla. We cover some good ground!!

It has been a nice month...a hectic month, but so very well worth it. I have started the month with a smile on my face and ended it with a larger smile!! What else does one need?

Love you all and miss you loads

xxx

T