uppercase F

Some London Observations May 20, 2008

1- Forests and parks appear out of nowhere, as if from a magical land. See above photo of Forest 9 and 3/4 (lame Harry Potter reference).

2- There are crows that exist that are the size of my dogs, and they are just as scary as you imagine (also see above photo).

3- Coke should not cost $4.

4- I can hear the music you are listening to on your iPod, and yes, I am laughing at your selection.

5- Even Grandmas use their phones to text.

6- Even though it looks nice outside, it is NOT skirt weather.

7- I still haven’t seen Amy Winehouse.

8- You can buy a bottle of rum with your vegetables and bread.

9- People look at you weird if you plan on driving instead of taking public transport, and not the other way around.

10- Beans are really, really good on toast.

New Jobs and Theater May 19, 2008

Today was a crazy day. I started my job at The Women’s Library doing preservation. The picture above is the view from the roof of the building. Not too shabby. It was the first time I braved the Underground during rush hour, and that is something I won’t easily forget. I definitely became much closer with some people than I would have liked. Once I was able to actually get on a train, that is.

The job itself is great. I got to clean and sew together old pamphlets, and relabel some journals from “the vault”. The collection is just amazing. It’s like they made an entire library only filled with books Gemma would think are interesting. The people seem really friendly, and I even got a tour of the surrounding areas. And I get reimbursed for lunch when I work there. No more involuntary anorexia for me!

Oh! And the building I work in is right next to the site where Jack the Ripper murdered one of his prostitutes, so there are tour groups passing by all the time. History is fun!

When I got home from work, Sheila told me she came upon two tickets to the Royal National Theater for tonight. So we went and saw a play called Fram. The first half was very funny, and the second half was exceptionally depressing. Overall, though, it was a great experience and I really enjoyed it. The sets were insane, and the acting was fabulous. And the best part- Mr. Snape himself, Alan Rickman, was sitting only a few rows over! I showed much restraint by not running over to him and asking him to sign my “Snape is Loyal” moleskin that I conveniently carry around in my purse.

London’s Wheezing May 18, 2008

The last time I was here it took about a week for the wheezing to start. This time around, about the same. Now, I might be a delicate flower, but I’m thinking the pollution might have something to do with it. Runny nose, itchy eyes, and general sickliness. I don’t think there’s a pill to take for an allergy to pollution.

I’m staying in today to rest up for my first day of work tomorrow (!).

Transportation Station May 17, 2008

Today I visited the London Transport Museum, which was pretty darn cool. They had exhibits of old buses and trains, as well as information on how the under ground was built.

And then I had dim sum. Which involved lots of meat. And I’m sure a resulting tummy ache in the morning.

And then… I made my way over to the Natural History Museum- one of my work places for the next few months. I had never been there before, so when I came round the corner and saw the building my jaw dropped to the floor. The building is absolutely gorgeous. And the inside is amazing. Probably my favorite museum that I have been to in London. And I promise I’m not involving favoritism in my decision.

P.S. It’s freezing and rainy. You lucky bastards.

Tourist-y Fun May 16, 2008

Today I soaked up a lot of tourist-y action. Starting at the Tate Modern, which is amazing. It’s huge, and I was able to use a lot of the things I learned in art history. My favorite was “Unique Forms of Continuity in Space” by Boccioni. It’s even more neat looking in person than it is in a textbook. Unfortunately, I was caught trying to take pictures, so I wasn’t able to get a photo of it. So you’ll just have to make do with a picture of some weird egg-looking thing.

Then I made the short walk over to Shakespeare’s Globe, but it was closed for a special event (rich people having dinner). So I just took some pictures from the outside.

Then I trecked over the London Bridge, and walked the short distance to the Tower of London, to which you can see Peaches dutifully posing in front. There were thousands of people there, and I didn’t pay to go inside since it looked crowded. I’ll part with cash when someone visits me.

Oh Rosetta May 15, 2008

In 2001 I visited London and made a stop at the British Museum, only to discover after leaving that the Rosetta Stone is housed there. It was my one and only purpose during this trip to return to the British Museum and see the Rosetta Stone. After 20 minutes of walking around the Egyptian section, checking the name of all the stones on the walls (there are many), and asking a security guard where the freaking Rosetta Stone is, I found it- in a giant box, in the middle of the museum, with a hundred people around it. I’m a moron.

As well, as most of you know, my taste in novels tends to lean towards the more dark and disturbing variety. I have never met a book I’ve been offended by. Congratulations American Psycho, I’m officially offended.

(Cheryl- My hand is in a picture just for you).

Getting Sorted May 14, 2008

This morning I set out without a phone, access to the internet, an Underground pass, or a guide to London. Making my way aimlessly into the city I was able to sort all this out in no time. I ended up in Camden Town, where I disappointingly did not see Amy Winehouse wandering around just as aimlessly as me. I also heard a little kid say “Kentish Town” in a baby Londoner accent. It was wonderful.

Go Time! May 13, 2008

So I have landed in London to begin a summer full of libraries. Yipee!

Jonathan drove me up to Dallas, where we enjoyed dinner at Joe T. Garcias…

And, at the beginning of my adventures, I have the pleasure of introducing you to Peaches. Peaches will be posing for my pictures while I’m here in London because I’m all on my lonesome. Here’s Peaches waiting for the plane in Dallas…

And here’s Peaches enjoying some much needed sleep on the plane…

And Peaches enjoying the tiny Coke served to her while flying over the Atlantic Ocean…

After a brutal 9 hour flight, Peaches and I arrived at Heathrow airport. And all of my luggage was there too!

When I discovered the trains were not running into Heathrow today, we had to use Plan b and jump in a taxi.

But after all that, we arrived safely to our final destination. Highgate!