Friends and Frolicking

Hello again! 

Okay, so, computer update: after it got cracked, my lappy had decided it had enough and powered off and refused to be charged. We deduced that it must be my AC adapter had been fried by my converter (yeah, Dad, the converter's not going so well...) so I went to a very nice and very intimidating Romanian gentleman named Maxim. His biceps were as big as my head. It was terrifying. However, he was very nice and ordered me a British adapter for my computer ... it took about a week, but I FINALLY HAVE ACCESS TO THE WORLD AGAIN. It's such a liberating feeling. The screen is still cracked, so I have to finagle the screen around so I can see ... but I'm remaining positive. 

Anyway, back to Britain. 

Tyler and I have had numerous adventures over the past week. We've checked out Hyde Park, various monuments, High Street Kensington, Harrod's, Hotel Chocolat (Ty's new favorite) and saw a movie! 

This is the Queen's Gate in Hyde Park -- I totally see how the Queen wanted this gate to be constructed, the Unicorn and the Lion are very regal animals and fun to imitate for pics!

Tyler at the Gate of Canada!

The Monument outside Buckingham Palace

Now, the important stuff ... Hotel Chocolat! It's this trendy chocolate boutique/cafe on High Kensington that is fantastic. Tyler and I stumbled upon it, and it's become a staple of our London culture-enriching experience. 

Dipping chocolate & marshmallows, banana, and breadsticks

We drank the chocolate when we ran out of things to dip

And that was that.

We also rode on our first double-decker bus, which our Oyster Cards work on as well, to get to Harrod's. It was an excellent life choice. 

Now, I will tell you about Harrod's. Harrod's is a high-end department store located on Brompton Road in Knightsbridge, in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. It is fantastic. It occupies a 5 acre site and the building has 7 floors - it's enormous. And the range of goods they sell is unbelievable ... their motto is "All things for all people - everywhere" and boy, do they stick by that. They have 330 departments and sell electronics, jewelery, sporting gear, bridal, pets (£1,000 dog!) and pet accessories, toys, food and drink, health and beauty items, packaged gifts, stationery, housewares, home appliances, furniture, and much more. It's truly not a store, but an experience.

HARRODS!

We hung out in the Toy section for a while

Real cars, that run on gas, for kids!

I took this picture for my roommate Rachel - Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh's autographs!

After exhausting ourselves in Harrod's (we didn't even make it to all of the floors!), we crossed the street and ate at Yo Sushi! Which is this adorable sushi place where the plates of sushi come around in little colored bowls and the prices are are based on which colors you pick ... I took a video, because I thought it was such a neat idea. 

A few days later, my roommate got the brilliant idea to host a taco night in our flat as our first big get-together since we'd moved in. It was a huge hit, and a reminder of how much better Mexican food is in Texas. 

We love tacos!

Beautifully arranged ingredients by yours truly

As part of our British Life & Culture class, we took a walking tour of the financial district of London and visited the Museum of London. Our professor (known affectionately as Fozzie to the students) is kind of a grandfather-type British man with his suit jackets and his pipe. He's very entertaining, to say the least. 

Pictures from our walking tour

Apparently they like Twilight in London too

I told you! Doesn't he just look English?

This wall of tiles commemorates people who died selflessly, to save someone else

Hanging out

A fantastically wide dress in the Museum of London

Crown jewels! Ooooooooooo!

Successful Supper of Stir-Fry! We're getting to be pros!

We've also recently taken a day trip to Brighton to see the sea and the pier ... it was delightful, so I will have to fill you in on that later. Upcoming things that are fun this week - more performances for theatre class and Shakespeare class ("Tiny Kushner" - The Tricycle and "Henry IV" at the Globe!) and our weekend trip to Scotland this upcoming weekend!


Cheers!