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!
Friday, 29 June 2007
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.
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.
Wednesday, 20 June 2007
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
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
Monday, 11 June 2007
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.
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.
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
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
Monday, 4 June 2007
Phew what a week!
I was a very busy bee last week! We had Monday off because of Bank holiday, so it was only a four day week for me! I made use of my three day weekend by visiting the V&A Galleries and lounging around the flat. I was worn out from completing my first research report for my department. I am looking forward to getting the reactions from my colleagues about my work. It is so hard to believe that the information I have collected will be used to develop a new experimental exhibit!!! I have included this image as a particular highlight from my V&A day (I literally spent about 5-6 hours there). I am in love with Dale Chihuly (ok and Brad, but Chihuly makes amazing sculpture). This chandelier is a piece that was commissioned by the V&A in the 90's. Aleshia, Rob, and Brad all make fun of it for various reasons haha.
On Saturday (June 3rd), I decided to take a long walk through St. James' Park. It sort of blends into the Queen's garden a bit and IS COMPLETELY PACKED WHEN THE SKIES ARE BLUE! I loved being there, but wanted to tell everyone to leave so I could listen to nature...hehe.
There are like....four gates to the palace, btu I liked this one because it had a nice garden in front of it. You have to get special tickets to even set foot inside, so I decided to save that tour for another rainy day. I did pass through the Queen's gallery, which houses some really great Italian paintings. I never knew that she had her own gallery!
While I was walking the grounds, I received a text message on my phone from Paul asking if I was doing anything the next day. We made plans to meet in his hometown of Guildford, which is about 30 minutes south of London. This little trip was EXACTLY what I needed, a chance to see some countryside, eat good food, and explore more of England.
I almost fell over laughing when I passed this in Guildford. Of all the stores they could have put on the High Street, this is the last one I would have expected. They don't even have it in London! I think mom would fit in quite well in Guildford!
Paul took me to see the little castle they have in Guildford. Beside the castle grounds, there is this monument pictured on the left. It is what lies behind that memorial that actually interested me. The green is used for croquette tournaments..haha.
Isn't it cute! I don't really consider it a castle, but it was fun to climb to the top and look out over the countryside. Take a look below!
It was so nice to look around and see nothing but hills and trees. Guildford is still a city, but much more green and relaxed than busy London. After making the thirty minute trek from the station and then to the castle, I was famished. We both decided to grab some food at the grocery store and eat on this HUGE hill overlooking the town.
I was really far away in this picture, but I wanted to get as much of the view as possible. See that tall cathedral tower in the background.....I will have walked beyond that and back by the time the evening was over! It was totally worth it though.
Here is my friend Paul. By the end of this trip, I have to think of something really cool to get him for being so nice and showing me around.
We are going to Portugal this Thursday!!!
I was really keen to walk around this campus. The University of Surrey reminds me a lot of VU. It is a small school, but the grounds are really pretty. While walking through, we ran into one of Paul's friends, Kem. Kem is moving to Huston TX soon, so he was really excited to talk to me about the States. I gave him my email in case he ever needed anything, and he sent me a message saying what a nice person I was. :-)
Remember that cathedral I was talking about? Well, here it is at night! The picture doesn't do it justice. This place is massive! You can see it from almost any point around town because it is on a hill. The University of Surrey has their graduation ceremonies here.
Make sure to check my blog on Monday, because I am going to Portugal soon! I miss you all....xoxoxox
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