My Letter Arrived

This week was a photo-filled one. The best part came as the result of a letter. My "Nuncle" Gordan sent me a note telling me I needed to lose 40 pounds while I was in London, he then enclosed the 40 pounds  I should lose. This letter cause another letter to arrive, though about 11 years late, I finally made it to Hogwarts. Below are some photos of me enjoying myself. If you would like to see more photos of the HP Tour and of my London travels thus far, click here.

I did a lot of other stuff this past week.

• Saw Viva Forever! (based on the songs of the Spice Girls) (it was not very good- fun but not good) (it is closing before I leave London)

Met a famous person: Amara Karan from Doctor Who "The God Complex"

Went on a tour of Parliament

Boat ride to Greenwich

Visited The Painted Hall (Royal Naval College)

and The Queens House

Next week will be just as exciting. Stay tuned.

Loving London

Hello All.

Let me begin by saying: To all the men who have made a difference in my life, whether you are related by blood or action, family or friendship: I thank you for being a part of my life. Happy Father's Day. Fatherhood comes in all shapes and relationships, this is a day to thank and celebrate the male mentors in our lives.

Now, back to the exciting topic you come to this blog to hear about: Kelsey in London!

Another week has come and gone. It has been busy, fulfilling and routine- all in all- absolutely wonderful.

I thought you might like to see my living situation. The space is larger than the last one and in a vary hip and diverse neighborhood. I have a bedroom to myself and share a kitchen and bathroom and shower with a roommate. There are two rooms with bathroom sinks; one has a toilet, one has a shower.

This picture has a stove top, microwave/grill/oven, and fridge in it. Can you spot them all?

So that's where I live. Now a bit about how I spent my week. I work four days a week, I would work a fifth but Friday is claimed by a leadership and culture class. Yay! Anyway, I shall tell you more about work at a later date and focus on something a bit more enjoyable: the Queen's Birthday Parade.

The parade was Saturday 15 June, starting at 10am. However, because the Queen's birthday only comes around once a year (well, twice really but she's the Queen so it's fine), a group of us left our flat at 8:15am. I hadn't come home until 3am that morning.

 This was the night before. Meet Kendall. She is in my program but living in independent housing. We and some others went out for happy hour at a Tapas restaurant near my office on Friday after class and then we got back together to go out for the night...morning...something.

Those with whom I went to the parade: Macie, Lucy, Monica, Jamie, Me.

The mall, waiting for the parade to start. It was about 54F outside, a bit chilly, especially because I was wearing a dress and 3/4 cardigan. 

Purchased a flag benefiting Hope for Heroes.

The first of many bands marching.

And the guards to take up posts along the route.

Duchess Camilla, Duchess Catherine, Prince Harry

Cousins/Family

Family

Mounted band. The guy with the drums had to guide the horse with his feet.

HRH Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip

Princes Charles (far) and William (near)

It was a lovely and exciting thing to see. As soon as everyone passed us, we were ready to return home for a nap.

Until next time.

London Called- I answered

It's been a long time since we spoke. I hope all is well with you. I am fantastic. For those of you not keeping a calendar of my exploits, I have officially spent a year in remission. Beyond that, I had a great year at IU getting back in the swing of Bloomington life and friendship. There is even better news though: I am back in London!

I arrived in London very early in the morning, Thursday of last week. I am with the same company I traveled with last time (IES) interning four days a week and loving London at all other hours.

It has been a whirlwind of a week. I simultaneously feel energized with the newness of being in London and confident in the home-ness I feel.

Thus far I have:

• seen A Midsummer Nights Dream at Shakespeare's Globe

•  roamed around London

• taken tourist-y photos

• cooked in my itty-bitty kitchen

• seen a West End Show- We Will Rock You

• partied the night away

• visited a friend

• made new friends

 It is amazing how much fun someone (ME) can have when they feel healthy.

I will (attempt to) write to you all each week. Perhaps it will be more of a photographic posting or perhaps I will be deep and thought provoking. However this blog ends up, I am completely satisfied with the current hand I have been dealt, and I hope you stick around for the ride.