Ten on Tuesday

Our first full work week since the Easter holidays. Is it really only Tuesday?

1. It's going on 6 weeks that I haven't had my passport and thus not able to travel. I'm starting to get a bit anxious and feeling a bit trapped here especially since my grandmother is very sick. It's very odd considering in the US, my passport sat in a file cabinet most of the year except when I started taking my annual European or Latin American vacations.

2. In anticipation of getting my passport back, I couldn't help myself and booked a trip to Greece with Amber in June. Greece has been one of my top 'To Do's' while here. When Amber suggested, I immediately said yes. I'm looking forward to it. Time to get beach ready!

3. While on the topic of passports, I am very proud of my cousin for getting my godson and niece their passports to come and see me. We finalized their trip and Orlando and Alyssa will be coming for a visit to London in August. They will be with me for 3 weeks! Now I've got to start planning activities to keep them occupied.

4. It's been almost two weeks since England celebrated the Royal Wedding. I must say, it was a great day for Britain. From the media coverage, to the street parties (aka block parties) and the actual ceremony, it was wonderful to call England home and be a part of the festivities. I choose to watch the wedding with friends on the television. Starting at 9:30 in the morning, we drank champagne, ate cucumber sandwiches, and cupcakes. It was also fantastic that we were given the day off as a public holiday once the wedding date was announced. It almost made last Friday feel less special.

5. I went to Oxford on the Royal Wedding weekend. It was the perfect day trip. Only an hour by train. The train ride was pretty scenic. I'm amazed at how beautiful England is even 30 minutes outside of London. Once we arrived, we took a hop on hop off bus tour. I learned that penicillin was founded in Oxford inside a plantar box. Parts of Harry Potter were filmed in Christ's College. We toured the famous mess hall where they ate.

6. I explored Greenwich over the holiday as well. I had a picnic in the park which by the way is massive. I'm saving the prime meridian visit for when Orlando and Alyssa come but I did manage to have a few drinks at the pub along the river. Trafalgar is an old haunt of Charles Dickens.

7. I love the concept of Sunday lunch here. Sunday lunch consists of an early afternoon meal typically a beef, pork or chicken roast with roasted potatoes (in goose fat), Yorkshire pudding, veg and lots of alcohol before and after. It's a lovely way to spend a Sunday with family and friends.

8. I'm so digging the Addison Lee iPhone app that I recently downloaded. Ridiculous as it sounds, I've been trying to validate my reason for buying an iPhone. I don't use it for anything in particular...but that's all changed. With this new app, I can easily book a taxi service and they are usually super fast to arrive!

9. I still can't believe the costs here sometimes especially for pet care. Stanley needs to see a vet optomologist for monitor the pressures in his eyes. Well last week, I spent about $500 for 20 minutes of a specialist's time. It's not rocket science. He's blind. His eyes are not getting better. There's not much more that can be done for him. I was so upset that I had to vent to his regular vet that I saw later that evening. (Yes it was take care of Stanley day) She kindly offered to investigate other options for me as I have to take Stanley back to the specialist every 3 to 4 months. She even went so far as to call me directly on my mobile to advise that she could run some of the tests for a fraction of the price. It wasn't so much the costs but the vet's personal attention to me. One it's rare to find good customer service in London and two, it really made me feel more at home knowing I have a trusted vet. Dr. Rose has my loyalty now. Funny enough, they don't refer to vets or dentists as doctors...

10. Amber and Elaine went to Prague this weekend for the marathon. Part of me was bummed because I was very keen to run this race months back. The good news is that my heel is feeling much better due to my training sessions with Matthew. He's helped strengthen my core and sends me motivational texts and email. I love this guy. Still pondering the idea of running the London marathon. I'm sure Matthew will convince me.