The Belle of the Ball

I had an AMAZING time at the post-grad ball with Paul last night! I didn't know anyone there, but I met some great people and even got some nice comments about my dress!

All of the post graduate students at the University of Surrey were invited to this evening of dancing, eating, and gambling (not with real money, just chips).

The jazz band was really good, and I spent most of the time out on the dance floor or mingling with new acquaintances. The James Bond theme was present all around the room, with red lighting and mini squirt guns at each table.

At midnight, the hotel moved us to the upstairs restaurant where we spent some time before heading back to the flat.

I See the Sea!

I am in Guidford at the moment and thought that it would be a good time to update. I have been staying with Paul since Thursday night, having quite a few adventures along the way!

I arrived Thursday evening and we took a taxi back to Paul's flat. I always seem to go places when the weather is the worst.....windy, rainy, and cold. After a quick dinner, Paul took me to my first dance lesson ever!

For two pounds, anyone could come and take pat in this recreational dance class There were six people there, along with a dance instructor named Mal.

I was lucky that most of the people there were beginners! Mal walked us through some basic steps of the waltz and the cha cha. I doubt I am going to be the next champion, but I will definitely take my new skills back with me to States, maybe even get Brad to try!

After a good sleep, we woke up on Friday morning and made plans to visit Groombridge (the location of the Bennett house in Pride & Prejudice). After discovering there was no train to Groombridge that day and getting a phone call from Paul's step-mum, we changed our course to Brighton!!!!!


They say that Chicago is the windy city, but after visiting Brighton, I think I found a windier one! Paul took this picture on the water front. This main street is one of the only ones you will see heavy traffic on in the area. Many of the other steeds are one lane and lined with quirky
shops. Fancy hotels and venues line the water front, making ideal places for weddings. We saw at least 13 limos pass by during dinner alone!!!




The architecture in Brighton is quite interesting. Do to royal influence, many of the buildings here having an Indian style. I didn't get a picture of it (because Paul's phone died), but the Royal Pavilion in the center of Brighton looks just like an Indian palace.



In this picture, Paul and I are siting on a bench right next to the flat of his step-mum, Val. Val's flat is tucked away along a side street close to the water front. We arrived and were immediately lead next door to interrupt a lunch party being hosted by Val's neighbor Annie (who interestingly enough was Paul's grandad's brother's ex-wife). Keeping the Hutcheson family tree straight is easy enough if you pay attention!

After some wine (and watching Paul finish chocolate pudding), Val took us around the center of Brighton, stopping to look at the little shops along the streets. My favorite was this shop devoted to making things out of e. There were people sculpted out of chocolate, life size soccer balls, and all sorts! To top it all off, Val treated us to fudge at one of the local fudge shops! We walked to the Royal Pavilion and then ate dinner (again treated by Val) at this amazing Belgian restaurant on the water front. They brought us each a pot of mussels or "Moulese mouse," chips, and bread. For desert, I had something called "Mess," which consisted of meringue, strawberries, and cream. Paul had a chocolate mouse.

After a windy walk back to Val's place, we had a cup of tea and Vatl took us to the train station (which I was grateful for because I was so full).

Paul and I were knackered, but we managed to squeeze in a game of air hockey and race car driving at the station before our train back to Guildford arrived.

Today will be a relaxing day. This evening, I get to go to my first English ball!!! There will be a champagne reception as well!

I will update mroe when I get back to London!

Brad's Visit Continued...

Brad left for the States yesterday, but I can hardly be sad about it now that I have a sparkly diamond to keep me company until I see him again!

On Friday June 29th, Brad spent most of his morning trying to track down his luggage at the airport. Meanwhile, I was at the British Museum collecting my things and saying goodbye to my team. A few people from the office took me for tea before lunch and talked about all sorts of things. I was so sad to leave the museum behind, but I will always have a reason to come back. The moment when things really hot me was when I had to hand over my security pass. It made me feel like I had played the role of someone else during this experience...a different me. I would like to think that I will take that person back with me next week. It will feel so strange to be working behind the counter at Kohls or siting behind a school desk after having such a "real world" experience.

I left the museum in a reflective mood and was quite excited to meet Brad back at my flat that evening. Aleshia, Brad, Rob, and I went out to dinner together for Brad's birthday. We spent a long time just walking along the bank of the Thames taking pictures and talking to each other. It was nice.

Brad and I went back to my flat so I could pack some things and spent the night at Brad's hotel. I started to get sick just after dinner that night and spent all of Saturday attempting to recover. What a great thing to happen on such a happy occasion (note my sarcasm here) haha.
I was feeling better on Sunday, so (after getting lost on the bus) we eventually made it to Hyde Park. Brad had noticed in my blog that I wanted to do paddle boats a few weeks ago but didn't have a partner. He jumped at the chance, and rented a boat for us. I was treated to some icecream and a lovely walk through the park after floating around for an hour.

We wet back to my fat for dinner and spent the night there. In the morning, we made plans to see Windsor Castle. Long story short, that didn't happen, and we changed course to see the Globe Theater. Brad is a poet, and I really wanted him to see a bit of Shakspere before heading back to the States. I think he really liked the tour, and we would ahve gone to a show if they weren't sold out! Before dinner we went to St. Paul's Cathedral. We arrived just before an evening service (which surprised me since it was Monday). Brad and I stayed to listen to a visiting choir from Princeton. I can see why people spent years and years building cathedrals. The voices echoed all around us and it felt like angels were every where. I know that is an extreme vision, but it's hard to describe something that sounds so beautiful.

A storm opened up on us moments before dinner, but we arrived safely to The Real Greek for Brad's final meal with me in London. The rain put a damper on our plans to go up in the London Eye, but I still treated him to icecream in Leicester Square. Sufficiently soaked, I led us back to my flat and we retired to Brad's Hotel. We woke up around 5am and headed to Heathrow, where I said my goodbye and made the journey back to Willesden Green for a long long nap.

My voice is gone, I have a cough, and so many of our plans were foiled by transportation and weather issues BUT I will never ever forget the effort my new fiance went to so that I would have the proposal of a lifetime. I hope everyone who reads this will appreciate just how special Brad is and what he did for me. He worked his whole summer away so that he would get just four days with me in London. To say that I feel loved and adored is an understatement!

I can't wait to see you all soon, and thank you for being avid readers! Toomorrow I begin my three day tour of Groombridge, Tornbridge Wells, and Hartfield with Paul. I will have an update for you Sunday night!

Take care x0x0x0x!

I'm engaged!

By now, most of you know that I am engaged, but if you would like to know the details before I return to the States read the story below!


Yesterday was my last real day of work at the British Museum. I would normally be sad about such an occasion, but Brad turned it into a day I will never forget! He has spent WEEKS planning to come over here and visit me in London, and yesterday, he proposed to me in the gallery.

He had planned on surprising me at my work, but I left my location to observe at the museum gift shop (where I had planned on testing later in the afternoon). I went home for lunch and did not return until 2pm when I received a call from my supervisor to meet her in the gallery I was researching in. When I ran to the gallery, Brad was waiting for me, dressed in a suit with open arms. At first, I was in complete shock. I ran and hugged him and started to laugh and cry at the same time....but realized that I was supposed to be meeting my supervisor (so I thought). I started to run from him towards my office but he grabbed me before I could get too far past the galleryand said that he "had not finished yet." He got down on one kknee and proposed to me right there in the gallery and of course, I said yes. I finished the work I had to do (which was so hard to do bc I just wanted to scream everywhere) and then I went with him to his hotel. His room is really nice, located close to the airport. He will be here until next Tuesday, so we have four amazing days together in London.

I will be talking loads of pictures and will keep you all updated!

Family Visit

I have not updated in the past 9 days, which has been an eternity! I am going to divide this email into two parts to keep things straight. Also, excuse my lack of visuals because my camera has stopped working. I will be taking pictures until I return to the States, but will have to develop them in the store just like everyone else now haha.


My parents came to visit me from Saturday the 23rd to Wednesday the 27th. Though I went to the wrong terminal and inevitably missed their arrival into Heathrow, I was able to meet them at their hotel in Kennsington, a VERY posh borough of London. I got quite a laugh from their hotel room, which so was environmentally friendly that you had to put your hotel key into the wall to keep the bathroom lights on haha.!

Day 1
After a some good pub grub on their first day, I attempted to get them to Leicester Square (which was horribly crowded), but decided to turn back and head to my flat. We had good British tea and talked with Aleshia and Rob.

Day 2
After a good night's rest, my parents and I met my friend Paul in Kennsington and went to St. James' Square to See Buckingham Palace and the Queen's garden. Like many London days I have written about, it was rainy and chilly.ugh. Paul and I showed my parents the south bank and had meat pies at a lovely pub next to the river. My parents got to see Big Ben (something I hadn't seen yet), Houses of Parliament, Downing Street, and much more! After dropping Paul off at Waterloo Train Station we took a break at their hotel until we met Rob and Aleshia for dinner back on the south bank. Aleshia, Rob, and I took my parents to a Japanese chain called Wagamama. I can't believe my parents drank Saki!!! Haha.

Day3
After a short morning at work, my parents and I departed for Keveldon to visit my dad's cousins, Vivian and Geoff. The trip is only 50 minutes from London, but it looks like a completely different place! Geoff is quite cheeky, but we had a good time talking and consuming his tea and wine. I have a list of new restaurants to visit in London thanks to him!


Day 4
I didn't see my parents for most this day (Tuesday) BECAUSE THEY WERE OFF RUBBING ELBOWS AT WIMBLEDON!!! Just kidding.....I was really excited that they got to see some great tennis! The queues at Wimbledon are like Disney World. My dad become buddies with a guy while they were waiting for tickets who was able to get them into a center court match! They both took some AMAZING pictures! We met up at the hotel and made a trek to Harrods! I have been waiting a while to see it, so I was so excited that we got to see it together! Harrods has all sorts of wonderful goodies, including fruits, chocolates, clothing, furniture, and even designer pets! Our final dinner together was at an Italian restaurant in Kennsington.

I was soooooo grateful that my parents took the time to visit me at my job and see what I have been doing with their money in London. It matters a lot to me that they are proud of me and know that I am trying to prepare myself for an awesome career. I feel lucky everyday to know that I have such great role models in my life, and I can't wait to show everyone that this experience has changed me for the better:-) Anyone else want to visit before I leave? Haha.

Artist's Playground

This weekend, I spent some time exploring north London, as well as Hyde Park. With in the park, here are over 350 acres of green space, a concert venue, bird sanctuary, and much more! On Saturday, I went in search of an art store to buy a sketch book. Armed with my pencils and some good walking shoes, I made my visit to this favorite site of locals and tourists. Take a look at what I found!


This statue is at one of the entrances to the park. You find all kinds of surprises tucked within the tree clumps of Hyde Park.


This view is of the Serpentine. You can walk all the way around it (which I did). Unfortunately, this is a HUGE gathering spot for crowds. Cafes and stands line the banks, attempting to part you with your money haha. Still, I was excited to see such a beautiful scene.



Welcome to the Serpentine Bridge. You can walk from one bank to another via this bridge. It is a great spot to watch paddle boats.


I reallllyyy wanted to have someone to paddle boat with! :-(


Can anyone tell me what this plant is? It reminds me of a purple pine tree haha. Beautiful flower smells were all around you in Hyde Park. For a time, you almost forget you are in the busiest city in England!


The Princess Diana Memorial lies in the heart of Hyde Park. One interesting thing about British culture is that they do not think as highly of Princess Di as we do. She is viewed as the "one who disrupted the royal house." Still, her memorial is very peaceful. It is basically a big circle with water flowing through it. You can sit along the side, dip your feet in, and reflect.


The memorial wasn't necessarily disappointing to me, but I was just surprised that Princess Diana's life wasn't as big of a deal here as it is at home.



Here is a buddy that I made while watching the paddle boats haha. He came right up to me and just sat there! So cute!



Remember the Serpentine Bridge? This is me about to go under it. I don't know too much about the bridge itself, but I think it's really pretty.



There were so many opportunities for me to stop and sketch. One of my favorite stops was this waterfall. It reminded me of the waterfall in Coffee Creek.




I have seen loads of pigeons and tons of squirrels, but never both at the same time haha. A couple siting on the bench were feeding these little guys.


Time is sure going fast here! I am beyond excited to see my parents, and to show them everything I have been doing in London. After today, I have only six more days of work!
Keep checking the blog. Though I am leaving in two weeks, I have SO many things planned.
In the next two weeks, I will be visiting Groombridge, Turnbridge Wells, Hartfield, and I will be attending a ball!!!!

I'll write again soon!

xoxox

My Holiday in Portugal!

I had an AMAZING time this weekend on the southwest coast of the Algarve! Paul's grandparents, Ian and Jean own a villa about 5 minutes from the beach. The pictures below will give you a taste of the unbelievable kindness I was shown while I stayed as a guest.



The villa is in a gated compound that includes a guest house, game house, pool, tennis court, and garden. Paul's grandparents are retired, so they live here permanently (except for two months in the summer when they rent the villa and go to their home in Hartfield, England). I arrived on Thursday evening at Faro Airport. Paul and Jean (his grand mum) picked me up and brought me back to the villa.

Those stairs lead to the master suite. You can also take another set of stairs to get to the roof (which you will see in a second). The whole place is littered with paintings and artifacts!


You can see the front door from the top of the stairs. It reminds me of the hobbit hole doors in the Lord of the Rings haha.

This is my favorite painting in the villa. It is absolutely HUGE, and I love the colors of the water.

Welcome to my room! I had my own big bed, bathroom suite, and private exit to the pool! I left those doors open at night to let in the breeze. Paul got to Portugal a day before me but still left me the big bed haha! His loss!

Here is Deb working in the kitchen! Deb and Andrew are the two hired helpers on the property. The night I arrived in Portugal, she made a special BBQ and everyone at the house waited until we got back from the airport to eat. I was so touched! The meal included ribs, sausages, potatoes, salad, and wine (of course). For desert, we had fruit and a cheese platter.



The dogs loved to lay in this part of the kitchen. The dome above let in so much light! I was so happy that the weather was nice my entire time in Portugal.


The males of the villa spent a lot of time in this room. Ian (Paul's grandfather) was quite skilled at changing channels between cricket and the French Open haha. Along with myself and Paul, family friends of Ian and Jean were also staying at the villa. Mary and John were employees of Paul's grandad until they all retired together.



This is where we all ate dinner on Thursday and Friday night. The garden would look so pretty in the dark with the pool glow in the background.


Paul and I by the pool. He is such a good friend!


Here is where I spent a good portion of my time!



I tried swimming from one end to the other and almost made it. You can't see it in this picture, but there is a really pretty mosaic of a dolphin on the pool floor. Jealous yet..haha?


This is my favorite view from the back garden.


They have palm trees in Portugal! There are actually a bunch in the garden that produce fruit. The environment of Portugal is very similar to California. They have both foot hills and the coast right next to each other.


I was so excited that I had someone to play tennis with (not to mention a private court)! Paul totally beat me, but I hit some good Norris back hands. Dad, I forgot my shorts with pockets! After a good workout, we had some AMAZING curry (made by Deb). This was accompanied by wine (six glasses in my case.haha) and chocolate Magnums, which are like dove bars without the stick.

The water for the villa and the pool is heated by solar panels on the roof.

View from the roof.


It felt so nice to be on the sand again! On Friday morning, Ian dropped us off at the coast (only five minutes from the house) and we walked an hour to Catiera, a resort town down the road.

We stopped for lunch in Catiera. The seafood in Portugal is the best I have ever had next to North Carolina. I had grilled tuna and Paul had salmon.


Yum! Paul is the slowest eater EVER, but he has this crazy ability to eat multiple portions of his own food plus yours. I ate about half of this and he ate the other half haha.


On Saturday morning, Jean and Mary took Paul and I to a local market in the working town of Loule. Farmers and fishermen from all over come to this market and sell their wares. The selection of fish was HUGE! The cobblestone streets and vibrant colored buildings made you feel relaxed and at home in the tiny town. Paul walked around in shops with me, and then we met up with Jean and Mary for coffee and tarts at a lovely cafe.


After a morning in Loule and some pool time, Jean reserved us a table at this restaurant called, Maria's. The view was spectacular!


Here is the gang about ready to dive into our delicious seafood. I had clams in white wine and coriander to start, and then squid for my main course. Paul's grandparents spent the equivalent of 270 dollars on this meal for everyone (including the wine). I couldn't believe how generous they were.



The couple on the left is Paul's grandparents. The couple on the right is Mary and John.

While I was packing, Jean put together a little picture calendar for me with photos from my stay on it. She is probably one of the nicest Brits I have met while abroad. I am going to remember this trip for a really long time.

Now it's back to reality of the museum! I have quite a lot of work to do this week, so keep checking my blog for updates!

xoxoxo