We'll Weave Our Days Together Like Waves

I think this blog needs a little color. And that's exactly what I'm going to give it. This week, London got a little color. It came in the form of modern art, Sunday afternoon tea, banana leaves and cheery sweaters.

This week at work was more of the usual. Friday we turned the office into an art studio of sorts to spray paint 320 leaves with the logo of the club they're opening next week. It was actually really fun and a little bit messy but we got some Coronas and chips and listened to music. It was the best day in the office by far. This weekend we checked out the Tate Modern. Sometimes I have a problem with modern art. Maybe it’s lost on me but much of it just doesn’t seem to show any talent or inspiration or bother to impress me at all. Some of the pieces in Tate Modern are amazing, though. We went back with my class today after a lovely walk on Southbank and did one of the “interactive” exhibits that’s basically a big black box. It’s difficult to describe but it was pretty awesome.

Saturday night we went to Notting Hill –which is such a cool area- to Allie’s friend Katie’s flat where her dad lives when he comes to London for business. The place was amazing and it was so nice to hang out in a real house. We ordered Thai and got some Strongbow. And of course two types of cheese to have with crackers and a baguette. We had all intentions of going out but after our feast we hit the couch and our minds were made up for us. Mostly because The Departed was on. It was such a fun night because we just got to relax and laugh.

Yesterday was beautiful and sunny day. We had tea at Kensington Palace in the Orangery where Princess Diana used to live. It was a perfect afternoon. We walked just through Hyde Park across the street and sat in an airy room to enjoy the most delicious tea, scones, tarts, eclairs and finger sandwiches. And of course a couple of casual cheese plates.

If there’s anything I love, it’s the change of seasons. I’ve been able to open my window a crack this week and there’s nothing like fresh air and being able to smell the slightest bit of spring. Even though it’s only a bit warmer and sunnier than usual, everyone comes outside and smiles and looks happier. It makes everything and everyone more pleasant. I can’t wait until there are more days like Sunday where I can walk through the park without a jacket. And days when I can wear a yellow cardigan and red flats. Maybe I’ll even get to wear a springy dress? I guess anything’s possible. Dream Big.

I Just Need a Compass and a Willing Accomplice

Not much to report from Londontown. I'm pretty settled into my internship now. I'm comfortable and when I'm not performing arduous tasks like making hundreds of phone calls and doing event listings online, I'm really enjoying the work I'm doing. There have been a couple of projects where I feel really involved and like I'm contributing, so that is a great feeling. Alex and I made family dinner this week, I made chili and she made lemon cake. Despite a little bit of stress, three extra cans of beefstock and lemon pie filling as a substitute, everything came out great. The weekend was quiet and it may have been just what I needed. Today my class went on a walk through Chelsea which is so close to Kensington but I really didn't know much about it. We were looking at housing and got to see some really cool places. Then we went to the Royal Hospital where veterans can go to live if they don't have anywhere else to go. All the men who live there were so pleasant and kind. It was really cool. Then we went to the Saatchi Gallery where they house all sorts of art from around the world that might never be seen because it's created by artists who aren't famous and don't get any recognition. Some of it was really amazing. By the way, I'm trying to take more pictures. I think I just need to make it a habit. To take pictures of anything and everything. All the time. Just a thought ...

Saatchi Gallery

hand drawn sketches of all the service men and women who have died in Iraq



erased album covers

Last night I had kind of a reality check that my time here is going to eventually come to an end. And I can't believe how quickly its going. And how much I still want to see and do. I'm a little disappointed we haven't done more traveling. But there is so much to do in London that I can't really complain. I know we're going to see more places but I still feel like I've wasted some time here. There is an enormous amount of pressure put on us to make the most of our study abroad time. I suppose I should make a list to make sure I get everything done. If only I could afford to stay longer. I know I'll be back. That's all for now.

Somebody Loved

I was so happy to spend another weekend in London. It's home now. This weekend was filled with blue skies, good music, delicious food, and great friends. I may never want to come home.

Raspberry cheesecake from Borough Market.

Gherkin

Your Hand in Mine...

I think everyone should listen to Your Hand in Mine by Explosions in the Sky. Just do it. And listen to more Explosions in the Sky if you don't.

maybe this blog could be just as much about what I'm doing as it is about me. More thoughts on this later...