I am so sorry for slacking on this blog. As some of you may know, i have been a crazy traveling fool. I have given myself a goal to get out of London once a month to see what else there is. And Lordy, there is a lot!
February: Essex (to visit the fam)
March: Paris
April: Prague
May: Santiago, Spain
June: The Algarve, South Portugal
hmmmmmmmm..... where to next?!?!
Actually, for July and August i am going to check out the UK... Brighton, Cornwall, Bath, Wales, etc... with a minor detour up to switzerland to visit one of my bestest, Dena...
i do have some interesting stories to tell! i promise to write more, soon!! next monday & tuesday!! :-)
stay tuned!
rach
Friday, June 12, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
The Visit... to Paris
So, living in London is allowing me to travel freely and cheap! which is fantastic.
So far i have returned to Paris and Prague. Both cities are so amazing. And i saw a different side of them this time around. I am not sure if it is because of who i was with in each city, or different time of the year or what. But it was great.
I returned to Paris this time around with friends that i grew up with in Long Island, NY, Allie, Mehgan, Nikki. We had a great time. the girls arrived the 2 nights before me and checked out the Eiffel Tower and the Louve and waited for me to revisit the Museum de Orsay, my most favorite museum in the world (to date).. all my boyfriends are there, Renoir, Monet, Manet, the list can go on!! the Impressionist Period is my love. It was wonderful. You literally get lost in those paintings.
Later that day we headed to Notre Dame, which i saw from the outside last time, but was able to actually go INSIDE this time around. And i am not kidding you at all when i say, i cried the second i walked in there. I don't really know how to explain it, but a warm feeling came over me and lasted the entire time i was inside, as if my mom and everyone else that has passed reached down and gave me a hug. it was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING and something i will NEVER forget. And the weird thing is that Allie & Nikki said they had a similar feeling and non of us are super religious.
Anyway, that night we climbed somewhere in the neighborhood of 400 steps, on the tightest stairwell to the top of the Arch de Triumph. Quite a nice view at night, especially of the Eiffel Tower with its lights show. Then enjoyed an pretty amazing dinner on the Champs Elysees. We chatted the night away, enjoyed a few bottles of wine and people watched on the best street for it! So fun!
The following morning we were on a time limit as the girls were flying back to London and i was taking the train about an hour after them. So, we decided to head up the hill and see the Basilique du Sacre-Coeu (Sacred Heart Church). We climbed over 200 steps up the hill to reach the church. Which is beautiful and has a great view of Paris, but definitely did not have the religious experience like at Notre Dame. After we circling the church for 20min, we finally found the entrance to climb to the top of the Dome. Lordy, those stairs were actually not as bad as the Arch de Triumph, but wow, there were a lot of them! Unfortunately, when we got to the top, the haze in the air made it difficult to see the rest of Paris, but it was still quite an amazing view. And on the way back down the stair, a pigeon was in the stairwell with us, at first he was nice and showing us the way down, then he try to fly inside the stairwell, and screams that came out of our mouths were hysterical.. I don't think i have laughed that hard in ages!! it was probably one of the funniest things ever!
Once we finally made it to the ground level, we continued our way down Montmarte Hill, which has the Greatest little cafes and absolutely amazing artists all sitting around a square painting and drawing way. it is breathtaking. and of course Moulin Rouge!!
WIth one more yummy lunch, we were on our way! The girls collected they belongings at the hotel and headed to the airport. i on the other hand had about an hour to kill, so i just started to roam the streets.. after about 20min or so, i stopped to sit on a deserted park bench and jot in my diary and fiddle with my ipod. Now, i must have been really into what i was writing or listening to, because all the sudden i look up and i am surrounded by a SEA of people on rollerblade/rollerskates! and i mean i did not hear any of them!! crazy, because there thousands!! Unreal... so i asked a nice guy who was sitting next to me about it and he said that every friday night and sunday afternoon paris shuts down and there is a police escort for any and all skaters to skate through paris! friday night, he said, is usually for the more experienced skaters. But when i tell you there were 3-4yr olds skating as well as people that looked well into there 60s & 70s! it was crazy and super cool! Next time i am in paris, i am definitely going to give that a try!
Anyway.... i made my way back to London and met up with the girls. I took them to a local PUB near there hotel and told Nikki & Mehgan they had to either have a "PIE" or "FISH N CHIPS" since had never been here before and the chose the fish and chips and loved it!
The next morning, before the girls headed back home, we headed to Buckingham Palace for the changing of the guards, Abbey Road to see the Beatles famous record Album cover and then off to YO SUSHI for some fun sushi!!
It was an absolutely great visit all around! love you girls!!
So far i have returned to Paris and Prague. Both cities are so amazing. And i saw a different side of them this time around. I am not sure if it is because of who i was with in each city, or different time of the year or what. But it was great.
I returned to Paris this time around with friends that i grew up with in Long Island, NY, Allie, Mehgan, Nikki. We had a great time. the girls arrived the 2 nights before me and checked out the Eiffel Tower and the Louve and waited for me to revisit the Museum de Orsay, my most favorite museum in the world (to date).. all my boyfriends are there, Renoir, Monet, Manet, the list can go on!! the Impressionist Period is my love. It was wonderful. You literally get lost in those paintings.
Later that day we headed to Notre Dame, which i saw from the outside last time, but was able to actually go INSIDE this time around. And i am not kidding you at all when i say, i cried the second i walked in there. I don't really know how to explain it, but a warm feeling came over me and lasted the entire time i was inside, as if my mom and everyone else that has passed reached down and gave me a hug. it was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING and something i will NEVER forget. And the weird thing is that Allie & Nikki said they had a similar feeling and non of us are super religious.
Anyway, that night we climbed somewhere in the neighborhood of 400 steps, on the tightest stairwell to the top of the Arch de Triumph. Quite a nice view at night, especially of the Eiffel Tower with its lights show. Then enjoyed an pretty amazing dinner on the Champs Elysees. We chatted the night away, enjoyed a few bottles of wine and people watched on the best street for it! So fun!
The following morning we were on a time limit as the girls were flying back to London and i was taking the train about an hour after them. So, we decided to head up the hill and see the Basilique du Sacre-Coeu (Sacred Heart Church). We climbed over 200 steps up the hill to reach the church. Which is beautiful and has a great view of Paris, but definitely did not have the religious experience like at Notre Dame. After we circling the church for 20min, we finally found the entrance to climb to the top of the Dome. Lordy, those stairs were actually not as bad as the Arch de Triumph, but wow, there were a lot of them! Unfortunately, when we got to the top, the haze in the air made it difficult to see the rest of Paris, but it was still quite an amazing view. And on the way back down the stair, a pigeon was in the stairwell with us, at first he was nice and showing us the way down, then he try to fly inside the stairwell, and screams that came out of our mouths were hysterical.. I don't think i have laughed that hard in ages!! it was probably one of the funniest things ever!
Once we finally made it to the ground level, we continued our way down Montmarte Hill, which has the Greatest little cafes and absolutely amazing artists all sitting around a square painting and drawing way. it is breathtaking. and of course Moulin Rouge!!
WIth one more yummy lunch, we were on our way! The girls collected they belongings at the hotel and headed to the airport. i on the other hand had about an hour to kill, so i just started to roam the streets.. after about 20min or so, i stopped to sit on a deserted park bench and jot in my diary and fiddle with my ipod. Now, i must have been really into what i was writing or listening to, because all the sudden i look up and i am surrounded by a SEA of people on rollerblade/rollerskates! and i mean i did not hear any of them!! crazy, because there thousands!! Unreal... so i asked a nice guy who was sitting next to me about it and he said that every friday night and sunday afternoon paris shuts down and there is a police escort for any and all skaters to skate through paris! friday night, he said, is usually for the more experienced skaters. But when i tell you there were 3-4yr olds skating as well as people that looked well into there 60s & 70s! it was crazy and super cool! Next time i am in paris, i am definitely going to give that a try!
Anyway.... i made my way back to London and met up with the girls. I took them to a local PUB near there hotel and told Nikki & Mehgan they had to either have a "PIE" or "FISH N CHIPS" since had never been here before and the chose the fish and chips and loved it!
The next morning, before the girls headed back home, we headed to Buckingham Palace for the changing of the guards, Abbey Road to see the Beatles famous record Album cover and then off to YO SUSHI for some fun sushi!!
It was an absolutely great visit all around! love you girls!!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Stirling Road
Stirling Road, my new humble abode...
As i said earlier, i was hunting around on Gumtree looking for a place and low and behold, after weeks of searching, I found Stirling Road. It is a lovely 3 story Victorian. I live with 3 guys, i know, a little crazy. Elwyn is from Ireland, Chris is from Glasgow and Zach is from England. All of them are great! the house has a "guy vibe" to it, but i am managing and having fun.
here are a few pics of my girlie room and the "garden." I love that it is called a garden and not a backyard by the way! :-)
more to come at somepoint...
hope you all are well.
Monday, March 9, 2009
GUMTREE....
Ok.. so i have a few posts i NEED to write, including the one about my Pakistan Cab Driver, The Underdog and Aussies... but i had to let you all know about Gumtree and the hysterics that it has brought me!! :-)
So, Gumtree is basically the London version of Craiglist. They have Craiglist here, too, but it is not as popular. Anyway, like may people do to post ads about living situations and sublets, i did as well in that i am looking for a flat. It is not scary and this way, i can broaden my network of friends here in London...
i have gotten some amazing responses and saw tons of flat, but nothing that has blown me away yet... anyway.. in addition to the flats, i have received some interesting e-mails.. see below for my favorite one so far and feel free to laugh aloud like i did.. and see if you can point out a few of my favorite line!!
#1 ... my favorite...
Hi,
You look very pretty, thats why I am asking if you would be interested in this job. The money is very good and its not hard work, there is no sex involved but you do have to undress, dont worry, its not infront of lots of people, its just one person and you get paid £80 an hour. Its not in a club, its very discreet, its in a private apartment and you can wear a mask if you want.
Let me know if you want this job.
Its good even if you do it for a short time to pay bills, thats why Im doing it.
Michaela x
So, Gumtree is basically the London version of Craiglist. They have Craiglist here, too, but it is not as popular. Anyway, like may people do to post ads about living situations and sublets, i did as well in that i am looking for a flat. It is not scary and this way, i can broaden my network of friends here in London...
i have gotten some amazing responses and saw tons of flat, but nothing that has blown me away yet... anyway.. in addition to the flats, i have received some interesting e-mails.. see below for my favorite one so far and feel free to laugh aloud like i did.. and see if you can point out a few of my favorite line!!
#1 ... my favorite...
Hi,
You look very pretty, thats why I am asking if you would be interested in this job. The money is very good and its not hard work, there is no sex involved but you do have to undress, dont worry, its not infront of lots of people, its just one person and you get paid £80 an hour. Its not in a club, its very discreet, its in a private apartment and you can wear a mask if you want.
Let me know if you want this job.
Its good even if you do it for a short time to pay bills, thats why Im doing it.
Michaela x
Monday, March 2, 2009
YO! SUSHI
Yo! Sushi is probably one of the most amazing places EVER.
It is a fun sushi restaurant where you can either sit in a booth or at the bar and the sushi passes you by on a little conveyor belt. it is amazing. and depending on the color of the plate you pick up, tells you how much it is. it is simply fantastic! and there is also a full menu if you would like soups or hot food. and to top it off, they also have a water fountain right at your table.
it is priceless and amazing!!
just thought you should all know! :-)
til next time...
Rachel
It is a fun sushi restaurant where you can either sit in a booth or at the bar and the sushi passes you by on a little conveyor belt. it is amazing. and depending on the color of the plate you pick up, tells you how much it is. it is simply fantastic! and there is also a full menu if you would like soups or hot food. and to top it off, they also have a water fountain right at your table.
it is priceless and amazing!!
just thought you should all know! :-)
til next time...
Rachel
Friday, February 27, 2009
Family Lunch..
So, like i said in earlier blogs, Sunday Lunches here are OUT-OF-CONTROL!! it literally is America's Thanksgiving, EVERY SUNDAY!! Now, don't get me wrong, i LOVE FOOD and i hanging with the fam, so it is quite nice actually, so i am not complaining, i am just amazed that this goes on Every Sunday!
So.. Martyn (my other cousin) and Maddie, his GF picked me up, after a late start, around 11:30 and we were on our way. When we arrived at Clare & John's at noonish, and Mary & Pat and Frances were already there. It was great. Of course Football (Soccer) was on. The Brits here, as you know are crazy about their Football, as Americans are about their "football" on Sundays. And this particular game was a big one.. Manchester United vs West Ham... and i have learned.. WEST HAM is "THE" team to root for! -- -according to my cousins of course!! .. and i dare not stray!! :-) Although we lost that day, 1-0.. Boo!!
Anyway... this was Clare's first Roast and in my opinion, it was AMAZING!! we had Turkey and Roast Beef, and assortment of veggies from Carrots to Brusselsprouts! - --Oh, BTW, bursselsprouts are HUGE HERE!!! i have never eaten one in my entire life and 2 weeks in a row i was subjected to them!!.. and i ate them, but i must say, they are NOT my favorite veggie.. :-) anyway.. in addition, there were potatoes and gravy, i mean i could go on and on!! not to mention the delicious cheesecake and home made apple pie.. and bottle and bottles and bottles of wine!!
AHHHHHHHH..... GOOD TIMES!!!
So.. Martyn (my other cousin) and Maddie, his GF picked me up, after a late start, around 11:30 and we were on our way. When we arrived at Clare & John's at noonish, and Mary & Pat and Frances were already there. It was great. Of course Football (Soccer) was on. The Brits here, as you know are crazy about their Football, as Americans are about their "football" on Sundays. And this particular game was a big one.. Manchester United vs West Ham... and i have learned.. WEST HAM is "THE" team to root for! -- -according to my cousins of course!! .. and i dare not stray!! :-) Although we lost that day, 1-0.. Boo!!
Anyway... this was Clare's first Roast and in my opinion, it was AMAZING!! we had Turkey and Roast Beef, and assortment of veggies from Carrots to Brusselsprouts! - --Oh, BTW, bursselsprouts are HUGE HERE!!! i have never eaten one in my entire life and 2 weeks in a row i was subjected to them!!.. and i ate them, but i must say, they are NOT my favorite veggie.. :-) anyway.. in addition, there were potatoes and gravy, i mean i could go on and on!! not to mention the delicious cheesecake and home made apple pie.. and bottle and bottles and bottles of wine!!
AHHHHHHHH..... GOOD TIMES!!!
Drinks with New Friends...
So, i must say, that i have a fabulous network of friends. One of my bestest from high school, Jenny, introduced me via e-mail to one of her friends, Kathleen, from University and we decided to met up and have a few drinks!
It was a blast, and knowing Jenny, I knew that Kathleen would be super fun times!
I met them in Shepard's Bush, which is in Central London for all of you that are not sure where that it. Kathleen lives in Northern London and I, in South London.. anyway.. it was fun! One of the bartenders was from Australia and was heading back home and the new bartender was from Long Island, NY!! so we all hit is off smashingly.. and since one of Kat's friends, Jill, lived around the corner from the pub, she new everyone and we ended up getting free drinks and shots and before i knew it, it was 2;00am in morning and we were heading back to Jill's for Dance Party UK!!
The bartenders and her friends joined us, it was about 10-15 of us and super fun!! danced the night away, until finally around 3:30/4:00 i had to put myself to bed, as i had "Family Lunch / Roast" on sunday at my cousin clare's. However, fearing that i would not wake up by 8:00 to head home to shower and change to be ready for an early pick up, i was waking up every 30min or so, and finally headed out at 6:30am. Made it home around 8:00 and took a strong power nap until around 10:00ish then was on my way!!
Needless to say... i was the T-word when i woke up on sunday!! ... and the T-word, is TIRED!! ;-)
It was a blast, and knowing Jenny, I knew that Kathleen would be super fun times!
I met them in Shepard's Bush, which is in Central London for all of you that are not sure where that it. Kathleen lives in Northern London and I, in South London.. anyway.. it was fun! One of the bartenders was from Australia and was heading back home and the new bartender was from Long Island, NY!! so we all hit is off smashingly.. and since one of Kat's friends, Jill, lived around the corner from the pub, she new everyone and we ended up getting free drinks and shots and before i knew it, it was 2;00am in morning and we were heading back to Jill's for Dance Party UK!!
The bartenders and her friends joined us, it was about 10-15 of us and super fun!! danced the night away, until finally around 3:30/4:00 i had to put myself to bed, as i had "Family Lunch / Roast" on sunday at my cousin clare's. However, fearing that i would not wake up by 8:00 to head home to shower and change to be ready for an early pick up, i was waking up every 30min or so, and finally headed out at 6:30am. Made it home around 8:00 and took a strong power nap until around 10:00ish then was on my way!!
Needless to say... i was the T-word when i woke up on sunday!! ... and the T-word, is TIRED!! ;-)
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