Around London Town

What I've been up to in dreary ol' London! 

 I've been visiting lots of cafes. The picture above was taken at Ginger & White, a cafe in Hampstead that serves GREAT coffee and delicious (not over-sugared) muffins and pastries. 

 No visit to England is complete without a Sunday Roast. You can order chicken or beef (and pork too, I think?). It's a family affair, and nearly every pub serves it. It's also a good hangover cure...I hear...ahem. 

 Hanging out with the English folk.

 I'm convinced that England is haunted. 

Making new (stylish) friends. 

 Celebrating Laura's 29th. 

 Frenchman Emmanuel pointed to this mustard bottle and smiled at the name. We were at an American diner and you don't usually see this brand around. I call this photograph "Two French Things." 

 The River Thames! 

 My fave. 

 Above and Below: Pictures of Richmond Park, the biggest park in London and walking distance from my place. All so I can frolick to my heart's content. 

We went to afternoon tea and I was highly amused by the grabby-hand tongs. I really fancy a pair, but would probably end up using them inappropriately ALL THE TIME. "I didn't grab your ass, it was the tongs!" 

A Romantical Time in Bath, United Kingdom

Bath is quite the romantic destination. You and your love can soak in the relaxing spa filled with water from the local hot springs, hold hands as you gaze at the gorgeous buildings gracefully placed between green rolling hills and have amazing meals by candlelight in tucked away restaurants.

Of course, I took this "romantic" vacation with my friend Laura, and we laughed at all the couples surrounding us. "Oh well, we'll just go visit the Jane Austen museum to make up for it!" We said.

The manor Laura and I stayed in. 

In all seriousness, Bath is great for families, singles, couples and any wanderer who fancies a bit of beauty and history. I was oh-so-charmed by Bath. 

I think a lot of that charm has to do with its past. Bath was taken over by the Romans, who figured out that there were healing hot springs in the area and built an elaborate spa around the springs, full with drainage and clever architecture. 

 Above: A Celtic sun the Romans had commissioned by a local. Below: Curses on thieves (from things stolen in the spa) scribbled on pieces of led and offered up to the gods. 

 Of course, I'm always in heaven in these ancient places, constantly running my hands over the old stones and imagining who has done the same throughout the centuries.  

That night, a very famished duo decided to dine at a recommended Nepalese restaurant; and now, I must recommend it to you! If you visit Bath, this is a must see...um, eat! 

We ate on the floor (in style) and ordered a chicken curry dish that was OUT OF THIS WORLD DELICIOUS! Please do yourself a great service and eat here!

And don't forget to order a hot rum punch. Nuff said. 

The next day we had a Jane Austen moment, and visited an information centre on the novelist's life, as she resided in Bath for about 5 years. We also couldn't resist playing dress up. Girls will be girls...

Well said, Jane. I think I have a new affection for Bath. Romantical affection indeed.

Perfectly Acceptable Ashley

It's very acceptable:

• to start spelling my words with that unnecessary "u" that the British insist on putting into their words, i.e. flavour, colour, favourite, behaviour. When in London! I actually find it kinda fun to add the u, like I am being a naughty American speller. 

• to waste my night watching Robert Redford films, the original sexiest man alive. Eat your heart out, George Clooney! 

Your girl is lovely, Hubbell! source

• To get IMMENSE satisfaction by clicking 'confirm payment' when I booked my plane ticket to Italy. Oh, Italia! My dream vacation! I'm coming for you in April...and I can't wait to get fat on spaghetti!

Blogiversary: That One Time I Applied To English Graduate School

8 years ago I made this here blog.

Yes, you read that right...it's been 8 years.

As explained last year, my new tradition with blogiversary posts is to reminisce on one event in my past since the creation of my blog. I thought this would be a good time to bring up when I decided to apply to London grad schools.

Taking the leap across the pond meant leaving a new job in San Diego. I was left with the decision between security or a long time dream of living in a foreign country.

"People only study abroad in their undergrad...and I'm 27. I'm supposed to be responsible...what's the matter with me?" I thought to myself. "I have a steady job, why should I leave now?"

There were other very logical questions that plagued my mind. But then I realized, all that logic was really quite annoying. I had been living my life very logically all my life. Always the girl to weigh my options, I snubbed the idea of taking "reckless" chances. I mean, moving to London would mean taking out a sufficient loan...was it really worth putting myself in debt?

Yes. Because all that logic was really fear. And taking out a loan was just an investment in my dream. And that was the bottom line.

So here I am, in London, happy that I was a little reckless for once.

Happy Blogiversary to me!

Arrested Development, A Review

This may be the one of the most inappropriate shows ever to air on TV. And I love. every. bit. of it.

Where do I start? WHERE DO I START?!? Should I even try and explain the premise?

source

The main character is Michael Bluth, the one sane mind admist the nuttiest of families. Michael's dad, Michael Sr., is arrested on felony charges and the company is in trouble. Of course, Michael has to step up to the plate to keep both the company and his crazy family together. I'm not sure I can describe much more of the plot because it's so insane, I wouldn't be able to fit it all in a succinct post.

source

I don't think I've ever laughed so hard at a show.

The script...brilliant! The cast...EVEN MORE BRILLIANT. My three favorite characters include: Gob (and his epic magic acts), George Michael (who is in love with his cousin and is awkwardly adorable) and Franklin (the hilarious, racist puppet). Ok, so I didn't care for Charlize Theron's character Rita in the third season, as she lacks the "pizazz" the rest of the cast inherently has. But every show needs at least one screw-up. Besides this, Arrested Development is...dare I say? Perfect.

It's difficult to put into words how magically unique and quirky Arrested Development is. My only advice is, DEAR GOD, PLEASE WATCH IT! If you don't, Buster is going to come after you with his claw. HE'S A MONSTERRRRR!

Lucky for all of us, we haven't seen the end of AD. It's coming back by popular demand, viewable on Netflix. And I hear there is a movie in the works? Annyong! I'm ready to see what Lucille has up her sleeve...

Did you watch AD? Who was your favorite character?!?


***

Other TV Show Reviews:

Sex and the City

Felicity
LOST
Ally McBeal

Around London Town (Where I'm Living in London)

So you know that I live in London, but do you know WHERE in London? Obviously, I'm about to spill the beans...

I'm lucky to live in a lovely little area called Richmond, close to the river and complete with my very own garden (the best part!):

Oh HOW I adore my garden! 

Just down the road from me are about a GAZILLION patisseries. I think I'm about to gain 10 pounds.

A small glimpse of my room. The owl's name is Sir William Bedfellow--fitting, I think. 

Not much to say, just wanted to show a bit of my new neighborhood that I've already grown to adore!

Conversations With English Flatmates (Volume 1)

Me: That bowl has been sitting in the sink for a long time and no one has claimed it!
Flatmate: Which bowl?
Me: That bowl!  *points to huge bowl in sink* I guess someone made a cake, then never washed it?
Flatmate: *laughs* Ashley, that's the Washing Up Bowl.
Me: Whaaaat?!? Why don't you just use the SINK? I guess that makes sense why it's been sitting there.

(later it was acknowledged by all that the Washing Up Bowl is complete nonsense, and just using the sink is better. Although, they still use the bowl because it's tradition).

***

Flamate: What kind of tea do you like?
Me: Earl Grey.
Flatmate: Me too, even though it's considered the posh tea.
Me: Yeah, I've heard that before. Why is that?
Flatmate: I don't know, because an Earl drank it.
Me: Oh! THAT MAKES SENSE. He had the title of Earl. I just thought his first name was Earl and his last name was Grey!
Flatmate: *slaps forehead*




*these are real conversations between me and my English flatmates. And the fact that I say "flatmates" instead of roommates means they're getting to me!

Funky Barcelona, Part Three: In Good Company

Photos of all the people, characters and friends I met (and food I devoured) in Barcelona!

 Emily the blogger* 

 Ulysses the dog. 

 ummmm...?

The Catalan Independence flag. Did you know? Barcelona (and some surrounding areas) want independence from Spain, since they used to be an independent nation before Spain conquered EVERYTHING. 

The mammoth. 

 Hot chocolate. Whip cream. Churros. Heart attack *

 Patatas bravas. My fave.

 Donkey chillin' on balcony. 

Vermut. 

Finito! 

*these photos taken with Emily's camera.