Christmas Time

The Christmas season is really huge in London. People like to go all out with their celebrations. The women's clothing shops are stocked with party wear. It is really nice!

Early in the season, my friend organized a Christmas pub crawl. We all dressed festive with some of the girls actually wearing Christmas themed skirts. For work, we had a Christmas lunch. We had a 3 course meal. Afterwards we pub hoped. All in all, the celebration lasted from 2 - 11p.m.

Christmas is one of my favorite holidays. This year I really wanted to capture some of my great memories of Christmas pasts from back home. One of the first things I did was buy an artificial tree. I tried getting a real one last year but it just sat in my lounge and dried out. It was a small tree and I am not really into small trees.

My 6'6"slim tree arrived and it was great fun to decorate. I rearranged the furniture in my flat. Most of my decorations were bought from the pound store. It was difficult to get to a DIY (aka Home Depot) store to buy anything because of the distance and the weather. Now I was ready to host a few gatherings.

I had two Christmas gatherings at my flat. One for my book club friends and the other for my neighbhorhood and close friends. For one of the parties, I choose a more British menu. I cooked a roast ham with green beans and au gratin potatoes. Cooking a ham is a big ordeal. You have to soak it to remove the salt, then boil it and then bake it. Nothing is ever easy here...In the end, it came out fabulous! I brought some leftovers into work for my colleague. She had some and gave it to her daughter and she loved. It was great to have my cooking validated by British people!For my second celebration, I cooked my famous chicken chipoltle dish however I made a new dessert - Italian bread pudding that I saw on the food network. It was really easy to make and again came out fabulous. We had traditional Christmas crackers with a crown hat and a joke. Elaine got to pop her first cracker. We also had a Secret Santa.


The finally to wind down the Christmas season, I attended a Christmas concert at the Royal Albert Hall. The Kings College Choir from Cambridge and the London Symphony Orchestra performed. At one point in the show, we were able to sing along with the Choir. It was lovely!
I love that I am making new traditions here and building strong friendships. I can only see every year getting better!

My first Christmas in London

This year I spent Christmas in London....Not by choice but by an unfortunate series of weather related events. A week prior to Christmas, the UK was hit with a really bad snow storm. See the pic below taken in my neighborhood of the snow a few weeks earlier that also disrupted travel. While this is not the actual snow that caused the delays, it wasn't much worse than this.
The UK is not used to getting snow nor were they prepared. Heathrow had severe delays and was operating with one runway. The travel delays had a ripple effect on Christmas travel and European travel overall.

Lately, when I've gone back to Chicago, I fly on standby because my friend works for the airline. Getting on a flight is dependent on the available open seats. Because of the delays, flights were canceled and passengers were pushed to other flights. My flight that had been wide open for the last month suddenly was oversold.

My friends and I were mentally preparing ourselves a few days prior for the possibility of spending Christmas in London. My friend Holly actually choose to stay in London so we all said that we would spend Christmas at her flat.

My other friends had delays but eventually were able to get home. Like it or not, I was spending my first Christmas in London. I have to say that it was not the worst thing. While I missed seeing my family, I didn't miss the stress of traveling from house to house and being on a schedule to visit this family and then go to that house.

For three days (Eve Eve, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day), I'd wake up late and take nice long relaxing baths. In the early evening, I would walk 10 minutes to my friend Holly's house. Our other friend Maria Ann flew in from Milan and we all celebrated together. Holly would serve me a nice glass of cava or something fizzy and we'd eat then sit and relax on the sofa watching the endless Christmas movies that were showing on the Tele. Christmas tele is really good compared to the US. They play popular movies. I watched Elf, the Grinch, Muppets Christmas Carole, Santa Clause the Movie, Fred Claus....See how much time I had on my hands.

On Christmas Eve, I cooked chicken mole and rice to keep my Mexican tradition alive. We went to Midnight Mass. It was absolutely beautiful. The mass opened with everyone holding candles and singing religious Christmas caroles. It was kind of funny to hear a Catholic sermon given in British English. After mass, we bumped into some really drunk guy on the street. Apparently, people get really pissed on Christmas Eve....Kind of like our Black Wednesday.

On Christmas Day, Maria Ann cooked homemade Italian meatballs, lasagna, and sauce. It was great. I usually have lasagna on Christmas Day so while it was different, it was still the same. Later in the evening, I came home and caught up with my family and friends.

London in general was a ghost town. Everything shuts down. There were maybe 5 shops open. Mostly convenient stores. On Christmas Eve, the supermarket was flooded with people stocking up on food for Christmas and Boxing Day. Taxis are double fare on Christmas Day. Even today, there are still not that many people in town.

I am not sure if I would want to spend next Christmas in London but it was a good test for me. It showed me that I really do love London and can be okay with being far away from my family around the holidays.

I'm back!

Gosh, I can't believe it's been this long since I last blogged. In the New Year, I resolve to be better about writing as this is what I love to do.

So where to start as I resurrect my blog.....

To sum it up, the last 5 months have been filled with more traveling, building friendships and becoming more settled in London. It took a few trips back to the States and several wonderful experiences to make me realize that I really love living in London. Life in the US suddenly seems ordinary compared to living in a foreign land. Until my curiosity wanes, I will remain in Europe. I've realized that I can come home quite often and the 8 to 9 hour flight really doesn't bother me. When I visit home, I get my fix of shopping, family and friends, and food...enough to get me through my next visit.

I am taking steps to become more settled here. I currently have a company sponsored visa. In January...(if I ever stop traveling long enough), I am going to switch my visa to one that will allow me to remain in the UK without working for my company. This gives me a bit more flexibility. I can even start my own business or do contracting work under this new type of visa.

I am working to build my credit history here. It's really, really hard to get a credit card which is a good thing. In the US, they give credit cards away like free candy....Not here. You have to have lived in one residence for at least a year. You are also unfairly judged if the previous resident had credit issues...and is nowhere to be found. Your acceptance is sometimes based on geography....Anyway, I finally got my first credit card through my bank. Lovely!

I've started investing in household items for my flat and have been thinking about shipping my personal belongs from the US. I recently bought a whisk, roasting pan, a soup pan, serving dishes, and a Pyrex casserole dish. It sounds funny but my mom's friend Betty refers to it as nesting...I think I'll wait another year to determine if I want to ship my other things. Since I'm renting, I don't want to lug this stuff from flat to flat.

Most importantly, my family and friends have been very supportive. For their own unique purposes, they would love for me to come back home. The reality is that we probably wouldn't see each other more or less. They understand that I am very happy here and we continue to make the distance work.

Another Tick off the List

In my attempt to assimilate into British culture, I've learned to play tennis. For the last two weekends, my friend Krishna and I have booked the tennis courts in Clapham Common and she has been so gracious to teach me a few things that she knows.

Last weekend, I was really good at my backhand. Probably because I was trying to workout my triceps so I made sure those muscles had a good workout. This week my forehand was better. However, sometimes I hit the ball thinking I'm trying to hit a home run or playing golf! Krishna definitely has patience for me. After a 20 minute warm up, I get into a stride and we can actually have a good rally.

This week I felt like I got the true British experience when I was playing tennis. There was 3 men and 1 woman playing doubles next to us. They were all in their 50s to late 60s. The banter between the men was hilarious. They would make fun of themselves in their English humour. When I missed the ball, I cursed, "Shit" or "Fuck" or "Maaaaan". Kind of ghetto. The English men on the other hand said, "Bugger" or "Bloody ball". When Krishna and I were in the rhythm of rallying, we'd say "Awesome!" My colleagues and non-American friends always tease us about this word. It's truly American. On the other hand, the British men would say, " Well played" or "Well done," in their proper form.

After the games, Krishna and I have been going out for brunch. This week we explored Abbeyville Village. It's a little residential area within Clapham that has a small town feel. Very family oriented. Stanley's vet is there and coincidentally, we were there on Saturday. I couldn't explore too much with Stanley. On Sunday, we checked out the farmers market that is open every Sunday. The market has fresh fruit and veg and great baked goods. They were also selling plants and flowers. I bought a small goat cheese tart. After the market, we settled on a small French cafe. Breakfast was fantastic. The French never do a bad meal. The waiter was so nice and charming. We promised him we'd be back next week.

I am really starting to settle into my neighborhood and I'm taking advantage of all it has to offer.

Portugese Love - Algarve

In May, I asked the universe for more "girl" friends to hang out with that were local to me and in my neighborhood. Well the universe hasn't failed me yet. While my sorority sister was here for work, she introduced to me to her co-worker who introduced me to her friends that live in the area. Mostly Americans expats (and a Canadian and Brazilian) of course because it's almost impossible to meet British friends outside of work.

On a night out, they mentioned that they were renting a villa along the south coast of Portugal and invited me along. Of course, I couldn't pass up a holiday - a warm one at that and the opportunity to get to know these women better. Since the holiday was planned for the 4th of July weekend, I knew I would also be homesick if I stayed in London. I quickly booked my ticket for the Algarve.http://www.algarveuncovered.com/

It was my first beach/sunny weather holiday in Europe. It was awesome. Most of the girls had been there the entire week. Gabi and I arrived during the last weekend at the villa. Upon our arrival, we had a quick bite and then headed for Karaoke. We were not received very well. Becky, who ran the Karaoke machine, had very strict rules. Probably a bit jealous of all us girls. Nonetheless, we had a great time!

Saturday, we lounged by the pool. This was the first time I had tanned since Anna's wedding last August. I was feeling a little pasty. Spiritually it felt good to be there. I starting to get my balance back. I read by the pool (my attempt to finish a book I've started 4 months ago), took short naps, and then cooled off in the pool. One of the girls brought a copy of People Magazine. It had been ages since I read this magazine. Apparently they sell it in the UK but it's about 4 pounds!

In the evening, we went into town for dinner and then to the main strip for dancing! The town - Albufiera is a popular destination amongst the British. There were not that many locals but load of people on Stag and Hen dos aka. Bachelor and Bachelorette parties. The funny thing is that the British are really into dressing up or what they call fancy dress. So there was this group of girls on a Hen do dressed up in skimpy Sailor suits. There was this mechanical bull that the girls were having fun with. The men didn't mind either. We also headed to an outdoor club that had a Miami-esque feel to it. We came home to find that the villa had been broken into. The robbers took some cash from one of the rooms, a few blackberrys, and an iPod. I was fortunate that nothing was stolen from me. I am not really surprised because Amber's purse was stolen in Lisbon. It's just something that I've learned time after time when I travel. You have to be really careful with your passport, money and personal belongings.


On Sunday, it was the 4th of July. Holly's mom had sent over decorations so we brightened up the villa (including ourselves) with touches from home. For dinner, we made some typical staples we would have usually had for a 4th of July BBQ. On the menu - BBQ chicken, potatoe salad, corn on the cob, guacamole, watermelon, fruit salad, chocolate cake, and wine spritzers. There were no fireworks but it was nice to be in the company of fellow Americans and create our own celebration.





Monday we headed to the beach. It was lovely. Beautiful people, all colors, shapes and sizes. People just enjoying life....I was introduced to a world of European sunbathing. Yes, women sunbathing topless. It's not entirely new to me but the reality of it is shocking at first. People in Miami do it all the time. Only in Miami, I think the women try to show off who has perky and better implants. I told my manager about it when I got back. Like everything new I learn here, he laughed at me. He said that his mum sunbathed topless when he was young and that Scandinavians are very big on nudity. Kind of gross hearing that from a 35 year old man. Then my French colleague jumped in to say that her dad still prances around naked in front of them. I guess Europeans are more open with their sexuality and nudity. It's cool but I have to draw the line with children being naked in public spaces. Maybe on my next beach holiday, I'll muster up the courage to take my top off!


While at the beach, I did something quite unusual for myself. I actually went into the ocean without being forced to. My childhood ear problems have left me scarred about going under water but I couldn't let this moment pass. The water was so warm and refreshing and it just felt good.

Beach holidays always help me find my balance. It reminds me that I need to slow down and it definitely helps me clear my mind.

World Cup Fever Has Officially Ended

I've been really bad at posting regular updates especially as they happen so I thought I would write about the World Cup as it has come to an end.

It was very cool living in Europe as the World Cup was going on. World Cup fever was everywhere. Flags hanging from people's cars, on construction equipment, and from flats. The local high street stores selling England bikini's and tank tops. The excitement and the build up week after week, the countless office chatter about which players did well and who they thought would win. Employers letting their staff make up hours to watch a 3:00p.m. game because historically productivity was low when Europeans were not allowed to watch the World Cup games. Drunk English men chanting their team's songs on the Tube. Patriotic souls also parading around my neighborhood with their flags, bullhorns and vuvuzelas.

I participated in my share of the fun. I joined a sweepstakes (a fancy word for pool) in which I drew two countries from a hat. I picked Germany and really stuck by them...well except when Australia was playing but then Germany whipped major Aussie butt...In the end, I won 6 pounds because of Germany. I partly did it just to mess with my colleagues. Here I am, am American girl that doesn't know a thing about football and I end up winning....Can you see the gloating??? We were actually nice to our colleagues when the US advanced and England lost. I have to admit, England was a little quieter and more humble.

I attended a few of the England and US matches. I was particularly interested in attending an England game. When England and the US played, I was in a posh pub in Nottinghill so there wasn't too much craziness, aside from two drunk guys punching each other in the chest. My friend invited other Americans and when USA scored, we gave each other low high fives. We feared what could happen in a pub full of English. For my next game, my Manager, Director and I had just come from Paris after a business meeting. There was no way he was missing the England game. Straight from the Eurostar, the plan was to roll right to the pub. It was one of the hottest days in London so I had to get my bearings and I joined later. Like a trooper, my manager was there and happy to have made the start of the game. The fans really have true spirit and are really passionate about their team. Even at the replays, they'd still have the same intensity - the "Ohhhhsss"...and "Yaaaasss" in unison. One weekend as I was coming home from Dublin, my taxi driver even commented that the reason he thought business was slow that Saturday was because England lost to Slovenia. Hmmm...interesting how a match loss could contribute to the economic downturn of London...Did the British really decide to stay home because they were so upset by the loss??

Each country has it's patron pub. My fellow Americans found refuge in Bodeans. Bodeans is an American style BBQ joint that shows all the US sports. It's also the best BBQ you can get in England that makes you feel close to home. There is about 5 throughout the city. It was quite strange to be in a pub with all Americans. One of the guys even had an American vuvuzela. That day, USA lost to Ghana. The only two Ghanians that were there had the guts to cheer when they won and the US lost. My English friend who was with us said that there was no way he would have gotten away with that if England was playing. He'd get his face kicked in by the English fans. He also said that we shouldn't be sad that we lost. Americans can't be good at everything.

Yesterday, as I was watching the match, a sadness came over me. This was the last game of the World Cup. Kind of like the Olympics coming to an end.

I was a rebel and cheered for Holland. As we know, Spain won. The Spaniards celebrated until the wee hours of the night. They climbed the historic statue in the palacio. They were proud to be called the best team in the world. Perhaps Americans don't feel as patriotic when our team wins the Superbowl or the Stanley cup. It's been great seeing the live coverage and reading about the World Cup in the newspaper. I am definitely happy to have witnessed it.

Two Ticks off the List

Two weeks ago, Mari returned for an encore visit to London. This time she stayed for 12 days. During her visit, we had a picnic in the park, cooked Mexican food and did some local things in London. Mari's been here several times so it was cool not to do the usual touristy things and give her a taste of what London life is for me.

When Mari arrived, it was one of the hottest weekends in London. In true form, everyone was camped out in the Common for sunbathing, people watching, and Pimms. Yes, Pimms, the summer spirit. I was introduced to Pimms in April by my friend Rob. It is a liquor that almost tastes like Red Bull. You mix it with Lemonade (aka Sprite) and add apples, oranges, strawberries, cucumbers, lemon, lime and a sprig of mint. Almost like Sangria. Since its introduction to me, I have also adopted this as my summer drink. Mari was amazed at how many people where out in the Common. While it nice that it was really hot, it wasn't so nice being stuck on the Tube or in an un-airconditioned flat. Luckily, I have a split level flat and my bedroom downstairs was really cool.

I also ticked off two of my 'To Dos' while in Europe. We went to a friendly football match - England versus Mexico and the Sex and the City 2 Premier.

The football game was pretty cool. I had high expectations that all the Mexicans I haven't seen in London would turn up. I was disappointed when I saw the biggest concentration were in the Mexican fan section. I came to the sad realization that there are not many Latinos in London. Most of the Mexicans that were at the game had come from other parts of Europe (From what I am told it is easier for Mexicans to get visas to other parts of Europe like France.) They didn't go out of their way to say anything when it was obvious we were paisas.



We had our share of comic relief with Englishmen being obnoxiously drunk. One guy was so drunk, he almost grabbed my friend as he fell to the row below us. He also passed out and his mates left him. The England fans were also dressed up in mustaches and Mexican hats! It's okay because we learned a phrase from the Mexican fans. When the England goalie throws the ball back out Mexican fans scream - Puutttoooosss! The Mexican fans used it freely even after the game. At the end of the match, we got to see Mr. Hottie, David Beckham, as the England team walked the field to thank all the fans for their support as they go to the World Cup.




I'm glad I went but I am not sure I'd do it again. Wembley has weird British snacks and they ran out of ice for the soda 10 minutes into the game. You can only drink alcohol at half time by the concession stands. After the game is over, you have about 80,000 people trying to get back on the Tube. While the police do an excellent job at crowd control, it takes forever to get out of Wembley Stadium. But I've experienced it...so on to the next one.



Mari and I also went to the SATC2 movie premier. We got to see Sarah Jessica Parker, Mr. Big, a glimpse of Kim Catrall, Cynthia Nixton, and Kristen Davis. We also saw other American and British celebrities as they made their way down the red carpet to the movie theater. I always get star stuck. We were like crazed fans, screaming their names and snapping photos.




While I am making my way through the list, I keep finding more To Dos. Stay tuned!

Thought of the Day

I've got a few posts that are in Draft mode but thought that I would easily put this one out in cyberspace.

Awhile back, I wrote that I am inspired by random Thoughts of the Day that are posted by the London Underground workers at the Clapham North Tube station. I have found a much easier route to take to work that doesn't involve as much crowds and waiting 20 minutes before you can squeeze on the train.

Typically on the weekends, I get on at this stop if I am going up North. Since Mari was here and we were doing the touristy thing - she also has no shame, we stopped and took a picture. She teared up when she read it...Ahhh...the feelings these thoughts can provoke.

Thought of the Day for Sunday, 30th of May.

Mexican Fiesta Night

On Saturday, I hosted my first gathering at my place. Two of my friends were here working and ever since Cinco de Mayo (which is not celebrated here), I've wanted to have a party at my place to showcase my Mexican specialities. I thought what a perfect opportunity to host a party. I also used it as an excuse to have my friends help me explore the night life in Clapham.

I'm not very good at estimating so I definitely bought too much food. On the menu - shrimp ceviche, guacamole, chicken flautas, quesadillas, beans, and shredded chicken chipotle. The drink of the night was palomas. I also brought out the tortillas I've been hoarding in my freezer. It's amazing how well the Antotonilco tortillas held up.

It wasn't as challenging as I thought it would be to find the products. I had the chipotle I brought back from Chicago. At the supermarket, I found jalapenos in vinegar for the ceviche. I researched Mexican cheese substitutes and it was recommended to use a mild white cheddar with a mix of mozzarella. For the palomas, I did not find Squirt but I tried bitter lemonade. There were only 2 types of Tequila to choose from. I choose not to go with Jose Cuervo. Too many bad memories. The biggest challenge was not having a car to haul everything back to my flat.

My party was a success. We had a great time. I was able to cram 12 people into my flat. I met a new friend that lives in my neighborhood.



After the party, we headed to the high street. There were so many people out. We headed to the Sun and then to Grafton House, my favorite place by far in Clapham. Unfortunately, Grafton closed at 1:00a.m. so we headed to the White House. White House is a really popular club that plays house music. People from all over London come for a night out here. I won't mention how late I came home but it was a good, good night! The bonus was that I was only 5 minutes from home in a taxi.




I will definitely host another gathering. I love being a great host!

Hastings - A Lovely Town

Monday, I experienced my first Bank holiday in England. On a recommendation from a very drunk spectator at the London Marathon, Amber and I decided to take a day trip to the seaside town of Hastings. I hadn't put too much thought into planning this bank holiday. I think I was focused on my Easter break to Lisbon that I didn't really plan the two bank holidays we have at the beginning and end of May properly.

We boarded the Southern Railway from the Victoria train station and headed two hours southeast to Hastings for the Jack-In-the-Green festival. http://www.hastingsjack.co.uk/hist.html

According to the Jack-In-The Green website, "May 1st has long been an important part of the annual Calendar. It is the start of summer in these latitudes and as such has always been a day for celebration: the Celts celebrated May Day as Beltane; The Romans dedicated the day to the Goddess Flora and would go to the woods to cut a tree and decorate it with ribbons and flowers, this is the origin of the May Pole. In the 16th and 17th centuries in England people would make garlands of flowers and leaves for the May Day celebration, they became increasingly elaborate."

It is a very traditional festival in Hastings and has just been reinstated over the last few years. It's a six hour ordeal with a procession throughout the city. The procession stops and there is dancing in the streets. The process continues and ends at the Hastings Castle where old man winter (Jack) he is symbolically slain and the Spirit of Summer is released for another year.












It is very earthy and green celebration and of course there is lots of beer drinking. There was a street vendor selling flowered headpieces. We looked like Earthy Goddesses.

We wondered around Hastings. The weather cooperated most of the time although it was chilly for being May. We climbed up a hill unintentionally thinking it was the Castle. You think I would learn to wear the right shoes on these trips (deja vu from walking the cobblestones streets in Lisbon with heels). We had a great view of the castle and the seaside. There were also cheese and bakery shops that we walked into. I had very good cupcake. We went into an art exhibition. Some of the art was centered around the Jack-In-The-Green theme.



Once we figured out where the Castle was, we headed back there. We had a better view of the procession. We decided against going into the castle mainly because the drawbridge was under construction and had this scaffolding around it. The amount of people going through there made me nervous. You never know in these little towns.

About early afternoon, we headed back to London. We were in the mood for a great burger but most of the pubs were super crowded. In addition to the festival and the bank holiday, there was also a biker convention. We gave up trying to find a place in Hastings and found a really cool pub by Clapham Junction.

It was a perfect day trip. I was definitely happy to do something traditionally English.

Richmond Park - An Urban Gem

On Saturday, I met up with my friend Rob. We headed to Richmond Park which is about a 30 minute bus ride from Clapham. Richmond Park is one of the largest Royal Parks in London. According to the website, in 1625, Charles I brought his court to Richmond Palace to escape the plague in London and turned it into a park for red and fallow deer. I caught a glimpse of some deer through the trees.
http://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/richmond_park/history.cfm

The park is amazing! You almost can't believe it's so close to London. This park is this urban gem, a mini-retreat from everyday life.



It had been almost a year since I last road a bike and I was really longing to go for a bike ride. For the last three weekends, we've had really nice weather so once again I decided to take advantage of the lovely day. At the park, you can rent bikes by the hour. This was not your typical bike ride along the flat Chicago lakefront. Richmond Park has dirt trails and many hills. I felt victorious as I rode uphill. I felt so free, controlling my own destiny riding along the path. Fifteen minutes later as I was reading the sign, "You are strongly encouraged to dismount," I took a nasty fall down the hill. I scraped my palms and knee pretty bad. I blame it on being a city girl riding on a dirt road and the bald tires. Maybe???

Luckily, I have a high tolerance for pain and a good sense of humor. I picked myself up and continued to ride..back to the bike rental.



We then walked through the park and I must say, it was sensory overload with green everywhere. There were also several creeks and ponds. There was this crane, standing in the water and there were ducks playing and jesting one another.



We exited the park and walked through the town along the river. Richmond is a very posh town as well. I really loved the vibe of the town. The river front was lined with sidewalk cafes and restaurants. Similar to Clapham, there were people everywhere just lounging in the grass and enjoying the day.




This is definitely one of my favourite places in London by far.

My Traveling Partner

People have commented that I am so brave to venture out into another country on my own. They wonder how I do it being so far away from friends and family. The answer is simple. My Mom.

Three years ago today I lost my mom to lung cancer. She was my world - my soul sister, my best friend. In trying to cope with her loss, searching for the meaning of life and the courage to move on, I remembered her words to me as she was battling cancer...."Maybe now this is your time to move to another state or another country." Almost two years later, I dug deep and found the courage to pack up my life and move to London.

My mom had always known that I loved to travel and experience new and different things. She would take every chance to remind me to be financially responsible saying "Oh, you've bought too many clothes. Oh, you should save your money." Never once did she ever question my spending habits when it came to traveling. I remember when I was as young as 9 or 10, I belonged to a church that ran a summer camp in Green Bay, Wisconsin. As a single mother, she did everything in her power to make sure I could attend camp. When I was there, she'd write me letters, send care packages, and accept my collect calls, phoning her to tell her I missed her and was homesick.

So as I am here in London, 4000 miles away from home, I feel my mom with me. The coolest dream I've had is that my mom logs onto Facebook and checks out the photos of my travels.

I often wonder what she would like and dislike about London. My mom would absolutely love the mild weather. Not too hot and not too cold. My mom liked when it rained and the smell of the air that followed before a good rain. She would absolutely love how everyone smokes here. My mom smoked for 35 years. I think she would like the open markets like Colombia Flower Market, Borough Market and Spitalfields. We always loved to go shopping together whether it was browsing or to do some serious shopping.

She probably wouldn't like the transit system and the crowds. She loved having a car and running her errands fairly easy. She wouldn't really like the everyday food here but would like the occasional good restaurant. She would probably go crazy for not having a Dunkin' Donuts on every corner for her convenience.

As I travel Europe, I have these "ah-ha" moments. Last week it was as simple as lounging in the park with Stanley and being a peace. In Barcelona, it was the beauty of being by the sea. It's these breath taking moments when I think wow, I'm really here. I'm really experiencing this and not once do I feel alone because in a spiritual way I know my mom is with me. I know she would love just being with me and that we would enjoy whatever journey we were on. Always and Forever.

Carpe Diem

The last two weekends have been really nice and sunny in London. The streets are even more crowded than usual with people. The cafes are packed with people dining alfresco. Everyone is people watching. The women are dressed in the latest fashion trends for summer weather. Cool, boho chic as I describe it.

From what my friends tell me, this weather is not really common. While we do have our share of sunny days in the summer, these days are few and far between and occur around June/July. I guess that would explain why us Londoners (notice how I include myself now) take advantage at the first sign of great weather.

Until a few weeks ago, I was on the fence about my neighborhood. It was recommended to me by my colleague, Patrick, at work. He asked me which neighborhood I liked in Chicago (he's an American expat from Chicago) and he would give me the equivalent in London. I told him I really liked the Bucktown/Wicker Park area in Chicago. I loved the little cafes, cool restaurants, and boutique shops that you could find there. Patrick recommended Clapham in Southwest London. You can read more about my town here - http://claphamhighstreet.co.uk/Content/chshistory.htm and http://www.loveclapham.com/clapham-common-guide/275

Patrick has made many friends here and really talked it up. He said that Clapham is a really cool place in the summer with outdoor music festivals in the park. He said that usually people just hang out in the Common and have picnics. People run and there are organized 5Ks in the Common. Moving to Clapham in Autumn and Winter months when people tend not to go out as much really didn't help give me the full appreciation.

Clapham is starting to grow on me. Patrick has introduced me to some of his friends. We went to a neighborhood pub on a Monday night for a pub quiz. Once after pizza in Brixton, we headed over to this other pub and played card games. Over the last few weeks, I've been exploring a bit more. I love to have breakfast and checked out a French cafe. It was followed by boutique shopping where I bought this really cute dress.

The most recent highlight was this Sunday. It was an exceptionally beautiful day. I had taken it easy most of the weekend and it was more of a go-with-the-flow kind of day. No hurry to do anything. I decided that I would have enough patience to take Stanley for a long walk to the Common. The Common is not really far in terms of "human" walking distance but with a partially blind, small dog that likes to sniff and mark everything, the peaceful experience can become frustrating very easily.

Not this Sunday. I kept Stanley focused and we made our way to the Common. To my expectation, there were tons of people out. You would think people were queueing up to watch some event. I liken it to July 3rd in Chicago when people stake their spot along the lakefront and Grant Park to watch the firework display. The only difference is that people were just lounging around to enjoy the day. It was funny because you'd see people with orange Sainsbury bags from the supermarket filled with goodies for a nice impromptu picnic.




I couldn't help but feel like a tourist and document this for my friends back home. It was really cool.

Stanley and I made our way through the Common and found a nice spot in the shade. We did our share of people watching.

I texted Patrick to see if by chance he was around because it seemed like everyone from the neighborhood was in the park. To my surprise, he was at the local Starbucks. We met him there and then found another place to relax. I let Stanley off the lead and let him sniff and mark to his heart's content.


It was a perfect day - eerily quiet and clear skies because of the flight restrictions in the UK caused by the Volcanic ash but perfect nonetheless. Life is really good. You have to seize days like this. Carpe Diem.