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