Weekends in London

So . . . . I work hard all week, go to sleep, get up early, ride the train, etc. Finally, when every Friday rolls around I find myself excited. Not only because I get to spend some quality time with John, but because every weekend I am here always sees me discovering something new about London. A few weeks ago we went to an Indian Festival in Central London on Regent Street. There was another festival, the Singapore Chili Crab Festival, going on near Brick Lane at the same time. I also visited the famous Spitfields market and bought myself an over the shoulder purse made entirely out of one long zipper. It was so neat and only £12. I like it because I can strap it across my shoulder and walk with both hands free, which is a great benefit on the tube and streets of London.

The following weekend I found myself out with friends and walking through the Spanish part of London. We walked into this pub and there were a flamenco band and dancers, perfectly in time with each other, dancing and playing incredibly for a good half hour. Now I have seen the movie Strictly Ballroom, so I was familiar with this form of dancing. I have also seen Folklorico dancing in California. But I have to tell you, words cannot describe how amazing, how breathtaking, how absolutely awesome these dancers were. And I mean awesome in its original sense; believe me I was in AWE.

The next day John and I bought a bunch of picnic stuff and went out to Hampstead Heath to have a picnic and hang out. It was beautiful, peaceful, and restful. We were on top of a hill, under an English Oak, overlooking one of the larger ponds. There were people around but they were so far away in their own little areas that we were undisturbed. There were almost no buildings, trees everywhere, a light breeze, and blue sky. John and I read, ate, talked, and just enjoyed each other's company. I walked around on the cool grass with my shoes off and just listened to the silence, the birds, the peace. I can't wait to do that again.

This weekend John and I met up with Steve and Nat to attend our friend Chris' birthday barbeque out in the country. Now John's friends are mostly made up of school friends and their wives and girlfriends. Fortunately for me, I have been able to hit it off with all of the girlfriends and friends. I enjoy hanging out with them, even without John, and am thankful for their acceptance, inclusion, and care. It truly is a greater experience because of all of them. Thank you. You know who you are!

So after the barbeque, which was fun despite a certain group of people who were rather quiet, we headed back out to central London and the West End. We walked along the Thames, past theLondon Eye, St. Paul's behind us, and were coming up on Waterloo Bridge. As we passed the National Theater we noticed a bunch of people sitting around and staring up at a wall. On the side of the theater they were playing Wuthering Heights with Laurence Olivier and Merle Oberon, complete with loud speakers so all around could hear. I wanted to stay but Steve knew of this incredible bar, down in an old cellar, where you actually walked into carved cave-like areas lit by candles to sit and drink wine or sherry. So we left Cathy and Heathcliff to their own destruction and walked across Charring Cross bridge to see about this pub. It truly was incredible, especially all the war and royal memorabilia around. There were also antiques, old casks, and funny workers with great personalities. John and I want to go back there when it isn't so crowded though. Here is the link, check it out! http://www.gordonswinebar.com/

Finally Natalie and Steve had to go home so John and I ended up in the Boston Arms, the Irish pub across the street from the flat. Did I mention that of all the areas of London, I am living in the "Irish" section. How funny is that? Anywho, we went into the Boston, listened to an Irish band perform a combination of country, Irish, and classic rock and roll hits. It was amazing. What another great weekend!

Every weekend something new is discovered, learned, or experienced. I am truly living life and taking everything it can give me right now! Natalie said this weekend that life is going to be over for her when she turns thirty. I looked at her and said, nope, life doesn't really begin UNTIL you are 30. Look at me, I am living proof!

Next weekend John and I are taking a trip to the National Gallery and the Sherlock Holmes museum. Requests for anything Sherlock . . . anyone . . . . anyone . . . Bueller?