Italy

Laura came to visit! But first she stopped in Italy, where she served her mission, so I went down to hang out for the weekend before we came back to London.

It was my first time to Italy and was so pleased with our first encounter. Saturday we visited all of the towns in Cinque Terre. I had high expectations and these little towns did not disappoint. 

 

 

 

The next day we went to church with Laura's friends and then set off to see the Tower of Pisa and explore the town a bit.

Later that afternoon we drove over to Lucca for a bit more exploring before we caught a late flight back to a not-so-sunny London. Needless to say the entire weekend was just lovely...a bit of a whirlwind but still lovely.

Salzburg

We had a bank holiday the first weekend in May so I hopped on a plane to Salzburg to visit my friend, Jenny, and her husband, Berni. I just love these two.

It was a delightful weekend full of late-night chats, a young women activity, sightseeing (castle, smallest house in Salzburg, Mozart's birthplace and the cute streets lined with shops), and even snuck in a lovely Sunday nap.

Not to mention the food...but I always mention the food. I had some yummy goulash, a sausage sandwich (pic below) with this awesome mustard (which I don't normally like but kind of loved this time) and, of course, chocolate.

I flew home early Monday and still had the day wide open. So I put on some walking shoes and set out to explore. I discovered Sloane Street and Sloane Square and we became fast friends. And then the lovely three-day weekend came to an end :(

April in London

I am so frightfully behind and feel totally overwhelmed with all the things I want to share. I'll catch you up to the end of April and will have you post more later, I'm afraid.

A few weekends ago (April 20) I decided to hop on a train to Windsor Castle. Apparently the Queen had the same idea because she was there that weekend. We chatted a bit over some tea and scones...at least that what I envisioned as I walked around the lovely grounds and through the incredible halls.

I've seen a lot of castles in my day but I have to admit Windsor Castle still charmed me.

After Windsor Castle I met up with Lauren and we walked through the dreamy neighborhoods around Notting Hill and then wandered down the not-so-dreamy Portobello Road.

Earlier that week I discovered a delightful pub (George's Tavern) not far from my flat and finally had some fish and chips and sticky toffee pudding...so good!

That week I also took myself to Singin' in the Rain. I sat on the second row and could not have been more giddy. I just love the music, I love the story and I loved getting splashed while the actors danced on stage in the rain. This pic is certainly not my most photogenic moment and doesn't really capture how excited I really was...but it's proof I was there :)

The next weekend I met up with a friend from MBA school and her husband (Michelle and DJ). Michelle is also doing an 8-month rotation in London for her company. We met at Brick Lane for some Indian food. The food was yummy but it was especially fun to catch up with friends.

The next day (April 27) I went to the London temple. I mapped out the journey before I left and saw that the temple was 'only' 2-3 miles from the train station so I thought I might just enjoy a good walk rather than take a taxi or wait for the bus. It turned out to be quite a walk, much of it without sidewalks so I must be the rare person that walks that stretch of road. But I made it! Luckily it was a bright sunny day...also pretty rare.

That afternoon I decided to go check out Columbia Road Market. It's known for its flowers but unfortunately it was still too early in the year for them to set all of their flowers out on the street. However, I still had fun wandering through the cute colorful shops that line the street.

The ward had a talent show that night. I normally dread talent shows...I just get so nervous and/or embarrassed for the people performing. But I was pleasantly surprised by this one...(most) everyone did really well.

We had a special treat at the end when Dominic Miller (who is not a Mormon but his son is) performed. He played a solo version of 'Fields of Gold' that made me cry it was so lovely. He played a second song with his son, Harley. They played 'Teach Me to Walk in the Light.' It really was incredible to hear him play and really wonderful to see him play with his son.

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.)