Edinburgh 2/11/11

Arrived in Scotland on Friday after 4.5 hours on the train...not bad, not bad. Edinburgh was absolutely gorgeous. Obviously it was a bleak day and it was quite cold but that didn't stop me from walking up, down and around the streets of Edinburgh to get to my hostel. I passed the Bank of Scotland, the Wallace Monument and other gorgeous forms of architecture. Let me tell you...Scotland has HILLS! I was absolutely ready for bed by the time we arrived at the Art Roch Hostel. No such luck. I had to wait in line (with my lovely and fellow sheep, as we were traveling in a flock with the shepherd Arcadia) outside the hostel to receive my linens which consisted of a duvet cover, a sheet and a pillowcase. I love being in the way of locals!!

Well worth it though...the hostel...absolutely the coolest and most hipster-friendly hostel I could have ever dreamed of! I am a bit upset that I only took a few shots and they all turned out blurry. Just imagine: Spray painted Bowie heads on the walls, random quotes (some inappropriate!), twinkly blue, white and hot pink lights randomly strewn about, signs for the beach, records on the walls and low, blue lighting. Absolutely rad.

But the best part was the lounge/cafe/lobby. Simply an array of couches (all different with random throw pillows), trunks as tables, obscure music magazines, stacks of books on shelves and any other surfaces, weird statues and plants and a mess of colors attacking the high walls and big windows. So. Cool. Yo. 

After getting settled in (a.k.a. ogling at the decor) I headed out with some lovely ladies to explore and get food. We walked into a vintage shop and after some tears (couldn't purchase anything) we asked where would be a good place to get "traditional" Scottish food. We were directed to Monster Mash and I ordered an Irn Bru (absolutely wretched, tasted like Emergen-C) and a Shepherd's Pie. SO FULL. I tried Haggis...which is definitely just the ground up stomach of a sheep...blorfghdfjgkhg (vomiting noises). It wasn't as bad as I had expected but it was very very thick and accompanied on the palette by "neeps and tatties" which are potatoes, carrots and turnips.

After dinner we went on a Mercet Tour which was essentially a historical ghost tour of Edinburgh. Our tour guide...possibly my favorite woman in the world. We learned about torture and I was used in a demonstration of two different styles of hanging...twas delightful! We were taken around and ended up in underground caverns which were occupied by some of the most "haunted" places in Britain. It was interesting...more so fun to see the reactions of some people. Our guide (Hayley) scared one girl so bad she fell on the floor...the cold, hard, stone floor...twas very funny.

Once the tour was over we were referred to a pub called Whistle Binkies (...I know...) by Hayley. So we went, I had a pint of Calder's and a shot of whiskey and we listened to a live band which was pretty neat (especially because I could NOT understand them when they talked in between songs). 

We headed back after a few songs (Michelle and I navigated...so proud) and I went, immediately, to bed. 

It's Been Awhile...2/11/11 (15:00)

For those of you that do not know, this past weekend I went to Scotland on a pre-planned Arcadia trip. It was amazing and I shall start in the beginning so that you can experience Scotland as I did.

From notes on the train to Scotland:

Been on the train for awhile. Met some fantastic people and I am just so happy that I am getting to know people that I am not familiar with...finally. I LOVE EVERYONE THAT I SPEND UNGODLY AMOUNTS OF TIME WITH but it is refreshing to get to know NEW people.

I had the best talk with Dana last night. I cleansed my mind over Frog Frozen Yoghurt (quite good, actually). Finally, I was able to lose track of time and just decide to live.

Anyways, today I got up earlier and I had a great shower and breakfast. I was able to take my time and avoid any sort of stress.

Unfortunately, Ty and Grace missed their plane to Stockholm due to an evil (scammsified) bus service that was to take them to the airport. Positive? They found a 1 Pound coffee and doughnut shop right near Buckingham Palace! WOO!


I left for King's Cross Station fairly early. When I arrived at the station I topped up my phone and had to call Ty to see where I was supposed to meet with the other students going on the trip...let's just say the e-mail didn't help very much. I did, however, eventually locate the others (after purchasing some coffee and a delicious sandwich!) and boarded the train. Now...sad news...due to construction...Platform 9 3/4 is now a piece of shiny plastic that looks like brick with a (more shopping then luggage) cart sticking out of the side. It's quite awful...I did not bother to even look.

Michelle and Me

I met a new friend, though! My friend's friend named Michelle. She goes to a Liberal Arts school in Nashville where everyone is so hipster it's horrifically conformist. Everyone shops at Urban Outfitters...we have the same shoes...heck yes.

I also met a SCOTSMAN! He reminded me of my English teacher Mr. O'Brien...eery.

Here are some phrases he taught me:

Ho you gemmie! Gimme a pint a heavy and a hoff a whisky! Tah!


Translation: Hey you girl! Give me a pint of beer and a shot of whisky! Thanks!

I wanth ma Queens (or Belhaven)!

Translation: I want my Queens (or Belhaven)!

Beat it or I'll poke your eye head!

Translation: Get away or I'll poke you in the eye! (Yes, this is a threat.)

Get offa me humf or imma give you a Glasgow kiss! 

My Table on the Train

Translation: Get off my back/Stop bothering me or I'm going to head-butt you!

You're being a little shite! 

Translation: You're being a little shit!

He was very kind and very informative. His father made his own whisky and apparently it was some of the most potent alcohol the Scotsman had ever come in contact with...he doesn't drink now...hmmm.

He also suggested I try Irn Bru, which is a soda (ginger) that can be compared to Coco Cola or Pepsi (popularity wise).

The scenery is incredible and I am so excited to get there! I can't tell if we have entered Scotland or not, though.

I absolutely love train rides...and sometimes I prefer the journey to the destination.

Ze 9th and Ze 10th of Ze Month (2/9-10/11)

Yesterday was a mild and mellow day. I surprisingly experienced a sarcastic calm (if that makes sense) the entire day and therefore acted in the manner of one who doesn't care (about the opinions of others). So, I went to Play Critique and then found out that Tylyn's 4 Pound per plate of pasta place is Comida Mexicana (the cheap cafe where the ladies and myself enjoyed lunch the first day at City University). I had a Mocha there, which was divine, and then right after we went to Journalism. 

Headed back to the flat, made dinner super fast and then headed over to the Old Vic Theatre where we saw A Flea in Her Ear which was quite funny. 

The way home...lots of silliness...sat on the escalator, danced down the street and in the halls of the Tube Station and sang the "ticking noise" song with the ladies...I was Dumbledore. 

Comida Mexicana Mocha

Anyway...enjoyed my Peach/Wheat yogurt and went to bed way too late...bad news. But, I didn't go to class today. Dani made me coffee and my Kix and I got to the doctor right on time. So...doctor. They wear suits...it looked like a really nice house with big comfy chairs in the waiting room...the doctor's office I went into was up the stairs, behind a huge wooden door and carpeted. It was incredibly comfortable. Got back to the flat and I went to bed at 12:30 PM and was woken up by good Mummy Dana at 5:30 PM. I wuv my woommate. <3 Stayed in and did some work, ate some dinner (leftover Brocolli/Cheese Bake with two fried eggs and a piece of toast) and will be going to Frog soon. It is a frozen yogurt place down the way...like Twist in Princeton...but just NOT TWIST! :'(

Oh...and I found out something bout miss Dana...the one who has given me lots of the poopoo for listening to Justin Bieber's "Somebody to Love" remix...has "One Time" on her iTunes. It was on shuffle...she started singing it...AND THEREFORE I WIN!

I am going to Scotland tomorrow...TOMORROW! SCOTLAND! WHAT UP! It's going to be weird not being in London this weekend. Dana will be in Switzerland visiting her friend and Ty/Grace will be in Stockholm. SO Dani and Emma are gonna have a good and chills weekend. 

I'm excited. Today was one of the few days it really rained in London since I have been here. It was actually a nice change...especially because I needed to sleep very badly. 

HOPE THIS IS GOOD!! - http://www.myfreshfrog.com/home.html

"It's like I've been magically transported to a futuristic zoo..." 2/8/11

February 8th 2011

Notting Hill Gate Circle/District Line

LJ <3

I can't even believe how amazing this day was. "Absolutely brilliant" is most definitely an understatement.

It was a Tuesday and therefore Dana and my "Date Day." I love that we have a little tradition in London, especially because we have met the most extraordinary people and seen the most marvelous sights.

AMAZING Cappuccino

GOLDEN SYRUP! <3

When Dana and I finally got to LJ Coffee House and realized what we wanted to order...it became clear that we were 1) American and that 2) We were going to have an eye-opening and completely charismatic experience. Dana and I compliment each other very well...to the point where those who experience our audible exchanges make quite a variety of observations and/or suggestions. From the time we walked into the coffee house of love and fabulousity, we traveled around a never-ending cycle of fits, giggles, inside jokes, sarcastic remarks (in the friendliest of ways) and good conversation with the owner LJ. 

The Flat White with LJ's Talent on the Top

Crumpets with Golden Syrup

He made it clear that he was incredibly and most cleverly sarcastic and that he would be using the fact that we were American to his (comedic) advantage. Dana and I have been told many things by our observers: We should have a web show. We could be our own sitcom. We don't need any other form of entertainment....

Lemon, Blueberry Cake - Super Lemony!! 

But on this day...a new observation was made by our beloved LJ...

In between chats with LJ, Dana and I decided to play our "face of an oxymoron" game. We went back and forth putting on our beset "ferociously happy" and "menacingly sympathetic" faces and after we finished (essentially, the first round), LJ made the comment:

"It's like I've been magically transported to a futuristic zoo!!" 

Wow...so...accurate! While in the coffee house, we wished aloud for a Flat White, after LJ nonchalantly mentioned that he could create the face of a Native American on the top with cream, and he brought us one to share with a Native American head on its top. 

Notice the LIP Chairs

He also informed Dana and I, after I had asked what was in the porridge, that the porridge contained Oompa Loompas that had gotten old, turned gray, died and had been made into the delicious porridge...why so funny?!?!

The Jonas Brothers and James McAvoy had eaten at LJ's...which may have been freaked out about (a little bit) by Dana. 

At about 2:30 PM we had to depart this most lovely Soho coffee house...best I have been in (it's the only...one...also) and after arriving back at the flat, made sandwiches and headed to Kensington Gardens to read before class. 

THEN!! We had class which was delightful as always. Even though the night didn't end so smoothly, it was an amazing day filled with appreciation, good spirits, a lovely barrister an the promise of adventure. I was happy on this day. :) 

Reading Before Class

First of all, THE SUN WAS SHINING SO INCREDIBLY BRIGHTLY! That alone made the day instantly PHENOMENAL!  

February 6th-7th 2011

February 6th 2011

Got up early and met my Aunt Kathy at the Intercontinental Hotel on Hyde Park Corner. We were supposed to have brunch at 11 AM but when I arrived, and saw her for the first time after five years, she informed me that they did not serve brunch until 12:30 PM. Ok, London...brunch is not supposed to be at lunch time...I'm sorry...that is just incorrect.

So we went on an adventure down a couple of streets and found a seemingly good place (it seemed busy enough and therefore assumed that it was quality service). We had an amazing BRUNCH and fantastic conversation (never ending stories and laughs)...however...during our two hour brunch...we realized that the service was just not fantastic. Hehehehehehe.

Short version:

Walked in, sat down, guy took my menu back after I ordered my drink and I had to politely inform him that I also needed to look at the menu to decide what food I would be ordering...yeah, ordered a cafe latte...12 minutes later I was brought a cappuccino...wrong...had to tell the waitress...she looked distressed the entire time she was serving us...scared...and like she was used to screwing up or being reprimanded...so...she took away my "cappuccino", ordered the Summer Berry Pancake (crepes) but I said "Mixed Berry Pancake" instead of "Summer Berry Pancake" and the gentleman who took my order looked as if he just lost a dog in a fire...really...so I had to point to the item on the menu...yeah...and he took our menus and left, frightened waitress came back with my cafe latte...15 minutes later, got our food, ate our food (NOMNOMNOMNOM)...then my Aunt Kathy encouraged me to order another cafe latte insisting because it (she predicted) would take at least 20 minutes to bring it to me...mind you...we were one of three tables that were occupied in the entire restaurant, I ordered a cappuccino and she ordered a coffee...20 minutes later she was brought a cafe latte...and we sent it back...my cappuccino was lovely though, then...after we were alllll done...we asked for the check...and so did a couple sitting right next to us...and we both sent the money back...she brought back the checks...at the same time and put our change and the receipt on the table...then double checked it and put it on the table next to us...so the gentleman at the table looked at it and nonchalantly handed it to us and said, "Yeah, this is definitely yours..."...CLASSICCCCCCCCC <3!

Chinatown

But we had a nice time! Then we went back to the hotel and she gave me a care package that contained Kix, walnuts, Craisins and gum!!! SO GOOD!

Went back to the flat and then headed to Chinatown with Dana and Dani and after getting sucked into a crazy crowd and not being able to move and seeing a dragon dance, we met up with Ty and had dinner at the WORST place with ridiculous portions  and hilariously atrocious service...but really. I didn't purchase anything from that place but I did bring my Vegetable Bun and Chicken Bun that I got from a vendor and have been searching for MY WHOLE LIFE...DAY MADE!

Alas, the Chinatown in London is terrible...and the coconut buns are much better in Philly...

Just Not the Best Coconut Bun...

Buns <3

February 7th 2011

Broccoli and Cheese Bake 

........woke up late and went to Tescos...then I made a Cheese and Broccoli Bake which was AMAZINGGG and then we watched The Queen...and had a fantastic conversation about hamsters with Phillip. :)

Kiwis, Brick Lane and Nutella 2/5/11

WHAT A DAY! WHAT A DAY!

Woke up, decided to go to Brick Lane and what do we see on the way there?! A MOB OF DRUNK KIWIS!!!! Oh these lovely New Zealanders were dressed in costumes and stumbling over the bottles that periodically rolled under their feet. We definitely mingled (meaning took pictures and stared with smiles fixed on our faces) and then proceeded to get on three trains to get to Brick Lane.

Oh Brick Lane!! Just so much vintage. So much vintage.

Highlights? Got a dress...a very special dress... ;) as well as a shirt/jacket/dress! Who loves multipurpose clothing?? This kid.

Also...definitely got a bacon cheeseburger only because the BUNNN LOOKED AMAZING! It was delicious.

Then...on our way back to the station I got a DIRTY SANCHEZ at Brick Lane Cafe...which is a drink and not the Hoagie Haven GODSEND. Ready? White Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, Caramel and Coffee in a cup with whipped cream on top. Love. 

The cafe was so cool too! Just so funny and "indie." Only good news.

After returning to the flat we chilled and I did laundry (WOO...not) and THEN Ty and I made dinner. 

OH DINNER! Ready?? Pasta with a sauce (bacon, sauteed mushrooms/onions/peas in milk/cream sauce - no bacon for Dana <3) and toasted baguette! SO GOOD!

Then...after a plateful of pasta and SO MANY LAUGHS we made...ready...NUTELLA HOT CHOCOLATE!!!!!!

HAPPY NUTELLA DAY!!!! SOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSO AMAZING. 

This has been a really chill weekend so far...probably not a great idea that I am up so late still...but I get to see my Aunt Kathy tomorrow so I am just fine! ...and I haven't seen her in five years! 

But really...Pro

One Pound and Forty Pence...Yep.

February 4th 2011

Went to Portobello Market with Ty and found out that my card was disabled AGAIN! So...I had literally one pound and 40 pence in my pocket to buy food. We walked and gawked and chatted about life, searched for ugly sweaters and I purchased a present for my beautiful Jordy as well as onions...eight for one pound...they like to roll away though...yeah. Jumped out of my bag and rolled down the road...into the hands of a lovely gentleman...how awkward.

It was a rough day BUT we lightened the mood with HOMEMADE CARAMEL DELIGHTS MADE BY TYLYN AND DANI AND GIRL TIME/TALK <3

Really...after all the bad...friends and food turned out to be the best therapy. <3

BEST DEAL! BIG SWEATERS AND FLANNELS! UGHSOGOOD

AWESOME Coffee Place At the End of Portobello Market

Toast with Sauteed Mushrooms and Onion and Beef with A Fried Egg ON TOP <3

HOMEMADE CARAMEL DELIGHTS!

I enjoyed a sugar high...first one in London. Sorry girls. :)
And I got to Skype with ma bronskie which was divine! Good news!!

Me, Myself and the Sun

February 3rd 2011 

I explored. I walked and observed and appreciated only with myself. I had no accomplice to make comments to, nor did I have any desire to go to one specific place. I was able to isolate myself. We went to the National Gallery this morning for art class and when we were dismissed, I stayed at the Gallery and Dana, Emma and Dani left. I perused the corridors and meticulously numbered rooms (three of which I especially cared for).

Being alone gives me such a sense of accomplishment...considering I am one who resides in an electronically dependent age. The other day, I read an article on how to detox an electronic addiction...the need to be connected to other people at all times...have people then lost their ability to be happy alone? If only for awhile?

I am an introvert, though. That has become clear to me in college...but I digress...

I was my own person. I only had my eyes, ears, breath and feet working as I wove a tangled web of memories and satisfied wishes. 

I was not lost but no one knew where I was...which was a fun thing to think about. The entire experience was a journey of observation...I love feeling like nothing more than a fly on the wall. My walk was fueled by the sun and my understanding that this sort of day was incredibly rare. There were so many things going on but it wasn't noisy. I think it was because, for the first time in a long time, everyone in the city was content. 

It was absolutely therapeutic and I took no pictures. I shall have to rely on my brain to remember where I went and the amazing things I saw. 

But then...............................SAW VERNON GOD LITTLE AT THE YOUNG VIC THEATRE! ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! AMAZING! AND ALL OF THE ACTORS WERE ENGLISH (EXCEPT FOR ONE WHO LIVED NEAR PITTSBURGH!!!!!) AND THEIR SOUTHERN ACCENTS WERE PHENOMENAL!! ........blown away. 

I met all of the actors...got pictures...have a new FB friend...and this was the one month anniversary of my life in Lundun....ABSOLUTELY PERFECT! So, we celebrated and swooned over the actors and lived life to the fullest. 

Happy one month London <3

OH HELLO NEW MONTH! February 1st and 2nd 2011

February 1st 2011 

Welcome to Kaffeine. The choice Café for Dana and my “Date Day.”

I found this café on a blog about coffee (yes, of course I would read a blog like that) and was immediately drawn to the fact that their food menu (starting January 28^th) was remade to include dishes specific to New Zealand…yeh. Flight of the Conchords…yis. 

It took a great deal of trouble to find…darn you Google Maps. We walked far down the wrong street and then when we could NOT find the right street we had to ask a very kind woman in a travel agency who guided us down three streets.

On our way we passes a second The Champion (obviously not as good as ours) and a cute but more modern café that sold porridge…so cute! We approached Kaffeine and its foggy windows and modest sign invited us into the friendly and comfortable atmosphere.

Oh. My. Goodness. Absolutely fell in love! First of all, the room was so warm and cozy and full of wooden, square stools and tall tables with jam and sugar on the top of each. Each person that came into the shop, and there was a frequent flow of customers, had definitely been there before. Dana and I, once again stood out as not only foreign but MOST DEFINTELY American. It was at this moment that we made an observation: almost one third of our photographs taken in London have been of our food…so proud.  The New Zealand style food was riddled with kiwis and uniqueness.

Outside an Art Studio 

Went to class after such an amazing day and then just understood completely what I do NOT want to do with my life. We went to the Woodmill which is an old business complex that was turned into a charity that housed working artists. They have their own studios and live in the building…and produce art. It was fascinating but just the last place I ever want to be.

 Well...my HOW things change!

Right Column Pictures/Top to Bottom: Two Cafe Lattes and Dana's Pumpkin Chili Soup, My Toasted Baguette with Pears, Onion Jam, Brie and Rocket, Lamington (New Zealand Dessert/Sponge Cake Dipped in Chocolate and Rolled in Shredded Coconut with Cream Inside, Kiwi Friand...UGH! so...good. 

February 2nd 2011

Emma, Jiles, Dan and Me

Just a FANTASTIC DAY! Thank goodness for time making everything better.

Woke up early and took my time having breakfast which was so nice before this long day. FINALLY was smart enough to bring my Ipod on the Tube…that’s why Wednesdays were always so bad…because I never had music to 1) Wake me up! nor 2) CHEER ME UP WHEN I NEEDED IT!!!!

Today in Play Critique we talked about The Rivals (the play we saw last week) and had a fantastic discussion/critique on all aspects of the production. THEN…ohmagosh…THE MAN WHO PLAYED HORATIO IN HAMLET (Jiles Terera) came to speak to our class and answer questions! SO DOWN TO EARTH and so incredibly funny…and I definitely asked 75% of the questions.

Then to Café CoCo with Grace and Ty for a croissant and Cafe Latte which were scrumptious and then we headed to Journalism and spent three hours chillin and doin some mad chill exercises. I really do enjoy that class…it’s just a bit long.

Dana, Dani and Angela Making Our AMAZING Dinner

ANYWAY!! Went back to the flat (ended up getting separated from Ty and Grace…whoops!) and found Dani and Dana cooking dinner…cooking. Dinner. Cooking. Dana. WOW! So I got to relax and wait (2hr25) for dindin. In the meantime I was able to do some much-needed Skyping with my sister and Jonathan (and Connor and Barry and for a mo’…Austin and Nick) which just cheered me up even more! When all the food was ready (fries, meat and veggie burgers and Smirnoff Ice) we all sat down without any electronics and had a FEROCIOUSLY PHENOMENAL family meal.

After, we cleaned and ran allll ze way to see Black Swan. It was not what I expected at all…but I would definitely like to see it again…Natalie Portman was stunning.

So! Back to the flat, some chattin with the love and now to bed to bed because I am a sleepy head!

Tomorrow…I am going to see a Toulouse! 

............oh........and 14 days.