1. Shoreditch necklace 2. Digestives 3. Double Decker brooch 4. London print 5. Polka Dot purse 6. Skyline mug 7. Queen's Guard umbrella
Showing posts with label London. Show all posts
Showing posts with label London. Show all posts
save it for a rainy day
1. Shoreditch necklace 2. Digestives 3. Double Decker brooch 4. London print 5. Polka Dot purse 6. Skyline mug 7. Queen's Guard umbrella
one year ago
London did not disappoint. It picked me up into its warm, yet slightly reserved and tentative arms and I haven't let it put me down since, like a kiddo who refuses to leave the arms of someone who lets them see over a tall fence (not like I know this feeling at 21 or anything...). Sure, there were times when it was hard to be in a big city far away--I missed my family and friends, and times I felt like a sore, colorful thumb in a posh city full of attractive black-wearing career types. But the magical thing is that these moments shrink in comparison to the times that I felt like the luckiest lady in the world, living in one of the culture centers of the world, soaking up each moment like the highest industrial grade sponge. I was always ready for the next adventure, big or small. Sometimes it meant getting a pastry in South Ken on my way back to the flat or taking a train to an English village for the weekend with friends. I took this adventurous spirit with me throughout Europe, and continue to feel it bubbling in me each day back in the states. I can't wait to travel more! I think about it everyday! I want to so bad! Please!? Now if I could just get better at saving my money...
Every moment in London was an opportunity and each moment, even the mundane ones like grocery shopping were magic (the subtle kind that usually included Cadbury chocolate). Eventually I felt like I was truly a part of the city, one of the locals just swiping their oyster card to get to their third theatre performance that week (okay, maybe that's not so normal) or heading to their favorite tea house in the East End to get some homework done. I found the places in London that felt like home and left knowing there is so much more left of London for me to still discover and claim as my own.
I miss you, London. I will be back.
big city girl
Waiting for the tube. Tube strike woes. Tight-turning double-deckers. The world is my oyster card. Feeling clammy in the packed Picadilly Line. Walking in the rain. Wind. Too much wind. Bumping into strangers. Saying "sorry!" to strangers. Eating out too much.
South Kensington. Home. Scoop. Red couch. Little Waitrose. School. Three days of classes. 3 hour classes. Spending too much. Shopping at TopShop. Wide-eyed at Harrods. Pure bliss at Liberty. Going to the theatre. The symphony. The opera.
I started writing this post months ago in London. Maybe I decided it sounded a bit too pretentious and stopped? Or perhaps I had somewhere to get to, as so-called "city girls" tend to do, leaving this in my drafts forgotten? Either way, my London life seems so far away right now. I miss it every single day, and I know little memories will make their way on this blog more than I would like to admit because I seriously have so many and don't want to forget even the most mundane (like the time I got overly excited about 3 chocolate bars for £1.20 at Tesco or the multiple after-theatre pub outings with Philip & co where I awkwardly sat and said nothing and maybe ordered my favorite cider, Magners). All of it was magical, even the boring parts. Expect more tidbits in the future.
jetlag
Guys, this is like deciding to think about a recent breakup when you're at your most vulnerable. That's exactly how I felt when my program ended--like I was breaking up with London. I didn't blame London though, I blamed myself. I thought of all the things I should've have done, the things I should've said, the things I should've blogged about so I never forgot them. And then I have to remind myself three things:
1) I did more in London than I have ever done in my life. I not only saw more theatre, art, and music than I had everything before combined, I pushed myself to be more than I ever had before. I forced myself to not be the homebody I usually resort to and became a city girl for a semester. This is something I never thought possible. I became a version of myself that I didn't know I had in me or would even like. Although I definitely had my moments of "This place is absolutely bonkers, I'm exhausted, Are we really going out for the third night in a row to a show that starts at 8pm somewhere over a thirty-minute tube ride away?, Can I just be boring for a second?".... These moments were surprisingly few, and they were washed away the moment we did whatever amazing thing we were about to do, and let me say, there were countless. When I think to myself in these dark hours of regret (although the light is seeping into my room as I write this), I have to remind myself that OF COURSE I did not do everything there was to do in London. That would take a lifetime.
What I did do was embrace each day. I never holed up and choose not to be in London. I abandoned a lot of my Kaylieisms, like blogging and online TV, and when I did have the spare time I opted to work on my travel journal or talk to my roommate Eva across the room, who became a very close friend in a matter of weeks. The only time I didn't make an effort to get out were the few days I was sick in bed, and even then, one night I pulled myself out of bed to attend a show at the Barbican all by myself (I had tickets the night before the rest of the group because of my internship) and another night I journeyed with my roommates to the best pho we could find in London. There were multiple times when Ted asked me if I wanted to go to Flat 15 to hang out with everyone and I went against my homebody spirit and told myself, "Why not?" I pushed myself so hard. I spent my own stipend money on shows we didn't see as a group, I explored far-off neighborhoods and found favorite spots, and I tried new foods, new ideas, and, okay, new clothes on. I even ventured off on my own a number of times, which is saying a lot, because I always get lost without fail. I always managed to get home though, however many hours later it sometimes became.
There was a particular night the last week of the program that I ended up in Trafalgar Square, feeling very lost, confused, and alone. I sat on the steps under the National Gallery and looked at the now familiar Big Ben in the distance. I cried out of happiness and sadness about my time in London, remembering the first time I was on the same steps my very first night in London with most of the group. Now back in that same familiar spot alone, I felt a sense of closure. Sure, I still had no sense of direction, but I had gained so much during my time in London. As cliched as it sounds, it changed me for the better, and this is why I know I shouldn't feel a shred of regret. London is big; I am small. I did a fine job getting to know the magic it offers, and getting to know myself in new ways.
2) I said more in London than I ever thought I could. And by this, I mean that self-concious, introverted Kaylie actually managed to become friends with almost everyone on the trip, despite her record of staying home from parties and other situations where I might actually make friends (the thought of it!). Living with people is definitely my preferred method of getting close to people because I am forced to be around them over an extended amount of time, which is very good, because I tend to prefer solitude. Most of the residents of Flat 12 were people I never would have thought I could be friends with had we been at school, if I ever even crossed paths with them. I was pleasantly surprised to get along with all of them, and realize the things we had in common. However, I not only got to know my fellow flatmates, but I also made the effort to knock on the door of Flat 15 every day (where Ted lived) and patiently (or not so patiently) wait for someone to answer. As much as I was annoyed at first that Ted and I weren't in the same flat, it became a blessing, because it forced me to be present in both flats, which was actually something very few people on my program managed to do.
While Flat 12 was mellow and opted to watch artsy horror films most nights (which I never really felt inclined to join in on, especially when I had already missed the beginning) and get to bed at a reasonable hour, Flat 15 liked to hang out, talk, watch movies, drink, and go to bed at an unreasonable hour. Although this also wasn't really my thing, I religiously went over to Flat 15 to see Ted, and usually ended up staying in their spacious lounge to watch whatever movie they invited me to or be amused by their drunk antics. Although Ted and I weren't really interested in drinking more than a cider or two occasionally, it was fun to be a part of something I usually avoid like the plague at school (and probably still will, unless I'm in a similarly small group of about 12 people I know and love). I definitely went home from Flat 15 when I needed to though, because pushing myself too much would be lethal. I need some sort of balance in my life, even if I'm going out of my comfort zone. I would come home to a dark room, take a beloved shower to unwind from my day, crawl into bed exhausted, and routinely knock over my glass of water each time I reached over my nightstand to set my alarm for the morning. Thankfully I had an adorable tea towel to absorb my frequent spills, because without fail, I spilled something each day and tripped over my feet walking the streets of London. Sure, I became more adventurous over the semester, but definitely no less clumsy.)
I'm proud of myself for pushing myself pretty far out of my comfort zone to actually enjoy people's company instead of always choosing to stay in my bedroom. Although obviously, sometimes Kaylie time was definitely and 100% needed, so retreating to my sacred bed to read blogs or watch the latest Emma Approved on Youtube was definitely crucial to my sanity. I don't think I'll ever know how Flat 15 stayed up so late every night without going absolutely crazy. I certainly couldn't have done it! What I did do, was go further out of my comfort zone than I have done in the past, while still knowing my limits. I am very proud of that.
3) Okay, so blogging went to the backburner. So did all of my favorite TV shows. I simply did not have the time or energy to do the things that usually help me blow off steam each day. When I did have the energy, I used it to work on my travel journal, which was also neglected for large quantities of time. Or I used the energy to do something else, like go to a spontaneous show with Ted. I have to remind myself that the reason I didn't blog this past semester was that I was too busy doing what I described in 1 and 2--I was making the most of my time in London. Thank goodness for Instagram, numerous photos uploaded to Facebook, and my jam-packed travel journal full of ticket stubs and assorted hoarded paper (all lovingly adhered with cute paper tape, stickers, and a trusty gluestick). I look forward to the day I'm able to finish it off with the last bits of London and my entire European adventures.
Leaving London was one of the tougher things I have ever done. I'm so thankful that I had five more weeks of traveling before I had to come home, because by that point, I was completely ready to be done being so darn adventurous every day. It's tiring, and thankfully I'm actually getting tired again, so hopefully I can clock in a couple more hours of sleep before getting up again. Or not.
sunny in the city
Can you believe that the day we got home from France, London welcomed us with sun? If only the weather would behave so well all of the time. It feels like summer, but homework is dramatically escalating and our schedule is getting even busier than usual. Spring break spoiled us, and now the rest of the term is coming at us at in full speed. I want more than anything to find somewhere outside to blog about my magical time in France, but alas, no. An essay needs writing.
Hope everyone has a lovely weekend that includes a screening of The Grand Budapest Hotel! (It'll be my little treat after a day of homework.)
Photo by Ted
cupcakes, burgers, and britten
On Valentine's Day, me and my roommate Eva planned some festive cupcake making in our flat's kitchen, which about a week prior, I had taped up a few hearts and some bunting. Since our group is divided into two flats, it was lovely to have the others over to spread some holiday cheer. Cute crafting aside, bringing people together is definitely my favorite thing about the holidays. Second favorite? Themed outfits. This one was made special with my new heart cardigan and heart pin from my grandparents who know me so well.
The red velvet cupcakes were deliciously cute with homemade cream cheese frosting, chopped chocolate, and strawberry hearts, and made particularly festive with cupcake holders I found at Topshop (Topshop is slowly but surely taking all of my money).
The red velvet cupcakes were deliciously cute with homemade cream cheese frosting, chopped chocolate, and strawberry hearts, and made particularly festive with cupcake holders I found at Topshop (Topshop is slowly but surely taking all of my money).
That night the group had tickets to the opera. Naturally, Ted and I decided to get burgers beforehand as a little hearts day date at Five Guys in Leicester Square. It was my idea. Burgers and opera--we are so classy. I was so happy to be somewhere familiar, eating one of my favorite foods with one of my favorite people.
Despite being sick all Valentine's weekend, Ted and I managed to make the best of it with a lowkey visit to Oxford (more about that later).
Despite being sick all Valentine's weekend, Ted and I managed to make the best of it with a lowkey visit to Oxford (more about that later).
homesick inception
to London--where I am experiencing more art and freedom than I ever have.
Before we went to Scotland, I was getting homesick
for Portland--where I learn, work, and have my favorite brunch place.
When I am in Portland, I get homesick
for Mesa, where my family knows all of my quirks, my dog curls into a ball at the foot of my bed as I fall asleep, and my best friends are, or return to.
Home is so many places at this time in my life. Very rarely do these worlds overlap, so I am excited for family to visit. I am also aware how lucky I am to have Ted here, in Portland, and even in Mesa when he's feeling like he can handle the desert heat.
For now I will just sit back and enjoy the train ride home to London, thinking about how happy I am to have found a third home.
stonehenge, bath, and a bus ride revelation
A few days ago, something in the wind (and boy, has there been a lot of wind lately) was ruffling my feathers, and making it hard to walk without having to push against little annoyances. Many other people have been expressing their frustrations as well. It seems like the honeymoon stage is over, and we all need some alone time, which is virtually impossible when you live in a flat with a dozen other people and share rooms. The only way to escape the crowd is to take a walk around the city, but the city is full of people every which way. At times it can be comforting (as in, I'm alone, but I'm not alone), but sometimes it's overwhelming. There is no real personal space, and I have been valuing my shower time even more than usual.The group had an extremely busy past week of fun shows, concerts, and museums like usual, but this week it just wore us all out. Even too much of a good thing can take its toll. You can imagine we were all exhausted. And then we were put on a bus to Stonehenge and Bath at 8am on Friday. We were tired, but we did it happily and had a nice, touristy time roaming around the ancient ruins. I was especially excited about the Roman Baths in Bath. It was so incredible to be where the Romans once hung out a couple thousand years ago. I mean, can you even comprehend how long ago that was? That was so long ago. I was fascinated. And tired. A few of us ended the day, only a little grumpily, at Sally Lunn's with some tea and buttery buns.
On the bus trip home from Bath, something strange happened. I was listening to my music and leaning my head against the giant window when I remembered the last time I was passing pretty green countryside on a big bus with other students. It was when I was touring Europe in a group led by my junior high French teacher. I remember my excitement on the bus one particular day, thinking about the prospect of studying abroad. I thought of that moment and very suddenly got incredibly sad. Because as much as we're all annoying each other at the moment, once this trip is over, we will miss these times so much more than we ever were annoyed with eachother. I almost burst into tears at the thought, which I will blame entirely on my lack of sleep and not on my life as the most sentimental and overly reflective person alive.
It's one month in, and time needs to slow down a bit.
fit for tea
Dress/Anthropologie, Leggings/Amazon, Cardigan/H&M, Belt/Thrifted, Boots/Nordstrom, Necklace/Kate Spade (It's upside down, making it 'oops la la' instead of 'ooh la la.' Oops.), Circle ring/Edina Kiss, Glasses ring/Kate Spade, Jacket/Merrell, Heart/Ban.do, Purse/Kate Spade
the view across the table
Every weekend here in London, Ted and I go out on a date. I'm all about dates--I think they are very important to a healthy relationship. Sure, I like just hanging out doing whatever, but something new is always appreciated. After all, we're in a big city, so we should explore it!
Sometimes spontaneous dates are the best--like when Ted and I snuck off to grab some breakfast at The Jugged Hare the Thursday morning we waited in line with some people at the Barbican for Richard II.
Sometimes date days happen, like when we spent the day exploring beautiful and bizarre museums for our art history class (The Hunterian and John Soan's Museum, specifically) with a tea break in-between at Fields Bar & Kitchen. 
Sometimes even then, we still explore the West End and Soho, ending the day splitting a bowl of ramen at Bone Daddies Ramen Bar, a delicious little place across from an awesome comic book store.
Sometimes the small Italian meat shop with the red couch outside is booked, so we find cheap Italian food across the street at Rocca, and I get to order lasagna and white wine and feel quite grown up indeed.
Sometimes I score front row center lottery tickets (lucky number 3!) for The Book of Mormon on a Monday night and wander around the streets until I finally get ahold of Ted, and I think--this is probably the only time in my life I will be able to wander the streets of a big city without any serious cares, ever. And that is exciting but also scary and a little sad. But then I finally meet up with Ted and try Katsu Curry for the first time at Tokyo Diner and the thought becomes less intimidating.
Sometimes I annoy Ted (this happens a lot, but that's okay, because the feeling is usually mutual) and then we make up just in time for Ted to introduce me to Iranian food at Mohsen and for us to go to a pub afterwards to witness the hilarious innkeeper locking out a drunk middle-aged woman as we sit on uncomfortable stools nearby giggling and sipping our pints.
Sometimes we just sit around planning my birthday in Paris because THAT IS REALLY EXCITING TO ME, GUYS.
Sometimes life is extremely exciting and a little bit like a fairytale. That time is definitely now.
a series of firsts
The first night was a heavy-headed blur of jetlag and confusion, but after a much needed nap, those of us who had arrived went out to dinner and took a little stroll through Trafalgar Square in the rain. It was quite picturesque, I could literally not believe I was there. Maybe it was the jet lag, or maybe just pure rainy magic, but it was a top-notch way to end my first night in London, I must say.
The next morning we woke up for a long-winded orientation that left me completely exhausted and restless. Thankfully afterwards a few of my friends and I went to our first pub (funny how normal pubs have become since this) and Hyde Park to liven our spirits. I split the Wild Berries Rekorderlig cider with Ted, which was a solid life decision. Sitting in the window, looking out at Hyde Park across the street, tiny British children in their uniforms, posh people with their posh dogs, and double deckers passing by, it just felt right. Don't even get me started about Hyde Park--more people and dog watching, random monuments every which way, and oh, a palace. We live very near William & Kate. No biggie.
We went to Brick Lane in East London (we live in West London) to browse the markets (see Spitafeilds above) there. There are tons of markets and Indian restaurants (they sure are competitive, too) in the area, so the group of us divided and explored until a specific time to meet up again for lunch. When we got to Brick Lane, a sign that said "Vintage Clothing Market" immediately caught my eye. Eva, Siani, and I marched forward and scoped it out. Walking into the market, it was the first time I felt truly at home in London. Kensington is very posh and I feel very fortunate to live here (the buildings, you guys. They are all so beautiful), but being in a different part of London made me realize that there are going to be places that I feel much more myself in. Being amidst all the vintage clothes and trinkets, I felt much more Kaylie than I know I will feel in posh High Kensington stores, as much as I love checking those out too. A lot of the time I wish I was more posh (can you tell how much I love having this new word in my vocabulary?), but I have to admit to myself that it's just not me. 
London calling
To which I reply, "It's going to take many more episodes of Gilmore Girls to answer that question."
I'm moving to London for four months. That is a thing that is happening. In like, nine days.
What.
It is getting too real. I need to go to sleep right now or my mind (or my suitcase) just might explode.
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