Chinese New Year

I always love getting visitors from back home but I especially love getting to show them around when something cool is happening in London. A friend of mine from home Callum and a few of his friends were over doing a big European tour while I was at home doing my Aussie summer. A few days after I got back they arrived back in London conveniently on the first day of Chinese New Year celebrations.

We decided to check out the shenanigans by having dinner at a Dim Sim restaurant which was recommended by a friend. Since the parade was actually on the weekend and I wasn't going to be here for it I was a bit gutted we were missing out. I was happy to see that the party was starting with people handing out whistles and masks as we wandered the streets.



Luckily for us we had booked a table and managed to get into a large round table with a lazy susan in the middle. We soon got down to ordering dumplings and our meals while chatting over tiger beer. The food was delicious and as we sat and ate we saw the line start to head out the door and around the corner.

After we were stuffed full of food it was time to check out Soho and we wandered through chinatown to a bar offering half price cocktails. A couple of mojito's later and it was time to say goodbye. Once again the bad thing about visitors is when you have to leave them to their travels/flight/next adventure. Still I know its not the last time I see Cal in London - hopefully I've convinced him to come back.

Pebbles, Parties, Picnics and Pompadoms

I hate to say it but this is going to be another blog about Brighton! As you know I do love that place and since it was Sophie's last weekend in London before she set off on her Europe adventure and my friend Shea had never been we organised a big group of us to go down. We were so lucky because the weather couldn't have been more perfect - nice and hot and sunny with a cool ocean breeze.

We did all the usual things on the pier - checking out the arcade games, looking at the lolly shops and watching some of the crazy rides. The highlight was us girls decided to go on the merry-go-round for a bit of old fashioned fun. I can't remember the last time we went on one but it was really fun! Underrated as rides go really and it was fun to be a big kid again. We wandered down along the sea front before grabbing some deck chairs and chilling out in the sun. It was the perfect scene for a jug of Pimms followed by fish and chips. Shea and Candra even braved the water! It was the perfect day just chatting and drinking and getting some vitamin D (which us Londoners had a great lack of!).







After a few hours of a little too much sun we wandered around the North Lanes and got lost in a shop called Snoopers Paradise. This shop literally has EVERYTHING you could ever imagine having. Think of every garage sale and charity shop you have ever been into, times it by ten and that is the bottom floor of this shop. I was tempted to buy heaps of ridiculous things like cameras, a guitar and a full length Chinese silk gown (with matching shoes!). Thankfully I managed not to buy anything except a whole chunk of lollies from the lolly shop across the road. By the end of the day we were all on a sugar high and sun burnt so we jumped back on the train and headed home for a quick change and relax before heading back out.

Kimberly, A friend of a friend who I had met a couple of times had just moved into a new flat so we went over to Chalk Farm to check it out and have a few drinks. The funniest thing was that allllll of us girls and even James had been sunburnt at Brighton so we got LOTS of weird looks on the tube on the way because we were so burnt we were practically fluorescent. We got there and met up with a few of the boys and checked out her flat. It was soooo fancy with her even having a little attic room (very cute!) and we were all extremely jealous! Once the grand tour was done we got down to business eating and drinking and chatting away. Those 'few drinks' turned into a few bottles of wine followed by a few shots and the night ended up getting crazy! We had intended to go out for a few drinks in Camden after but when we looked at the time we realised it was 3am and probably time to start the trek home. Two night buses' later we made it back to Shea's flat and crashed there for the night.



The next morning we woke up all feeling a bit worse for wear and nursing a few sore heads. Thankfully Candra had been so kind as to get up early and make us all french toast so once we got that into our tummies we were raring to go! The plan for Sunday was to check out Hampstead Heath because it was yet again a sunny day so we made a trek up there to check it out. It had been so good to check out the other side of London because all the houses's up there were GORGEOUS. I am pretty sure I am going to live there one day. As we walked into the park we grabbed an ice cream from the ice cream man and wandered through the grass and trees into the Lido's. Shea and Izzy had intended to swim but in their hungover state they couldn't really be bothered so we kept walking through the Heath. We found a wicked tree to climb and jumped up and played like kids again before sitting down under a tree on a picnic blanket to chill out. The funny thing was none of us had the forethought to bring any food with us so the only thing we ate was a piece of extra gum while we sat in the sun and chilled out. As our sunburn was already pretty bad we didn't stay out there for long and decided to give up on the heath and head over to Spitafields Markets.




As Soph is a bit (and by bit i mean a lot) of a fasionista the Spitafields Markets are a great place to go to check out some young designers stuff and a few vintage stalls. The markets were really good as they were slightly a bit more upmarket then the usual stuff sold at Camden etc. They had a big bunch of scarves for 1 pound so I grabbed that but nothing much else took my fancy. Ok let me re-phrase that - lots of things took my fancy but 1 pound was more my budget! By this time we were all a bit sore and weary and ready for a good sit down.

Spitfields markets is right near Brick Lane which is known as 'Banglatown' because it is lined with curry houses and Indian restaurants. Brick Lane is popular in London not only because a curry is an un-official traditional English meal but you can barter the cost of your meal in the street before you enter the restaurant. Before we had already been walking down the street for 2 minutes we were getting touted by owners of the restaurants. Shea attempted to barter but after the second curry house we gave up. The deal the gave us was pretty good (8 pounds for pompadoms, rice, naan, entree, main and two drinks each) and we couldn't be bothered to walk anymore beacuse all of us were too tired and sore to continue.


*

We had a pretty good yarn over a fairly average (but cheap!) curry and a few drinks but by the end of the day we were happy to be heading home. We got back home and collapsed into bed. After a huge weekend at Glastonbury the week before, several nights of showing Soph around and a touristy weekend I was exhausted. But it was a good exhausted if you know what I mean because we had managed to fit so much in and see so much that at the end of the day I had heaps of good laughs and heaps of fun with my last weekend with Soph.

* Thanks for the photos James

Lovin' London

With our fun filled weekend in Barcelona followed by our girlie getaway in Bath we realised that Lisa and Josh really only had two and a half days in London which isn’t much when you consider that one day is taken up with Royal Wedding festivities. I decided that on the Thursday before hand I would take them on my own special walking tour which meant they got to see most of the sights.

We started over at the London Eye which Lisa and Josh went on while I sat and waiting since I had done it before. Luckily for them it was a sunny(ish) day and they got to see quite good views across the city. Following that we walked along the water, over the Westminster Bridge were we took the classic photos of Big Ben with the houses of Parliament in the background. We then charged on to check out Westminster Abbey before the big day.





The crowds around the Abbey weren’t as busy as I thought there would be but since it was closed off for preparations we couldn’t go in. We still got to check out the outside and wonder over all the people who had been camping out there for days.
The next stop on the tour was Pall Mall and the Horse Guards (which to be honest I walked past by complete fluke!) and we wandered up to Trafalgar Square. The square was full of media and screens and posters for the royal wedding so Lisa didn’t really get to see much of what it is like usually but it definitely had to be ticked off the list. From there we wandered down to 10 Downing Street (where the Prime Minister lives) via the Northumberland Arms (where Sherlock Homes and Watson first met) and up to Covent Garden.



On Thursday Covent Garden has a fresh food market similar to the Borough Markets so we stopped there and picked up a yummy lunch and a quick sit down. Lisa grabbed a polish lunch box that included a sausage, potatoes and coleslaw and I had the most massive food envy even though I had just completely demolished a fresh beef burger. After that pit stop we wandered through the Piazza up to Leicester Square and the theatre district and along to Piccadilly Circus where we saw the statue and got the must have photo.




From there we walked along Regent Street which couldn’t have been more perfect as it was full of British flags for the royal wedding and the streets were buzzing. We wandered down until we reached Oxford Circus where Josh left us to the shopping while he bummed around and read his book. We hit the shops along Oxford Circus picking up a few bargains while I showed Lisa the craziness that is Primark before meeting Josh at the Marble Arch side of Hyde Park.




From there we hired Boris Bikes (the ones you rent for a little while and dock at points around the city) and rode from one side of Hyde Park to the other, via the Serpentine Lake all the way down to Buckingham Palace. We docked our bikes and wandered through the crowds to the palace. As it was the day before the Royal Wedding the place was packed with both tourists, people camping out and the media. They had set up a two story mini TV station filled with cameras and lights and reporters. It was something to see especially since the atmosphere around the Palace is usually subdued. By this stage we were exhausted from walking around so much over the past few days and lots of late nights drinking and eating and catching up so we headed home to chill out on the couch in front of the TV.





The next morning was Royal Wedding Day so we were up bright and early and out of the house at 8am so we could make our way to Hyde Park to meet my friends Laura and Doug and get a spot in front of the big screens. We hadn't wanted to waste time in London lining the streets so we thought the best way to see the whole thing but still be out in the atmosphere was to watch it from the park. We got a place in a decent spot in front of the screen and set up our picnic rugs and food and drink. We had all bought some nibbles and alcoholic drinks (after all it was a wedding). I had picked up a few British flags and had dressed in red, white and navy to get into the spirit of the day.

Photo by Laura Havill

The atmosphere in the park was great as we watched the lead up to the wedding and there were so many gasps and squeals when we first saw the Princes in their uniforms and especially when we saw Kate in her dress. I even admit to having a few tears and sniffles when they said I do. Followed by the popping of the Champers. We all waves our flags and cheered when they walked out and the whole atmosphere was electric. While we waited for the procession and for 'the kiss' on the balcony we were entertained by an MC on stage in the park. They had a band that played and we all sung along and danced. After the big kiss where more champers was popped and even more cheering we danced around in the park to the band. It was a bit like a festival atmosphere and so much fun.






It was such a great event to be in London for and something that I will always remember. I am hoping that I will be here for the christening of the first little prince or princess or Harry's wedding (who knows he could fall in love with me?). I was never a Royalist but I have a new found love of the Royal Family. After the wedding I went to a bbq at Laura and Dougs before Josh, Lisa and I went to dinner and out to my favourite bar in London. It was a long day of drinking and eating and hanging out but it was definately one of my favourite things that I have experienced while I am here.

The next day was Lisa and Josh's final day before they took the Eurostar to Paris so we had the morning to hang out. We went up to Camden Markets which is great for shopping, eating and people watching (all our favourite things). We were lucky that it was a sunny day so we had fun wandering the markets, grabbing food at the street vendors and sitting in the sun by the canal. It was a great end to a fun trip and I was happy that I got a chance to show these guys around the city that I love so much because Spring in London is fantastic.

Bath Spa

After an amazing weekend in Barcelona it was time for Lisa to see a bit more of England - more specifically Bath. Bath is the home to the Roman Baths, an amazing cathedral and what we really wanted to see - the Jane Austen Museum.

Both of us were avid lovers of Pride and Prejudice starring the dreamy Colin Firth (and the book of course) so the first stop after dumping our bags was the museum. It was really cute little house a few houses down from where she lived at 25 Gay Street. The beginning of the tour was a introductory talk about Jane Austen and her life in Bath, her life in general, her inspiration for books and the history of her family. After the talk we wandered through the house which had a museum featuring relics of the era including furniture and fashion. They had photos of the time and other interesting facts of the city and the era. After the grand tour we went up stairs to the tea room where we sat in the prime position and by that I mean directly next to a portrait of Colin Firth and ate a proper English cream tea.







After a yummy tea we went down to the gift shop to see what we could find and we went CRAZY. They had so much cute stuff in there I could have bought the whole shop. At one stage Lisa turned around to me and I had about 5 or 6 things in my hand. She managed to talk me down to only buying myself a bag and a key ring both featuring a 'I heart Mr Darcy' slogan. Lisa did actually buy most of the shop but at least she had the excuse of bringing them back as souvenirs.

We then headed back to the hostel to check in properly and check out where we were staying. After popping away our goodies from the museum we headed out to check out down town bath. It was one of those really sunny and warm days and we spent the afternoon looking around the beautiful old town, walking across the Pultney Bridge and looking at the river. Most of the afternoon was spent shopping though as it was a lot quieter then shopping in London and Lisa wanted to check out all the English shops. At the end of the way I am sure we had walked a thousand miles around the town and we were exhausted.








We decided we would just mosey on down, grab some dinner then have a few drinks down at the bar in our hostel. We had heard on the grapevine that night out in Bath could be pretty good because of the uni there and it being filled with students. Unluckily for us it was half term due to it being Easter so the night life was pretty quiet. That didn't stop us hitting the bar. Somehow a few drinks down in the hostel bar ended up being a all night lock in with the hostel bar staff including Lisa's first Snakebite (strongbow cider and black current) and a few jagerbombs. We ended up getting into our hostel beds at about 6am when the sun was up. Crazy night in a quiet little town.




The next day after a bit of a sleep in and a nice greasy lunch of KFC we decided to check out the Roman Baths. The tour was pretty interesting and I was amazed at how they built these baths so long ago and how they are still working naturally now. We spent a couple of hours checking it out and even popped our big toes in the hot spa (kinda gross!). By the time we were done our energy was waning a little bit due to lack of sleep so we skipped swimming in the other Baths and spent most of the afternoon chilling out in a cute little cafe before heading back to London on the train.





I was so sad to go home because even though we were only there for one night I absolutely fell in love with Bath. It is such a beautiful city and was so nice to get out of town and enjoy the gorgeous city with great weather and a great friend. I love Josh but it was so nice have Lisa just to myself while he visited family and we could have lots of girlie chats and afternoons shopping. I will definitely be going back to Bath to have a relaxing weekend at the spas in Bath.

Mexican Madness

Last week I was lucky enough to have a visitor from home - my big sis Ali. She had planned a holiday to Thailand with a couple of mates and figured since she was halfway around the world she might as well keep coming and visit me. The only downside was the visit was only for five days. Which meant we had a lot to pack in!!!

Wednesday

Ali flew in bright and early in the morning so we had a few hours to catch up over tea before I had to run off for a half day at work. That night after a quick introduction to my house mates I introduced her to someone else really important in my life - my local pub. We had a yummy dinner down at the Park Tavern and a few drinks and after a couple of hours we were all caught up and it was like we hadn't been apart for eight months.

Thursday

I had to head off to work for the day so Ali spent the day shopping before meeting me and my cousin Robyn after work for a yummy pub meal and a night at the theatre. We had scored pretty cheap tickets to see Wicked! which I had been wanting to see for aaaaaaaaages so I was really looking forward to it. I always love going to the theatre and with 20 quid tickets its almost the same price as going to the movies. I didn't really know much about the story line except that it was about the witches of oz. It was a little different then what I expected but it was still really good. Not my favourite but still a great night out and worth watching!

Friday

With an early start we were off on a bus to Oxford to check out another part of the UK and catch up for lunch with some family friends. Apparently I had been there when I was younger on a previous visit to the UK but because I had no recollection of the place it was good to see it. Winter probably isn't the best time to see it as it was pretty quiet. I'd love to go back in spring or summer when its a bit sunnier and sit in the gardens and watch all the students ride around on their bikes. The buildings were so old and pretty. We had a brekky in a cute little cafe before heading off for a wander around the city. We got to see the Bodleian Library (the great hall in Harry Potter! whoop!) plus a few other cool places before heading into the city centre for lunch. We had great time catching up over lunch and a pint at the pub before we had to head back into the city.

Once we got back into the city we met my flatties for dinner at our favourite greek restaurant out on the Clapham High Street. The restaurant is the kind of hole in the wall place that if it wasn't recommended to you then you would totally miss it. Its run by a greek family and its absolutely amazing. Its 9.50 pounds and there is no menu. This little old greek man just brings you out food and its all amazingly yummy. There is about 7 courses started with breads and dip and finishing with greek yohgurt with a whole lot of meat and salad in the middle. He just keeps topping up the wine and the food just keeps coming so it was a pretty big night. Its one of my favourite places in London and it was good to show it to my sis.

Saturday

Since Ali was only in town for a few days I thought it would be easier for her to meet everyone if we threw a party. We also have new housemates so it was a pretty good reason to party. We made it a mexican theme to liven up the party so most of Saturday was spent getting supplies, making decorations and making costumes. Once we were ready with our poncho's and sombreros we started drinking Mojitos at around 4pm. The party didn't start til 8 so needless to say I was a bit pissy before everyone else arrived.

Once people started piling in it was quite obvious that having a party with a bunch of sombrero's wasn't the smartest of moves in a tiny house. Especially when my mates made such a massive effort with costumes - one coming as a taco, one as a cactus and others coming as a pinata!

The night was out.of.control. Seriously. Don't mean to brag but it was an epic party!! Everyone was pissed after lots of tequila shots, mojitos and beer and lots of shennanigans enshewed. One example was my amazing housemate who locked the bathroom door, then climbed out the second story bathroom window and spiderman climbed down and left everyone outside the bathroom waiting for 45 minutes. Everyone was a bit cranky but I thought it was HILARIOUS! The rest of the party was a bit of a blur but all I remember was having an awesome time. The next day I woke up to a whole lot of mexi-carnage. Smashed beer bottles in our living room, lemons and limes all over the floor, 10 rubbish bags filled with empties and even writing on the wall.

Not sure if it was really the best way for everyone to meet my sis as we were all pretty pissed and probably didn't make much sense but it was a fun night anyways!

Sunday

Well...needless to say I was slightly hungover the next day and several hours was spent cleaning. After a big clean up effort and cooked breakfast we went to the pub. Yup! pretty proud of myself actually. It wasn't' really a massive drinking session it was more just to get out of my house that smelt like a brewery. The rest of the day was spent feeling sorry for myself and doing the seemingly endless amount of washing. Sorry Ali! for such a boring day but that is how most Sundays are spent in London.

Monday

Today was me and Ali's last day together :( so I was pretty bummed before it even started. As she didn't fly out until quite late we had a whole day to chill out together before she jetted off. We took the train out to Richmond and had a walk along the river before having a long leisurely pub lunch with a few drinks and lots of chatting.







Before too long it was time to head home and Ali had to get ready to leave. It was pretty sad saying goodbye at the tube station and there were a few tears but this time I know that I will be seeing her soon so it was easier then last time. It was so good to have a visitor from home and being able to show her my life over here.

I'm pretty lucky this year as Ali was the start of many many visitors to come and I am so looking forward to seeing everyone and showing them everything over here that makes me love this city so much!