I'm finally on time with the post! I mean, it's not as if there are any rules dictating when I write these posts but the therapeutic sound of typing is usually best reserved for Sunday nights...at least that is my opinion. This week marked a very important time of the year; it was a time for eating way too much and going consumer crazy. It marked the beginning of Christmas break for my DU friends and it was the much needed break for many of those who will return to school until Christmas.
Side note: The fact that many of you are returning to school is proof that the quarter system > your
system. Go to DU...now. Actually, don't because they need to have room for me to live when
I get back. Stay at home.
It is also a time of year that the Brits really don't 'give a bit' about. So, tonight I am going to share my happenings in the form of a Thanksgiving feast...it will be my way of forcing myself in on all of your celebrations.
The Turkey:
Oh the iconic bird that is the spokesman for this wonderful holiday. The turkey is never ready when you think it will be, yet for some reason it is at the very core of Thanksgiving and yet we don't care how long it takes...we will eat it and Macy's parade will always have a giant balloon turkey. I love it (except for some of my Kulp cousins who always insist on ham) and because of its iconic status I will share how I spent my Thanksgiving celebration under this heading.
As many of you know, I am an intern here at the Directory of Social Change which is a charity organisation that provides publications and training to voluntary sector professionals (marketing skills in action). DSC held its annual Social Change Awards on Thursday which honored many voluntary organisations for the work they do for others. It was an amazing night. The conference room was transformed into a beautiful venue with lights, decorations, and warm hearts. This was surprisingly and ironic and perfect way to spend my Thanksgiving. There were so many people in the room that have done great things for people and being able to hear what the non-profit sector is doing here, made me very thankful for all of those working to make this world a better place. I was also able to reflect upon my time at El Pomar Foundation and realize how lucky I am to be able to work in this sector in two different countries. The evening ended with snacks and wine in the dining room and wine and good conversation in the cloak room. It was a very good event and I am so thankful for being able to be a part of it.
Wait..the stuffing! For some, this is the usually the most underwhelming part of the feast, but not for me and my dad...it is our favorite part! The evening ended with me crashing my own family's feast! I caught the Lobato's right after their own dinner. Alexa, Mom, Dad, Grandma, Jesse, Jordan, Nicholas, Sarah, Anna, Stephen, Daniel, Aunty Kathy, Aunty Barbara, Uncle Ed, Uncle Frank, Uncle Michael, and Lisyuri all took turns saying hello. I loved it and I love all of you! Thank you for being the stuffing in my Turkey and letting me get a little bit of each of you on my first Thanksgiving away from home.
Mashed Potatoes and G-g-g-gravy:
A true staple! Mashed Potatoes are as consistent and vital to this feast as the Tube station is to London! Oh boy and let me tell you how much I love both of these things! A LOT! Ladies and gentlemen, I have gotten so good at the Tube that I no longer just choose a carriage on either end becasue there are less people there. Oh no no no! I now choose which end to ride based upon where the exist is to leave the next station or where the closest tunnel is to change to my next train. What do I mean by this? Let me explain... ... ... When I go to school in the morning I take the Northern Line to Bank Station. I then change to the Central Line and exit at Oxford Circus. Well, when I get on the Northern Line I always get in a carriage on the left side because when I get to Bank, the entrance to the Central line is closest to the left side. I just realized this probably makes no sense to many of you who are not here in London. Just think of it as the equivalent of strategically picking the shortest and quickest line in the grocery store EVERY TIME! Oh yes, I am now that good.
Now for the gravy! I found the best line on the Tube. Waterloo and City (light green on the map) goes directly from Waterloo station to Bank. It basically bypasses a crap ton of stops and zips right on to the best places. Want to see the London Eye but get back to the Gherki asap? No problem! Waterloo and City will do just that! Because I save so much time by choosing the awesome light green line and the correct side of the train, I can now (skip this part Vince) find the cutest and most polite British boy, follow him onto the Tube, and look at him for the entire journey. Now that's gravy.
Cranberry Jelly: I'll be honest, I don't know how I feel about this stuff. It's in a can and not a jar. It looks like it's radioactive. It has a weird texture. Well folks, let me tell you about the Hayward Gallery.
For my Art and Society class, we went to this gallery to see some contemporary Chinese art. It was something. I'll break it down:
Room 1: Room covered with pictures of man squeezing meat. Pillar of mirrors with actual meat sitting on top.
Room 2: Ping-pong table with huge slits coming out of the bottom = unwinnable See here.
Room 3: Pillar of human fat...spread on like butter. I'm not kidding. See for yourself.
Room 4: Live silk worms weaving silk over large wooden frames and gigantic chains, REAL PERSON falling backwards, always wet wall of paint that will mark you forever if you touch it (oh yes, we touched it), room with woman singing coming at you between trees handing you a piece of paper, large walled box with random objects being thrown out the top, and a room with people laying on shelves with one person standing with their head coming out the top through a hole in the shelf.
I don't mean to make these pieces of art less meaningful. I'll be honest, when you understand what they are supposed to mean it really does give you a different perspective. However, it was too much all at once. I've had to reflect a lot in order for me to really appreciate it as art and I apologize to those who find it more serious than I make it seem. It just wasn't for me. I also apologize for those who like cranberry jelly. It's still weird.
Pies:
This is pretty straight forward. Pies are pies and I made two; a pumpkin and a pecan. I had a little trouble finding pre-made crust in a round tin. Actually, let me clarify and say that I could not find crust in a round tin so my pies were rectangles. But, I took them to work and made the Brits celebrate with me. They were a hit so I guess my crappy gas oven did it's job! The two other Americans at work also gave me a thumbs up, so it was nice sharing a little bit of home with all of them.
Green Bean Casserole:
Ah the traditional dish that gives strange character to every thanksgiving dish. It's warm and cozy as well as surprise tater tots in random bites. I finally made it down to Brick lane with the ever awesome (and always present in this blog) Desiree and Margaux. It was great walking around the cozy atmosphere and seeing all of the vintage stalls, trying on crazy hats, and smelling the amazing food. It was a great time with surprises around every corner. Since it was my first time there, the girls showed me their favorite music store and some of the gems of all that is Brick Lane. It is part of the grittiness that is unique to London and the tater-tots that give the city character. It is one of those places that is all I love about London; the surprises and the diversity. It's that traditional dish that makes me want to pick through until I have all the tater-tots that I can eat.
Secret Sauce (aka Ketchup):
Prior to some relatives' belief, this does not belong at the Thanksgiving table... ...that's why we pass it under the table! It's not so much the ketchup that I enjoy, it's the inside joke. For me, the Breakfast Club is that inside joke. There is always a queue which means that it's definitely not secret, but it is just so great. Breakfast here is always guaranteed to make you groan with fullness and groan with content. It is basically that Thanksgiving feeling located right down the street. I mean heaven forbid it's in my blog almost as much as my ridiculous jokes...that's saying something! I love it and it's great, and if you've visited me then you've probably been there with me. Secret sauce that isn't so secret but it's still that vital to a good feast.
Oatmeal Rolls:
I don't know if these were present at the table this year, but they are THE BEST! Thank you 4-H cookbook! I will never go hungry nor will I go to jail because of you. It's a statistic, ask my dad. When I go to Christmas markets here, it feels as if I'm stuck inside one of these rolls; it's warm and soft and smells amazing! Christmas markets are full of mulled wine and sweets that just seep warmth and fluffy feelings. If I were in a roll/when I am at Christmas markets this is what I feel like : IT"S SO FLUFFY! I have been to two markets this weekend, one under the watchful London Eye and the other tonight at Hyde Park. I have many more to visit in these next few weeks!
Leftovers:
Probably the real reason Thanksgiving exists...to do the whole thing over again! I love leftovers and Thanksgiving is a meal that I will never tire of. I have the same feeling for London at night. Desiree and I walked around and saw the sights. We walked down the Thames and were seduced by the warm glow that seems to never end. So much life all of the time! It is really indescribable to feel so insignificant. We both talked about missing the stars and that is another kind of insignificant. The city just holds so many people and so much is going on that I feel dwarfed and that I can't really be seen. I like it. When I'm under the stars I feel so overwhelmed by nature and how powerless I am in the universe. I also like it.
I will also never tire of the pubs here in London. After seeing the city, Desire and I found a cute little pub called The Princess of Shoreditch. It was cute and not as loud as the other crazy places. There were lots of locals and the bartenders were nice. We sat, had a drink, and drank in all that is a good pub. People, drinks, and laughter. Night though is really where both of these experiences come to full bloom. There is nothing like a lot of lights (little or big) shining in a black sky, and a good pub that make you realize just how much you should enjoy the moment and to feel as much as you can because there's not really anything that important that can't wait until the next round of leftovers.
Nap/Fullness:
Nothing sums up Thanksgiving like a good nap when you feel like your stomach is going to pop. I have so much work to do before I leave that I just want to take a nap! But, like every good Thanksgiving the fact that I'm full because of an amazing meal is the only thought that keeps me treckin' along.
I got an A on my first paper!!! Whoo hoo!! I know that my grades will be fine, and I've been able to think about how much I have learned on this trip. I am so stuffed with information and sights, and sounds, and smells, and experiences that I feel like I'm going to pop! However, it's all worth it because I know that it tasted amazing. So, Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope your week was as good as mine whether you celebrate the holiday or not! Have a good one and until you visit again,
Cheers,
Taylor
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Monday, November 19, 2012
Say Cheese!
I have to apologize for my last post. It was very strange. I can admit it so let's all just move on from it.
I've had yet another amazing week and as I sit here after another wonderful Monday night with Desiree and Margaux, I cannot believe that in a little less than a month I will be leaving London. It has gone by so fast and yet I feel as if I've been here for forever. I still have time to write papers and to finish doing the things that I haven't done yet.
This past week has been really great. It began with the end of my dad's stay. We finished up a few things by doing all of my laundry which meant that I don't have to hand wash again for a while..thank you Dad...thank you so much. We also went to a great burger place close to me that just hit the right place and was incredibly satisfying. So so so good. It was so hard to put my dad on the Tube and say goodbye. I wish he could have stayed longer and he made me real antsy to get home, but it was a good week. I felt like the adult putting him on the tube and waving goodbye...like his first day of school with his cute boot (sorry Dad can't help it) :) and I also cried on the way to class. Yes to all you people who saw me that day, I was the girl who made you feel awkward on the Tube! Do you ask if I'm okay? Do you walk away? Are you rude if you don't ask? Not to fear...you all made the right choice and went on with your London march.
I had just enough time to vacuum my room and change my sheets before Natalie and Angela came. Thankfully, I was looking out my window at the perfect time to let them in...who knew how we were going to meet up if not for the fate of leftover risotto and the need to breathe some fresh air. I found the lost kittens and brought them into my home!
Friday, I was so lucky to welcome Marisa to London! I again got to show the city off and the four of us walked through Portebello market and gorged on street food, Thai food and Mexican. I have to get the Euro girls some spice in their lives!!! Thank goodness for the international cuisine of London. I once awkwardly told my friend Sam that if I had to choose between eating or buying clothes...I would definitely be naked.
I love food and it is one of the best ways for me to spend time with friends. Talking, eating, laughing, drinking, and just catching up. Whether it's cooking in my kitchen or going out or even eating ice cream in someone else's kitchen, it is a sign of living in a place. Knowing where and how to eat in London has made me a local. Yes Ms. Parker...food talk is never far from my lips (no pun intended).
But back to my girls! The four of us went to my first Christmas market of the season right under the London eye! It is so festive and warm even in London's chilly weather. We saw Big Ben at night and just thoroughly enjoyed each other's company. Eventually, I had to put Marisa on the Tube with tearful eyes. It is not soon enough when we'll be back with our weekly coffee dates and/or cocktail dates. Thank you for a wonderful weekend! I have been looking forward to seeing you for ages :)
Natalie, Angela and I finished the weekend with some shopping...well kind of. Nat found books and while Angela and I had big plans for new wardrobes and a basic need of shoes...we came out of Westfield empty handed. But not with empty hearts!!! We were armed with snacks and plans for some Indian cuisine.
The night ended with one of the best dinners I've had since I've been here...We ended up at a Pakistani restaurant It was on a pretty deserted street but once we stepped inside the doors we were greeted by huge rooms stuffed with as many people as could be fit. I knew it was going to be a good end to the night. I ended up coughing until I got used to the strong spices wafting out from the kitchen and in inspiration of those scents I ordered the spicy Sunday special and spend the rest of the night talking...and talking...and talking. Great night.
Angela and Natalie left early this morning and I have to say it is a strange feeling being in my room alone. After three+ weeks of visitors, it is quiet here. I enjoyed having everyone here so much. It has made me realize how lucky I am to have such good people who will meet me at home but also how lucky I am to have the good friends I do here. Thank you girls for an absolutely amazing weekend! I missed you all so much and I cannot wait for the new year when we get to continue our time together back in Denver.
In honor of our dinner tonight I almost categorized this post by type of cheese in honour of the Swiss. However, because of my strange post last week, I thought I would give you all a mental break. Desiree treated us to a traditional Swiss dinner with amazing cheese, fruit, potatoes, and salad. I am full even now and that was a few hours ago!
But I again reflect on my time here and I can't ignore the uncanny resemblance of the trip to my favorite cheese...Brie. Soft, mild, and utterly creamy it goes perfect with jam and flavorful salami. It is London. The culture and the people are complimented by anything! Anyone would be able to find a place in London that they love. It's flexible and malleable to fit any need. The gritty parts of the city are perfect for the more edgy and the posh neighborhoods are perfect for those who like a quiet space in the midst of craziness. It's all protected by that powdery outer layer. Wrapped beautifully in a little wooden box London is just like my cheese...waiting to be cut into and explored. The contents run out waiting for the consumer to enjoy.
So here's to London and Brie and to all those who have let me share a little of my cheese with you...
Cheers,
I love and miss you all.
Taylor
I've had yet another amazing week and as I sit here after another wonderful Monday night with Desiree and Margaux, I cannot believe that in a little less than a month I will be leaving London. It has gone by so fast and yet I feel as if I've been here for forever. I still have time to write papers and to finish doing the things that I haven't done yet.
This past week has been really great. It began with the end of my dad's stay. We finished up a few things by doing all of my laundry which meant that I don't have to hand wash again for a while..thank you Dad...thank you so much. We also went to a great burger place close to me that just hit the right place and was incredibly satisfying. So so so good. It was so hard to put my dad on the Tube and say goodbye. I wish he could have stayed longer and he made me real antsy to get home, but it was a good week. I felt like the adult putting him on the tube and waving goodbye...like his first day of school with his cute boot (sorry Dad can't help it) :) and I also cried on the way to class. Yes to all you people who saw me that day, I was the girl who made you feel awkward on the Tube! Do you ask if I'm okay? Do you walk away? Are you rude if you don't ask? Not to fear...you all made the right choice and went on with your London march.
I had just enough time to vacuum my room and change my sheets before Natalie and Angela came. Thankfully, I was looking out my window at the perfect time to let them in...who knew how we were going to meet up if not for the fate of leftover risotto and the need to breathe some fresh air. I found the lost kittens and brought them into my home!
Friday, I was so lucky to welcome Marisa to London! I again got to show the city off and the four of us walked through Portebello market and gorged on street food, Thai food and Mexican. I have to get the Euro girls some spice in their lives!!! Thank goodness for the international cuisine of London. I once awkwardly told my friend Sam that if I had to choose between eating or buying clothes...I would definitely be naked.
I love food and it is one of the best ways for me to spend time with friends. Talking, eating, laughing, drinking, and just catching up. Whether it's cooking in my kitchen or going out or even eating ice cream in someone else's kitchen, it is a sign of living in a place. Knowing where and how to eat in London has made me a local. Yes Ms. Parker...food talk is never far from my lips (no pun intended).
But back to my girls! The four of us went to my first Christmas market of the season right under the London eye! It is so festive and warm even in London's chilly weather. We saw Big Ben at night and just thoroughly enjoyed each other's company. Eventually, I had to put Marisa on the Tube with tearful eyes. It is not soon enough when we'll be back with our weekly coffee dates and/or cocktail dates. Thank you for a wonderful weekend! I have been looking forward to seeing you for ages :)
Natalie, Angela and I finished the weekend with some shopping...well kind of. Nat found books and while Angela and I had big plans for new wardrobes and a basic need of shoes...we came out of Westfield empty handed. But not with empty hearts!!! We were armed with snacks and plans for some Indian cuisine.
The night ended with one of the best dinners I've had since I've been here...We ended up at a Pakistani restaurant It was on a pretty deserted street but once we stepped inside the doors we were greeted by huge rooms stuffed with as many people as could be fit. I knew it was going to be a good end to the night. I ended up coughing until I got used to the strong spices wafting out from the kitchen and in inspiration of those scents I ordered the spicy Sunday special and spend the rest of the night talking...and talking...and talking. Great night.
Angela and Natalie left early this morning and I have to say it is a strange feeling being in my room alone. After three+ weeks of visitors, it is quiet here. I enjoyed having everyone here so much. It has made me realize how lucky I am to have such good people who will meet me at home but also how lucky I am to have the good friends I do here. Thank you girls for an absolutely amazing weekend! I missed you all so much and I cannot wait for the new year when we get to continue our time together back in Denver.
In honor of our dinner tonight I almost categorized this post by type of cheese in honour of the Swiss. However, because of my strange post last week, I thought I would give you all a mental break. Desiree treated us to a traditional Swiss dinner with amazing cheese, fruit, potatoes, and salad. I am full even now and that was a few hours ago!
But I again reflect on my time here and I can't ignore the uncanny resemblance of the trip to my favorite cheese...Brie. Soft, mild, and utterly creamy it goes perfect with jam and flavorful salami. It is London. The culture and the people are complimented by anything! Anyone would be able to find a place in London that they love. It's flexible and malleable to fit any need. The gritty parts of the city are perfect for the more edgy and the posh neighborhoods are perfect for those who like a quiet space in the midst of craziness. It's all protected by that powdery outer layer. Wrapped beautifully in a little wooden box London is just like my cheese...waiting to be cut into and explored. The contents run out waiting for the consumer to enjoy.
So here's to London and Brie and to all those who have let me share a little of my cheese with you...
Cheers,
I love and miss you all.
Taylor
Monday, November 12, 2012
Why Daniel Craig has Nothing on Me
It is with great sorrow that I write this post so late...a week+ overdue. Soon, you will all see why and hopefully you will forgive me. I shall try to make up for it by providing you with some hopefully entertaining (probably won't be) info just to catch you up on what's been happening.
It has been a fabulous two weeks with lots of little bits from home. I was feeling very homesick and stressed out because I had my first paper due and I really needed to vacuum. I don't know if this happens to everyone else but in order for me to get work done, I can't be distracted by a dirty carpet. That's when I got my mission...
Mission 1: I first had to make sure that a civilian group from the US got through London safely. Virginia, Barb, and Vickie brought Vickie's grandson through as the secret service was looking to place him in a school here in the UK. It was great to see them all and show them around the city. As good of a secret agent that I am, I do love to show off this city. It was great to get my first little taste of home.
My next mission was to house two people who were in a little too much trouble with the wrong people. Since I cannot disclose their full names, I will refer to my Bilbao-ean/Australian (we're not really sure) charge as Wadley and to my German/Italian/British? charge as Katie.
Wadley and Katie arrived on Thursday after I had had began the week with great sushi and absolutely no celebration of Halloween (my version of the perfect Halloween)...other than the fact that I got my ears pierced. But it's for the job. I needed some place to store the new microphones and microscopic cameras for my protection mission. Anyway, Roni installed the devices and was fabulous! He talked Margaux and I through the whole thing and made sure that they were perfect. Without Desiree's moral support, I'm pretty sure Margaux and I would have been the worst secret agents ever and freaked each other out...girls...you are the greatest partners a secret agent could ever ask for. You are the Double 0's to my 7. Let's please be assigned to one another forever!
Once my gear was installed and my carpet vacuumed, I finally received Wadley and Katie. I secured their cargo and their healthy selves and we relocated back to my flat. The weekend was fabulous and full of sights, and museums, and markets. Hannah...I mean Katie, met a boy (but shh don't tell Sam) named Big Fat Ben. I think it was love at first sight and his rather large face just pulled her in. Especially the way he lit up in the dark when she walked by. If my spy innards could have emotions they would think that this was sooo cute. We also had tea IN the Tower Bridge. My high security clearance got us IN the bridge...yes IN it. It was fabulous.
I had also walked all of Portebello market with them and helped them find gadgets and presents that would get them back home and help them become readjusted after their crazy adventures. It was successful and that is also when I found out the real reason for protecting Katie and Wadley...Katie is royalty (evidence in her jewels) and Wadley has an impeccable Australian accent.
We finished off the weekend with a trip to see Skyfall. It was a little awkward watching Daniel Craig play the cinema version of me...but I guess if people think my job is just made up in movies then it's better for my cover.
Needless to say, the weekend was a success and after lots of laughs and extremely good times, my mission was done and I saw them safely back to their base locations. The bad guys were taken out by me (yes I can be two places at once) and I will miss them greatly these next few months.
Mission 2:
I had the very special duty to protect one of my very own. On special assignment to the UK, was my father. He some very important business to attend to and information to find before heading back to the US. It was a bit like double dipping as I'm getting paid to show off my new city to someone that I love very much. Dad and I had a blast (while I was protecting him of course/working). We saw the sights and I showed him the government buildings right away. But the weekend is where things really started to get tricky...
We headed down to Portsmouth (southern coast) and got to see the historic harbor. We infiltrated the Royal Navy and got to see Nelson's Victory and as well as some new top of the line destroyers. It was a great trip. I loved Portsmouth. It's a very livable city; quiet and big enough to have variety while also small enough to get around. We had a great dinner at The Dolphin to end out day. Mission completed.
Our final task for the week was St. Paul's. My favorite place in the city and probably the most dangerous in my mission. How to get in...the place is huge and exploits so many opportunities for us to be over taken. Luckily, there was a perfect time to infiltrate their system...organ concert at 16:45. We arrived early so we diverted to St. Bartholomew's which was amazing. It was so old and the stone and dark lighting set the scene for a mid-evil night at church. We got to sit in on a string orchestra's practice. It was really great. We sat and listened to the beautiful music in the perfect setting. If I had spare time in my secret agent career...I would do this all the time.
We finally ended up at St. Paul's and were able to listen to some great organ music under the massive dome that is St. Paul's trademark.
My mission with my dad will soon be complete. He flies out early Wednesday and while I know he's probably about ready, I am not. It's wonderful to be able to share this with him and for all of you that are reading I wish I could do the same for you. I truly do love this city, but I love all of you more. I have learned so much and grown (although not grown out of hating laundry which I did today...no hand washing...be proud people, be proud) so much. I will miss it here and seeing that the 14th will mark one month until the end of school here...the feeling is bitter sweet. I don't want to get too sentimental now, but I will miss it here. I have made some amazing friends and been to some amazing places. I know I will be back to visit and my friendships will carry on when I leave. As much as I love it here, my heart lies at home in the US.
So, until next week and my next mission, if they don't take away my license to kill, here's to making this last month an amazing one!
Cheers,
Taylor
It has been a fabulous two weeks with lots of little bits from home. I was feeling very homesick and stressed out because I had my first paper due and I really needed to vacuum. I don't know if this happens to everyone else but in order for me to get work done, I can't be distracted by a dirty carpet. That's when I got my mission...
Mission 1: I first had to make sure that a civilian group from the US got through London safely. Virginia, Barb, and Vickie brought Vickie's grandson through as the secret service was looking to place him in a school here in the UK. It was great to see them all and show them around the city. As good of a secret agent that I am, I do love to show off this city. It was great to get my first little taste of home.
My next mission was to house two people who were in a little too much trouble with the wrong people. Since I cannot disclose their full names, I will refer to my Bilbao-ean/Australian (we're not really sure) charge as Wadley and to my German/Italian/British? charge as Katie.
Wadley and Katie arrived on Thursday after I had had began the week with great sushi and absolutely no celebration of Halloween (my version of the perfect Halloween)...other than the fact that I got my ears pierced. But it's for the job. I needed some place to store the new microphones and microscopic cameras for my protection mission. Anyway, Roni installed the devices and was fabulous! He talked Margaux and I through the whole thing and made sure that they were perfect. Without Desiree's moral support, I'm pretty sure Margaux and I would have been the worst secret agents ever and freaked each other out...girls...you are the greatest partners a secret agent could ever ask for. You are the Double 0's to my 7. Let's please be assigned to one another forever!
Once my gear was installed and my carpet vacuumed, I finally received Wadley and Katie. I secured their cargo and their healthy selves and we relocated back to my flat. The weekend was fabulous and full of sights, and museums, and markets. Hannah...I mean Katie, met a boy (but shh don't tell Sam) named Big Fat Ben. I think it was love at first sight and his rather large face just pulled her in. Especially the way he lit up in the dark when she walked by. If my spy innards could have emotions they would think that this was sooo cute. We also had tea IN the Tower Bridge. My high security clearance got us IN the bridge...yes IN it. It was fabulous.
I had also walked all of Portebello market with them and helped them find gadgets and presents that would get them back home and help them become readjusted after their crazy adventures. It was successful and that is also when I found out the real reason for protecting Katie and Wadley...Katie is royalty (evidence in her jewels) and Wadley has an impeccable Australian accent.
We finished off the weekend with a trip to see Skyfall. It was a little awkward watching Daniel Craig play the cinema version of me...but I guess if people think my job is just made up in movies then it's better for my cover.
Needless to say, the weekend was a success and after lots of laughs and extremely good times, my mission was done and I saw them safely back to their base locations. The bad guys were taken out by me (yes I can be two places at once) and I will miss them greatly these next few months.
Mission 2:
I had the very special duty to protect one of my very own. On special assignment to the UK, was my father. He some very important business to attend to and information to find before heading back to the US. It was a bit like double dipping as I'm getting paid to show off my new city to someone that I love very much. Dad and I had a blast (while I was protecting him of course/working). We saw the sights and I showed him the government buildings right away. But the weekend is where things really started to get tricky...
We headed down to Portsmouth (southern coast) and got to see the historic harbor. We infiltrated the Royal Navy and got to see Nelson's Victory and as well as some new top of the line destroyers. It was a great trip. I loved Portsmouth. It's a very livable city; quiet and big enough to have variety while also small enough to get around. We had a great dinner at The Dolphin to end out day. Mission completed.
Our final task for the week was St. Paul's. My favorite place in the city and probably the most dangerous in my mission. How to get in...the place is huge and exploits so many opportunities for us to be over taken. Luckily, there was a perfect time to infiltrate their system...organ concert at 16:45. We arrived early so we diverted to St. Bartholomew's which was amazing. It was so old and the stone and dark lighting set the scene for a mid-evil night at church. We got to sit in on a string orchestra's practice. It was really great. We sat and listened to the beautiful music in the perfect setting. If I had spare time in my secret agent career...I would do this all the time.
We finally ended up at St. Paul's and were able to listen to some great organ music under the massive dome that is St. Paul's trademark.
My mission with my dad will soon be complete. He flies out early Wednesday and while I know he's probably about ready, I am not. It's wonderful to be able to share this with him and for all of you that are reading I wish I could do the same for you. I truly do love this city, but I love all of you more. I have learned so much and grown (although not grown out of hating laundry which I did today...no hand washing...be proud people, be proud) so much. I will miss it here and seeing that the 14th will mark one month until the end of school here...the feeling is bitter sweet. I don't want to get too sentimental now, but I will miss it here. I have made some amazing friends and been to some amazing places. I know I will be back to visit and my friendships will carry on when I leave. As much as I love it here, my heart lies at home in the US.
So, until next week and my next mission, if they don't take away my license to kill, here's to making this last month an amazing one!
Cheers,
Taylor
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