Adventuring

A couple of weeks ago I packed some snacks, rented a car (yep, drove on the 'other' side of the road while shifting left-handed) and headed to Bath. Thank goodness for my trusty phone, who was the perfect navigator and got me straight there. Unfortunately, it was rainy and cold. But I was in Bath so no complaining allowed.

The Circus

Oh where to go.

The Crescent. I wanted to run down the street in the hopes I'd catch Captain Wentworth on the other end. Although, not sure if he'd have me in the state I was in.

A friendly couple behind me agreed to take my picture while we all waited in the cold to see the Roman Baths. I forgot my umbrella so picked up this cute little number. Didn't realize until later that the small flowers were shaped like hearts. I could see the five-year-old girls eyeing it with envy.

The Romans sure knew how to live.

What is a day trip...or any trip...or any day without yummy food. I found this incredible carrot cake in a little bakery along with a yummy gingerbread steamer. Makes one forget the rain.

After exploring the market, checking out Bath's beautiful bridge with built-in shops, and going to the Therme Bath Spa to enjoy the rooftop pool and aromatic steam rooms, I hopped back into my trusty car and headed out to find Stonehenge. Sadly, it was closed when I got there so I had to peek over the fence.

I think my umbrella and I had both reached our limits at this point.

But still pretty amazed by this sight.

Wandering London

I've now been in London one week and already feel myself falling in love with this city. We finally got some sun and blue skies this weekend and Lauren and I took full advantage. I love Denise for sharing one of her dearest friends with me. We traipsed around the city, quite aimlessly, and just soaked in the sights.

 

We started near Parliament, wandered through Trafalgar square, stopped for some lunch in Chinatown, meandered in and out of shops near Oxford street and kept a growing list of restaurants we wanted to come back to.

 

This gentleman needs no introduction. Isn't he looking handsome?

 

We had to stop in Anthro where Lauren and I both lost our hearts over flower pots, candles and overpriced measuring cups. Oh, and this lovely wall of green. Sigh.

 

Good thing I lost my heart at Anthro because Liberty would have just broken it. I had read about the amazing fabrics here but underestimated what I'd find. Stunning stationary, beautiful yarn, quirky furniture and, of course, fabric that made my heart go wild.

 

We stopped by Buckingham palace to say hi.

This window display inspired me to try my hand at bundt cakes. They've never really grabbed me before but this window display was just so simple and lovely.

 



Can I have this for my front porch, please? It's either this or a 'Dublin door.' I'll take either.

 

Saturday night, after a day full of walking I went home to recuperate while watching conference. Sunday I went to the V&A Museum before meeting up with Lauren. We walked through Kensington gardens before going to her parents' flat to watch the 'Sunday morning' session at 5pm. Overall, a delightful weekend. I'm just so glad it decided to stop snowing!

I've Landed

Well hullo there. It's high time I get back to keeping this up, I suppose. The last couple of weeks have been just lovely. I have the best roommates and friends a girl could ask for. Two weekends ago Michelle (Blood), Laura (Pearson) and Denise (Mann) decided to kidnap me for the day and fulfill all my bucket list wishes (at least those in San Fran). I was thrilled that Michelle (Ziser) and Kelly (Madsen) both came, too. And I can't forget Brooks and Josh who were such great sports and joined us for the last half of the day.

The day started with a stop at the mosaic staircase that I've been dying to see. It's just as beautiful in person as I expected it to be. I was so excited I nearly jumped out of the car before Kelly had a chance to park. After oohing and aahing, we then hiked the rest of the way up the hill to a lovely view of the city. Oh, how I love San Francisco.

Next we drove to the northwest side of the Golden Gate Bridge to catch a breathtaking view of the city. That's where we had an incredible picnic (many thanks to Denise who makes a pretty mean peanut butter and jam sandwich with banana...yum!) and enjoyed the view. Oh, and tried to be subtle as we stared at the cutest couple getting engaged. One or two of the group may have made an excuse to walk to the garbage in order to peek at her ring. I hear it's gorgeous.

Then we found our way back down to the city to catch a cruise that took us under the bridge. The day was sunny and there were sailboats galore. I tried to capture it but no picture really did all those white sails justice. I can only encourage you to go and see them sometime.

After a lovely walk to the book store and a yummy bread bowl at Boudin's we went to get a dark chocolate hot fudge sundae (say that 5 times fast) at Ghirardelli Square, because I love them SO MUCH. We then made one final stop to see the Bay Lights before going home exhausted. It was such a lovely day with some of my favorite people. I felt rather spoiled and quite loved.

Before I skipped the country, Laura and I made one more pilgrimage down to the Boiling Crab. Oh, my mouth is watering as I type. I just can't get enough of this place. I have two food dates when I get back home...Boiling Crab with Laura and frozen yogurt with Melissa (Della Gatta). Priorities :)

We also had a fun St. Patty's day where I made, dare I say, a pretty fabulous cake (you can see it below before I finished frosting it). It was seven layers of green goodness. Those who missed it will just have to come next year.

Since I don't really say goodbyes we had a small 'cheerio' party with my favorite ladies in the Bay area. We drank tea and ate scones and just chatted away.

And now here I am, sitting in my cute little flat in London with six months of grand adventures ahead of me. (No, I did not take the pic below but will have lots to share with you in no time.)