Sightseeing Days with Grandma and Mum

Saturday:
Twas a bit of a later start after all that delicious food and wine and events of the day before. However we managed to make it to Borough Market before the major crowds arrived, though of course it was still over crowded for Grandma. We wandered the stalls and saw the delicious foods. Mum and I tasted the fried bacon and scallops, warm cider and a duck sandwich. As the weather was cool and drizzling we made our way to the Tate Modern. I let grandma and mum use my membership card to go visit the Yayoi Kusama exhibition. I felt grandma would relate more to her since she had seen Kusama's pumpkin in Naoshima, rather than seeing the Damien Hirst retrospective filled with spots, dead cows, and floating sharks.

Next we strolled to Southwark and saw the London Eye, crossed the Westminster Bridge to Big Ben. By that time our bellies were starting to rumble. Nellie and I had found a fantastic little street near Euston full of Indian restaurants, and the key word is that they are quality places, unlike Brick Lane which pushes out the food for cheap eats this place is decent and quiet which always helps when wanting to discuss the days events with loved ones. We dined on Onion Bhaji's for starters and mains we had Lamb Madras, Butter Chicken and Sag Paneer, with Pilau Rice and Garlic Naan. It was fun because it was something new for grandma to try!!




Sunday:
We got a good start to the morning and headed east to the Columbia Flower Market. I think grandma enjoyed seeing all the pretty blossoms but of course complained that everything was so expensive… I keep telling her that of course it is… it is London after all. However her face lit up when I took her into the quilt store that is along the side street! There she found a spot of fabric. We wandered around the area peeking in the antiques stalls had some coffee and shared a Nossage Roll (no sausage roll) and a sausage roll. YUMMO.




Next we took a bus down to Monument and
hopped on to a tour bus that mum had bought. It took us around the city so Grandma could see and hear all about all the big sites. It was a good chance to relax and let grandma have a rest from all that walking.

After the tour grandma and mum took a nap at the hotel before heading out to South Kensington for some Polish food at Cafe Daquise. Then mum had seen a pamphlet for a charity event at Royal Albert Hall for a night of musical numbers sung by famous theatre singers to sing all the big hits of the West End. It was a magical night. The singers were backed by a 400 person choir and the London City Philharmonic and a really great Organist who played during the intermission. Grandma was so happy because there were songs from South Pacific, Oklahoma and Jesus Christ Superstar. Mum was happy with songs from Le Miserables and Evita… I, just loved it all! Instead of seeing one musical or performance we basically got to see 10 with some of the stars who originated parts in the West End. The best part for me was that Hugh Bonneville (Lord Grantham) hosted the evening, he is so dashing and his accent just takes me back to Downton Abbey. I kept picturing him berating Mary or chatting with Carson. Blissful dreams followed.

Monday:

Flowers at St. Paul's Cathedral

Another dreary morning but we still had use of the tour bus so we hopped on and travelled through Marylebone and down Regent Street. We picked up a few omiage before jumping on a boat cruise which unfortunately was not great do to the rain and noisy people. We got out at the Tower of London and walked through the quiet City (because it was a holidayeverything was closed and eery like a ghost town).  Next we headed to St. Paul's Cathedral to meet Amanda (my bff) where I had earlier purchased coupons for entry and afternoon tea. This was my first time inside St. Paul's and it is beautiful. Of course they do not allow photography but it was a fantastic afternoon. Grandma was happy to listen to the audio guide (she is a pro at working ipods/iphones/ipads now you know). Mum, Amanda and I climbed up the spiral staircase to the Whisper and Stone Galleries before we all headed down to the crypt to see all the interesting people buried there. Afternoon tea was delightful and a nice way to catch up with Amanda. I got to introduce clotted cream to grandma and mum to have on their scones.

Then we made our way back to the hotel for a little rest before dinner. Grandma claimed she was still full but came with us to the Norfolk Arms a British/Spanish tapas pub just down the road from the hotel. We had a Spanish cheese platter, babaganousch, rocket and parm salad with balsamic reduction vinaigrette, chorizo cooked in cider and ham croquettes. YUM YUM.  Mum even got to have her favourite dessert of crème brûlée, although it we all agreed it was not as good as hers.

The two of them left early for Paris today, as I am not able to leave to country due to my lack of visa situation… I have no passport… I am quite literally stuck in a foreign country. They have been wandering the racks at Printemps and grandma found some fat quarters on sale at Gallerie Lafayette. Mum found out that Grandma's Aunt's Grandson is on honeymoon in Paris and they were able to arrange a dinner with them this evening. I am sure they are having a wonderful time… I am very sad to be missing out on the special occasion. :(

Hope everyone is doing well

Lots of love
Alyssa

Graduation!

Phew, I am finished and officially graduated!

Totem from Haida Gwaii

I had a great day with lots of family time, friends, professors, and fellow graduates. Most of the day was in preparation of the ceremony. Mum, Grandma and I picked up my robes and had my official photograph taken at the school. It was great to see lots of familiar faces of friends from class. It's amazing how it was almost a year ago since I have last seen some of them. Time does fly. I am very proud of all of my friends for making it through and good luck to all of them.

in front of the Parthenon (Elgin) Marbles

Before the ceremony I figured we had some time to visit the British Museum and as I visited it frequently on my way home from school it made for a good back drop for some photographs. Surrounded by art and art historical objects Nellie and I were able to get some good pictures.

with Nellie in the Asian Rooms

We made our way to the St. James Church in Piccadilly where the ceremony took place. I didn't fall or trip and my director said my name correctly. After the ceremony we gathered next door at BAFTA for a reception where I got to speak with friends and meet their parents. It was so fun to see everyone. I got to have good chats with some of my old professors and classmates. I am curious to see where we will all be in twenty years. Where in the world where we be and what kinds of jobs/careers will we have. I just hope that at least some of us will be able to remain in contact.

Then it was off to dinner with Nellie's family at Mele e Pere in Soho. Where all 9 of us dinned on beef ragu tartare and a succulent spicy octopus dish for starters. And I am sorry to report but I finished my dinner before I got a picture of it. It was just too delicious. It was a perfect evening to cap off a great day of celebration. Great food great friends and great families all together!




   

     Lots of Love
           Alyssa
             xoxo

 

Day 2: Grandma goes to Liberty

Museum and Shopping

Today was dreary but the rain held off and only slightly misted for some of the day. That being said we decided to spend the day inside since it was colder and the rain threatened us.

We spent the morning in South Kensington, with a 4 hour visit to the Victoria and Albert Museum. We spent our time wandering the exhibits of Japanese arts, the sculpture hall, new acquisitions, the Spider Silk cape display and the Glass exhibition. I wish grandma and mum were staying another week so they could have seen the ball gown exhibit that opens after they leave. After the museum fatigue started to ail us we retreated to a cafe for lunch.

Next we made the short walk to Harrods to check out all the hype. We stopped quickly in a fully stocked kitchen store, which I am happy to report did not put a dent in our wallets. The foodhalls of Harrods were filled with tourists, picking out which tin of goodies is the hardest part. After the browsing the various levels of luxury goods and the always impressive Egyptian elevator we decided to let take grandma to our favourite department store….Liberty!

I love checking out the beautiful everything that Liberty has to offer. From the designer clothing to the silk scarves to the woodblock prints and used furniture everything screams take me home! We let grandma browse the scarves before heading up to her bliss, yarn and fabrics! Like a kid in a candy store so to speak her grin was ear to ear. Luckily she was able to choose something that she will be able to make into something fabulous. We had a lovely salesperson who helped us and was very enthusiastic, he even convinced grandma to buy a little bit more fabric. He of course thought that Sandra was my sister… gee like I haven't heard that one before.

After we meandered through the some more of the store it was dinner time. Close by was a dim sum place so we were able to have some grub before heading back to the room to rest up for tomorrow's graduation day.

Lots of love
Alyssa xoxo

Grandma and Mum Visit Day 1: Welcome to London

Dear Friends and Family,

Grandma and mum have arrived safe and sound in London. After the big fuss about Heathrow UK Border Agency, during the past few days about long lines, their official entry into the country was smooth and quick. They are staying near King's Cross Station which is very convenient for both the tube station and traveling around the city and its proximity to my house, which is only 3 stops away.

There is nothing more fantastic than Christmas in May. Because that is exactly what I experienced on their arrival, and I appreciate/love everything I received. Thank you Ethan, Gavin, Uncle Derek and Auntie Janice!! I do not know if they themselves brought any clothing and I actually managed to obtain a new dress for my wardrobe that my mum had originally bought for herself… But that just means they have plenty of room for shopping!





We took a short bus ride down to grab a quick bite near Holborn then walked our way through Covent Garden. We got to see lots of tourists, my favourite Japanese goods store Muji, and a taste of Ben's Cookies. Next we made a quick walk through of Trafalgar Square and up to Piccadilly Circus before strolling through Soho to my favourite udon spot Koya.

At Koya we enjoyed Scallop and new season garlic 'kakiage' tempura to start and for mains Grandma had the tempura udon and mum and I each had the special mixed seafood crab miso hotpot udon. one word YUM. There were plenty of peeling prawns, mackerel and clams boiled in a delectable crab miso that added extra flavour to an already flavourful broth. The miso added punch but the crab flavouring softened the intensity. This allowed the seafoody flavours to compliment the udon broth and not overpower the pallet. And of course this was all heaped on a healthy portion of fresh udon. My mouth is still watering.

Grandma and Mum are tucked nicely into bed. I left them early so they could catch up on sleep and hopefully be well rested for tomorrow's activities. I cannot wait to show grandma the fabulousness of London!

Lots of love
Alyssa

Sunshine Happiness

Springtime Escape to Oxford!

I know its been a long long time since I have posted here but I figured I should update and spread my joy from having escaped to the countryside last weekend for a one night adventure. The weather fairy has decided to bring sunshine into the lives of the British thankfully because my complexion has never been so pale! For those of you who have not been quite up to date with my life. I have finished my Master's programme and have officially passed! I am working currently part time coordinating seminars on the art market. It is perfectly suited with the current weather conditions as I have some freedom to enjoy the sunshine, take long walks and most indulgently relaxing brunches. I am awaiting a new visa, as my student one has expired and I require further permission to remain in the country. It is being processed...and has been that way since mid-February. It is unlikely that I will receive it anytime soon. In all seriousness it looks like it may not arrive until mid-May. Therefore I have started to feel like a trapped mouse. Anxious of the future and restricted in my movements. It is unpleasant to say the least. It is not like I have anywhere to go at the moment though I did have some plans to go away when my family arrives for my graduation ceremony/birthday. However, since I do not have the freedom to leave the country it makes me antsy and I am desperate to escape. Thankfully I am not alone in this. My friend Nellie is in the same situation as are many of my fellow graduates who have decided to remain in the UK. Nellie and I however have become fast friends in our mutual fondness for all things art, food (especially eggs benedict)and drink... We hatched a plan to flee the suffocating city for some fresh country air. Our only goal was to visit some big country estate and see the riches of those (en)titled British folk. We received advice to visit Blenheim in Oxford and after a quick lookup on train tickets and hostel bookings on Monday we left Friday morning.

We arrived in Oxford to a warming sun at 10am and wereimmediately relaxed by the fresh clean simple air and friendliest people I have encountered in this part of the world. The bus driver with his enthusiastic "Where can I take you today?" harkens to my old life surrounded by Canadians. On arrival at Blenheim Palace the daffodils screamed welcome to paradise. The long walk up the driveway to the prodigious palace brought goosebumps and a sigh of happiness. This is exactly what we needed. All my tensions and worries drifted away as we were sucked into the grounds and the impeccably manicured gardens with wild-like terrain. (because let's face it these were inno way wild woods or natural lakes, not when you are dealing with this kind of money) After a quick tour of the state rooms and the bed where Winston Churchill was born....creepy you say...yup kind of...Nellie and I decided that if ever there were the opportunity we would snatch this house up in a second. The 'Untold Story tour' is unnecessary unless your bag is moving mannequins and holographic scenes like visiting Pirates of the Caribbean, except with some videoed actors and no boats.It's a bit awkward to say the least.


For lunch we dined on the veranda in front of the fountains with champagne and a fantastic tart.

Then we walked through the gardens, found more daffodils, discovered the waterfall and meandered along the lake front before heading to the South Lawn to watch the pheasants and sheep grazing...I am pretty sure we both fell asleep under the afternoon sun for a bit. Next we ventured through the secret garden, before finding the small train to take a ride to the adventure grounds. We visited the butterfly gardens and completed the maze before close. Then as the sun was setting behind the hill we walked out the gates past the Grand Bridge. Blissful. We walked around some cottages in the town of Oxford before deciding to settle in for a pint in the dying sun at a local pub (the Woodstock Arms). Once it grew dark we settled by the fire to feast on house made Chicken Liver Pate, Venison Sausages and mash and a half fried Duck with scrumptious potatoes and stewed cabbage cranberry. (we shared plates in order to enjoy a selection). The friendliest service - that's right table service - I have ever had in a pub! Then back to Oxford for a low key night.




Saturday morning started out with the intention of visiting the Ashmolean Museum while the sun was warming up before enjoying some outdoor sightseeing. However, we first got distracted by stumbling upon the Chocolate Festival, so of course we tasted our way through that before attempting to share the largest doughnut I have ever seen. We arrived at the gorgeous newly remodeled museum to discover our hearts were just not in it. The temptation of the sun and the fact that we had switched off our brains post Untold Story tour made our exit swift but not without promising each other that the first sign of a rainy day we would jump back on the train and immerse ourselves in the world's first university museum. Out in the street we lapped up the sunshine by walking all over with all the other thousands of tourists. We climbed the Carfax tower for views of the spires and roofs of the colleges, then made our way to the Radcliffe Camera and the university grounds. We peeked in and out of churches and down back alleys to find college boys playing cricket in the streets and buildings older than Canada at every corner. We wandered upon the Literary Festival and grabbed ourselves a sampling of a gin and tonic before walking alongside the Christ Church Meadows down to the river to watch the rowers. Back in town we grabbed a quick burrito and at at the base of some hill. before deciding to find ourselves a pub terrace to relax in our last hour in the country. Then back to the train and back into the city all before 5pm. When I arrived at home I discovered the BBQ alight and a fresh burger waiting for me, compliments of my flatmate and his friends!!





Thank you sunshine!!

lots of love
Alyssa