UK TV and Celebrities

I think I mentioned in a previous post some of the things that I love about London and the UK in general - one of those was the TV. They have great television here (home of the TV tax that subsidies the BBC, so it better be good, right?).
Well, in that same vein, tonight we were treated to Victoria Beckham: Coming to America. Now I know that technically, that was a US TV show, not a UK show. However, it was a flop in the states, but it's a hit here, as it should be, the show and Ms. Beckham, were hilarious!

I'm a fan of the UK TV in all flavors. They do great comedy, they do great documentaries, and well, they appreciate incredibly cheesy reality TV.

And for those of you that remember that I met a certain Posh Spice at the Century City Gap in LA a few years back, that did nothing to influence my thoughts on this show, British Celebrities, or the state of British Television.

H2

I was a little shocked Friday night when we came across a H2 in London! It's the only one I've seen since moving here. I don't know how the owners drive it down the some of the tiny streets here.

*smart car owners beware!!*

Sad to Say Bye

Dave and Lisa left this morning. It was great having there here! Nice to have Seattle visitors, and such low maintenance guests. We had a great time.





Last night Dave, Lisa and I went and saw Les Miserables. It was really good, it's fun to be in a city with so much theatre all the time. There's so much more I want to see.

South of the River

Yesterday was beautiful here, finally felt like summer, until it got dark, then the rain started (see previous post - that was us after walking home in the rain from dinner).
We took Dave and Lisa to Borough Market, one of our favorite places here. We sampled cheese, truffle oil, beer, etc. From there we went to the Tate Modern. It was our first time there, and we barely scratched the surface. We saw an amazing exhibit called Global Cities. It was a great space, and great exhibit. Afterwards we headed up to the 7th floor of the museum to relax in their bar/restaurant and enjoy the view overlooking the Thames.
On the walk back along the Thames we happened upon the Insect Circus Traveling Museum. Dave convinced us all to check it out - only after telling us it was free. We waited in line to enter the museum, expecting to see live insects doing "circus" things. We were all a little disappointed with what was inside, fake insects doing "circus" things. I don't know how we were really expecting to see insects preforming tricks, but we were all fooled. I felt bad for the little kids inline behind us.

Beautiful London Summer

Dave & Lisa

Our friends Dave & Lisa arrived in London today!! It's very exciting to have Seattle friends in London. Andy, Dave & Lisa came and met me at work (which I'm thinking I don't like anymore), then we went to a pub nearby before going to Alison's birthday party event at her house, then to dinner for Thai Food. Yum.

More tomorrow....

Good First Day

I started my new job today. It was a pretty low-key day, lots of learning how things run, learning where things are, learning how to answer and make phone calls, etc. Lots of learning. I think the job will be good. I think I will have a lot of opportunity to learn how to/and not to run a small business, but at the same time I don't think it will be stressful (which is appealing to me right now).

After being here for 2 months it's already nice to have a some structure to my day. A lot of people think I'm crazy for getting a job so quickly and for wanting to get a job at all. I don't particularly love work, but part of me would like to think that's because I clearly have not found my "dream job" (or field) yet. With that said, I like the structure, and $$, that working provides. I especially think it will be good having just moved to a new, and foreign, place. So far so good, but it's just been one day....

Our First Trip...Continued

Katherine captured the trip amazingly well. I wanted to add just a couple things and a few more pictures, because I can't help myself.

First, when we booked the trip to Sicily, there was some thought that we might be jumping out of summer, into more, hotter, summer. What actually happened is that we jumped out of torrential flooding into summer, so I was desperate, and it was even more amazing than it might have been.

A couple of observations on Sicily and Polermo, and some pictures to illustrate. It is an amazing city, and the parts of the island we saw, a beautiful island. What is amazing is the density and the age of the cities. First, the density. It is all flat or condo's or apartments, or whatever you want to call them. And they are all very close together on this tiny old streets with the piazza's opening up every once in a while. Every flat has a balcony, and in some spots, you could hand your neighbor a cup of sugar across the street, from your balcony to theirs. Crazy.

The second thing is that while Palermo is a modern city with plenty of shopping, nice hotels, and good restaurants, it is also very old, and often times poor. The result of which is that people are living in old buildings in various states of disrepair that 100 or 200 or 400 years ago were beautiful buildings. In some cases, you could see where bombings happened in World War II left parts of buildings destroyed, which hadn't been repaired. And people were living in the undamaged portion of the building. It was a little bit surreal.

Finally, I'll leave it with this. Great food and an amazing pace of life. Go out, shop and eat. Come home and have a siesta, and then go back out. A drink at 8, dinner at 10, home by 1. Not too shabby.

Our first trip...Sicily!

Friday afternoon Andy and I left our flat to head to the tube, to the train, to the airport for our trip to Sicily! The whole adventure just to get to the airport took about 2 hours. Then a 3 hour plane trip to Palermo and we were in Italy (country #7 for me, nothing new for Andy, but we've decided along with some friends here that he will get a bonus point for Sicily on the country count list). This is the first time Andy and I have traveled together since he got his British passport, going into Sicily we were in the same line based on their immigration breakdown, but I got a stamp on my passport and he didn't - he was very sad about that (I ended up getting 3 stamps in all from this trip - one coming in and out of Sicily and one coming back to London. I'm working to fill up my passport!).

We decided to rent a car, which was a manual so I was, sadly (wink, wink), not able to drive. I had always heard about the crazy drivers in Italy, but wasn't quite prepared for the experience - especially not at 10pm when it was pitch black outside. I don't understand why there are lines on the road there, I guess as a loose guideline? Andy did very good at the driving and navigating around the craziness, especially since he hasn't driven in months. We did have a bit of trouble finding our hotel the night we arrived. On the main highway streets aren't labeled very well, which makes it difficult to find your turn off. We ended up asking some people on the street where we were on a map and found our way to the hotel, after driving this way and that way, into hills away from the city, etc for nearly 2 hours! But through it all we were in good spirits, and very excited to get checked in and something to eat and drink.

The rest of the trip was great. It's beautiful there. We spent Saturday walking around Palermo, eating good food, drinking coffee, lots of water (it was about 95 degrees), beer, eating gelato, etc. We found some great little markets, selling all sorts of fruits and vegetables, all grown on the island, I believe. We bought some of the yummiest green olives there. In the afternoon we returned to the hotel for a siesta, everyone else was doing it, we didn't want to feel left out. That evening we stumbled onto a great little restaurant for dinner. After waiting for about 20 minutes for a table, which didn't seem that bad since they gave us each a free glass of wine, we had a great dinner. Cheese plate for a starter, I had a tuna steak for dinner, Andy had risotto with a pesto mint sauce and clams, and filet for his main. Very good dinner, followed by espresso.

Sunday we drove east from Palermo with no particular destination in mind. We ended up stopping in Cefalu. A beach town an hour or so from Palermo. It was absolutely amazing. Because of my pale complexion and impending heat exhaustion we were not able to spend time actually sitting and relaxing on the beach, much to Andy's disappointment. We did put our feet in the water and it was very warm. Probably the warmest water I've been in, next to the bath. After a few hours walking around and having lunch we headed back to the hotel. Took another siesta and went out for a drink and dinner. It's funny being in a place like Italy with Andy. Because of his complexion and background most places we went people assumed he was Italian, or at the least, not American. It would take his puzzled look as the chatted away at him in Sicilian/Italian for them to realize who he really is. I was told that I am clearly American...all I could do was agree - I did get free pasta from the man though.

We got back to our flat a few hours ago. It was a great weekend, but after basically being away for two weeks (between Seattle and Sicily) it's very nice to be home.

Last Weekend...

after Beth's rehearsal dinner Tim caught a HUGE fish. That's all.

Upcoming Trip

Andy and I are setting off on our first trip tomorrow since arriving in London about 2 months ago. It will be the first of many to come! We are heading to Sicily for 4 days in the sun. I experienced sun when I was in Seattle last week, but I'm afraid Andy might have forgotten what it is with all the rain we have had here this "summer". To be on the safe side I have stocked up on sunblock for the both of us to use (it goes without saying that I wear the stuff). Andy is looking a bit pale these days, the sun will do him good!

Back in London

After a quick, and somewhat exhausting, week in Seattle I'm back in London. I arrived in Seattle last Tuesday night and somehow basically managed to avoid jet lag. There was one moment of weakness on Thursday afternoon when I really wanted to take a nap, but Maile dragged me out for a coffee instead. Which turned out to be a great idea.

It's hard going home on a short vacation. There's always way too much to do and not enough time. Too many people you want to see and not enough time in the schedule to fit everyone in like you would want. Lots of good friends came out Thursday night which was GREAT! It was so nice to see everyone, especially those that weren't going to Beth and Andy's wedding over the weekend.

Beth, Emily, me and Michele. Beth and her bridesmaids gathering for one last time before the wedding. (Maile is taking the picture)

Me and Middy. I miss her already!

Lisa, Maile and me. Out Thursday night at the George & Dragon.

Maile, Beth and me. Lounging in the sun in Bellingham before the rehearsal dinner.

Michele, Maile, Beth, me and Emily. Dressed and ready for the wedding ceremony!

The Bridesmaid table. The best table in the house, besides where the Bride & Groom sat ;)

The happy couple!!

It feels good to be back. My flights home were good, no upgrades like on the way to Seattle, but good and surprisingly quick. I made it through customs in about 2 minutes, and by the time I got a cart for my luggage and returned to the baggage area my bags were going around the conveyor belt. I hopped on the train into Paddington Station and then grabbed a taxi home. With two bags taking the tube and walking the 10 minutes from the tube to our flat wasn't an option for me today. I felt very good being able to give the taxi driver directions to our flat. He knew I lived here and wasn't just an American tourist, which is a good feeling.

Congratulations Beth and Andy!!!

Today is a very big day in the lives of our friends Beth and Andy - their Wedding Day!

Let me be the first to say to the new couple:
Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Andy Graham! Many happy returns.

Thunder & Lightening

There has been so much thunder and lightening in the last few minutes it has caused car alarms to go off! Now it's pouring down rain...looking forward to the nice warm Seattle weather I've been hearing about today.

Seattle, here I come!

Tomorrow morning I'm heading to Heathrow to begin my long journey back to Seattle!! I'm going to Seattle for Beth and Andy's wedding on Saturday, the 14th (good thing they aren't getting married the day before). I have a packed week ahead of me, hopefully I'll be awake for it all and the jet lag won't kill me!

Sadly, Andy won't be joining me, he'll be holding down the fort, (flat), for my return.

I guess I better start packing...

Tour de London...er, France

We continue with the week of sports here in London. What an amazing time to be here. We were at Wimbledon on Monday and watched Venus close out her 4th round match. Today in London, Venus went on to win her 4th Wimbledon. Also today in London was one of the Live Earth concerts. We were nowhere near that either. We were in fact across the street from Buckingham Palace, ready for the Prologue of the Greatest Bike Race on Earth, the Tour de France! Here is the map for the Prologue today. We were inside of Green Park, just across the street from the palace (to help with the visual).

We arrived at 1pm hoping to secure a good spot to watch the course. It was pretty incredible. They were expecting 1 million people along the 8 kilometer course watching the race. In light of the recent attempted bombings and all, it was really neat to see how hands off the police and other security were. People were climbing all over fences, walls, and where ever else they could to secure good spots. There was no hassling, they were focused on more important things. And seeing as nothing happened, kudos to London.

So, back on point, we found our spot, about 5 people back, and watched some floats. Very lame, all sponsors. Woo-hoo, bottled water. But we had a good spot (could see the cyclists pretty close from the start, and then very close to the finish) and we hung in there. 3pm on the nose the time trial started. 189 riders, 1 rider per minute. Can I just say, those guys fly! The expected winning time was 9 minutes, and the winner went through in 8:50. For 8 kilometers? That's fast. The downside of these guys being such great athletes, and going so quickly is that the opportunity to actually see a cyclist is pretty much none, they're by so quick. And it's really hard to take a picture (as you can see).












We ended up staying for about an hour, then walked further around to the end of the course, and then went on with our day (did a little shopping, go H&M).

Similarities to Monday at Wimbledon - Get there way before things start (2 hours early for Tour, 6 hours early for Wimbledon), queuing, vendors, athletes in tight clothing, sort of a snooty sport.
Things that were different - Weather, price of admission (free, just show up!), recognition of athletes (can't see anything besides brightly colored spandex), no seats.

tv on dvd

I think it's fair to say that most people that know me, know how I love the 'tv on dvd'. Part of how I've been filling my days here in London is by having my own 'Sex and the City' marathon. I love this show. I can't really explain why I love this show so much, I just do. Some make fun of me - Beorn - and that's ok, I still feel the same. There is no netflix here in London, amazon does a similar service that we are going to have to sign up for. I can't really be bothered with "regular" tv and need to figure out what my next 'tv on dvd' will be...

Good Housekeeping?

As you can see by Andy's face in the picture to the left, his orange sweater shrunk in the wash recently. When we got to London and unpacked our stuff that was shipped here, he noticed that this sweater had a stain on it. The tag said dry clean, but we both felt that was a bit excessive. I decided to wash it in our washing machine, we don't have a dryer, there's not a built in dryer, what could go wrong?? Well, look at Andy and his facial expression to see what went wrong.

Below, I am modeling the sweater as well. Unfortunately we are not all that different in size for you out there to really get a feel for how small the sweater now is. I'm sure this has happened to a lot of people - let me tell you, believe what the tag says! All I have to say is, I'm glad I got a job today, I'm not ready to be a housewife, having to walk Andy's clothes to the dry cleaner!!

4th of July...

It's the 4th of July. It doesn't really mean anything to me, or Andy, today. Andy's at work, the only reason I'm not at work, is because I don't have a job ;) But if I did I'd be there. Up until yesterday I forgot about the holiday. They should let Americans take the day off...

I hope everyone enjoys the day off and the fireworks celebrating America's Independence from my adopted homeland of the moment.

Wimbledon baby!

Some people camp out and wait for the iPhone. Others have different dreams that have nothing to do with calling people and listening to music at the same time (which honestly seems like kind of a problem, but that's just me). My dream, Wimbledon!

And my dream came true on Monday. In true English fashion, we queued up for tickets, we waited orderly in line, we went through security check, and finally got into the grounds, 2 hours before anything was scheduled to take place. And I can't even describe it. Since moving here it was probably the coolest and definitely the most English thing that we have done.

So how it goes down. For starters, Wimbledon is amazingly cool and democratic in that they hold 6000 tickets back each day for the first 1 and a half weeks for people who are willing to wake up early. If you are super ambitous and willing to camp out the night before they hold 500 tickets to Center, First, and Second court that you can purchase. This would be like the Masters in Augusta saying screw corporate sponsorship, if you're willing to get here and stand in line, we'll let you in. It would never happen. And yet, at probably the most prestigous major tennis championship, you can get in if you're willing to skip some sleep.

And how it works: You wake up at 515 to catch a bus at 545, to catch a tube at 615, to get to Wimbledon by about 645, for an event that starts at noon. You then get a Queue Ticket with a number on it, and a little book about queueing at Wimbledon from the very friendly (seriously) Honorary Stewards. You then spend the next 2 hours or so slowly moving forward as the folks who were camping to score the aformentioned center/1st court tickets (if you want to do that seriously bring camping gear, a mini BBQ and Pimms). And then you stop and resist the siren song of vendors selling baps and coffee; and newspapers that come with either poncho's or tennis ball binoculars (i wish i could find a picture). After about 2 hours in the same spot, you start moving forward again when they open the gates to start letting people in at 930. You go through security, which includes x-ray machines and metel detectors exactly like the airport, and then you're in! Well, get through the next queue, buy your tickets, and then you're in. Oh, and I forgot to mention, Katherine and I were able to scoop up 2nd court tickets, even though we didn't camp out. This rain is good for something!

So we got in and walked around, and it was just awesome. Don't know who likes tennis out there, but it was just an amazing feeling to be walking around those grounds, the grass courts, Centre Court, the museum, the whole thing. We watched the practice courts (I scored a mis-hit ball, and I kept it!). We got some coffee, and we settled in to watch the first match of the day for us, Venus vs. Morigami. We were in the front row, and were literally just feet from the action. So amazing. We then saw Jonas Bjorkman vs. Wayne Arthurs, the two old men of the tournement at a combined age of 71. It was a walloping by Bjorkman who just keeps on rolling. Finally we watched just a little bit of Kiefer vs. Djokovic.


So the downside of yesterday, which hardley bares mentioning, is that I've never spent so much time in the pouring rain, on a bench, outside, under an umbrella. We probably saw a combined total of 2 1/2 hours of tennis, and were inside the grounds for 8 hours. We saw more of the grounds crew than the players, and let me tell you, they're probably the best athletes. And you know what? I cannot wait to go back next year, and wait in line, and probably get rained on, and love every single second of it.

A few pictures amongst the text, and a bunch more here. So, so, so amazing.