Seen on the Tube

Sunday October 30 at 11:45am

--a guy pulling out and reading a Jodi Picoult book (I'm not judging!)

--a guy with a killer mullet

Camden

I needed to put the finishing touches on my Halloween costume and the first place that came to mind was Camden! It's got to be one of my favorite parts of the city. It's a great area with shops, a huge market, food stalls and an extremely diverse mix of people. It's been described as 'alternative' and I love it. From Chinese food vendors begging you to try a bite of chicken to girls wearing black tights over underwear and a shirt not long enough to cover anything, Camden is like a melting pot. I was able to find a cowboy hat and bandana right after I stepped out of the tube. The shops were all decked out for Halloween and there was certainly some fun/crazy/wild outfits available.

Belgian Waffle shop

Awesome bench

Stall in Camden market

I remember seeing this mural when I was in London in February...it has a bit of a different meaning now

Store fronts in Camden

A timely look out the window

The weather has been quite interesting since I've arrived in London. I was told to expect cloudy, rainy days most of the time. And yet, I got a month of sunny, warm, beautiful weather. People kept telling me this was abnormal and yet it persisted. However, I think reality is back...ah well, it was to be expected. But yesterday I saw not once but twice a rainbow (not a double rainbow, but 1 at 2 different times) from my dorm room window. Being on the 7th floor provides a pretty nice view!

Portobello Market

What do you get when you mix sunshine, a Saturday, and Portobello Market? A mass of people! Betsy and I braved the crowds yesterday to visit Portobello Market in Notting Hill. We have been so lucky to have beautiful weather to explore different areas of the city. And Portobello Market did not disappoint. Anything you're looking for can be found: gas masks, magnifying glasses, old boxing gloves, fruits, vegetables, breads, sweets, the list goes on. And there was certainly no shortage of of vintage clothing, silver, or antiques.

---------

A particular stall grabbed our attention with freshly baked breads that looked amazing! We were debating between raisin challah and ciabatta when a woman working at the stall asked if we needed help. Of course we did! I asked what her favorite was and she rubbed her hands together and said well, this bread goes amazing with cheese, this one is quite good on its own with just a little butter and this is is wonderfully spoungy. Betsy and I walked away with an onion loaf and a rye & wheat loaf to share. Some of the best bread I've had!

Week in Review: Hollywood Glam and Chopstick Ability

Hollywood Glam

I went to the National Portrait Gallery for the exhibition, "Glamour of the Gods: Hollywood Portraits." Just a few of the faces to grace the walls of the exhibit from the Golden Age (1920-1960) included (but are certainly not limited to) Clark Gable and Joan Crawford (Dancing Lady), Louise Brooks, Loretta Young, and Greta Garbo and John Gilbert (Flesh and the Devil). The vintage photos were classic, romantic, timeless, graceful. Even through the crowds of school children and older people reminiscing, the photos were a wonderful reminder of people and a time who exuded an elegance that is rarely found today. I mean, have we had another Audrey Hepburn?

---------

Mad Chopstick Ability

The first thing each of my Chinese flatmates asked (separately) was if I need silverware when we went to a Thai Chinese vegetarian buffet. Chopsticks were set out at the table, but forks and knives were available as necessary. I proudly said, actually, it might not be pretty, but I do know how to use chopsticks! Thanks to all my friends who LOVE sushi I have had quite a bit of practice. Assumptions are hard to bypass but it's amazing what you find out when you sit down and talk to people. Already differences are noted: the time it takes to prepare dinner (East vs. West), American vs. British accents (apparently I am hard to understand sometimes!), and the knowledge of chopsticks. It's going to be a very interesting year living with my flatmates and learning about life from a totally different perspective.

Library Stalking...

I was almost attacked today...in the library...for my chair and table space.

----

Discussion has centered around use of public and private space in my courses for the first couple of weeks. Maybe I should just do an anthropological study of university students and space.

Happy Diwali

Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights is upon us again. During this time, Hindus pray to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, for a successful year and lamps are lit to help her find her way into their homes. Shreya, Anjana, Adam and I went to the annual London celebration yesterday and it was quite impressive. Located in Trafalgar Square, thousands of people had assembled to enjoy dance and music performances to celebrate the holiday. The sea of people, peacefully enjoying the day was refreshing and you felt as if you were a part of something bigger than just watching a stage. Again, the weather was gorgeous and a great day to be out and about!