Mom's Visit to London!

Wow, it's been a busy few months!
Between 5 April and 8 May I wrote 13,000 words worth of papers (my dissertation will be 15,000). Whew! So glad that horrible month is over, and that I survived! I had three papers to write for my second semester classes, and one giant, scary critical survey about the resources I'll use for my dissertation. So much reading. So much research. So much writing.

But let's being a week before I started all this insanity.

Mom came to visit!! I'll just give a quick recap through pictures... first we spent some time in London!

Mom & I visited Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill

We also visited Borough Market near London Bridge... a huge, dangerously-full-of-delicious-foods Market. So we
went for lunch and shared a duck sandwich, baklava, and took some bread pudding for an evening dessert!
Oh, and it was snowing (in April).

We walked to the British Museum in the snow. By the end of the trip Mom really knew how to properly bundle up!

We went to Tate Britain mostly because I live across the street from it. The modern art section clearly was beyond our understanding...

Almost every afternoon we stopped for coffee and a treat. Best ritual ever. This is at my favorite bakery in Notting Hill.

We dined twice at the pub down the street from my flat; we just loved it! This is Mom's last night, I got a curry and she had steak and ale pie :)

 In between our time in London we made a quick two-day trip to Paris via the Eurostar. London was so blizzardy and gray, and I hadn't seen the sun in months. So even though Paris was also cold, the sun was such a treat!

This was me every moment I got direct sunlight on my face. Vitamin D is a beautiful thing.

Does this even need a caption? Mom, me, and Notre Dame :)

Notre Dame is so stunning. (It will never beat Westminster Abbey for me though!)

Traveling with Mom means you take extra bread, meat, and cheese from breakfast and make an incredibly delicious lunch out of it. It made for a free lunch overlooking the Seine and Notre Dame in the background. Can't beat that.

Notre Dame at sunset. What a stunning walk to dinner..

My biggest weakness...nutella crepes. And they were everywhere!

Of course we had to get some Eiffel Tower pictures :) 

Our last day we hiked up to Sacre Coeur for some beautiful views.

My mom's visit was so special and fun. I was able to show her where and how I live--my flat, my usual walks around London for groceries, books, coffee etc--and many of my favorite places, and also was able to introduce her to some of my friends. We just had the best time eating, drinking, freezing(!), traveling, and exploring... what a perfect visit :)

In the interest of keeping this blog a manageable length, I will end it here, and write another soon detailing the fun events of the past month!

xx

Spring!...not.

I'm not sure if there is much new to write about. I'm still doing the same things--studying, reading, writing, spending time with friends, eating amazing food, enjoying London to the fullest-- yet even though it's all the same, life just feels so exciting here all the time! :)

This was *some* of my reading for last week alone (!)

I've been SO busy recently, between readings, meetings, beginning to look for jobs, etc. Reading seems to have tripled, but what's new. At least most of it is really enjoyable! I recently became the Student Representative for International MA students in the English department. I get to attend meetings where I'm actually face to face with people who make decisions and make things happen in the English department. I get to tell them what I (and my peers) like and don't like, how things are working--such as dissertation workshops--if they're effective, or how they could be more so. It's really fun to actually be heard and be able to make a difference, and to sort of see behind the curtain how these ideas, changes, policies, etc. come about.

I also had my first meeting with my dissertation supervisor this week. It went really well and she was very helpful. Now I've got about 25 books to go read in the library (!), but I feel a bit relieved that I think she'll be very helpful through this process. Now all I have to do is find a few spare weeks/months to do all of this reading/research. ha.

Things like dinner with these lovely ladies gets me through the crazy busyness of what my weeks are!
(These girls are all also on the English: 1850-Present course with me)

Perfect Friday night cuddled up with some wine and friends :)

Caught a gorgeous glimpse of Somerset house one night

Ventured to Brick Lane for some SUPERCHEAP Indian food!

The most beautiful day...

London has experienced a few days in the 50's recently, nearly 60 with sun one day, and they were amazing! ...but then it drops back into the below-freezing temperatures and turns really gray and miserable for days again... I don't really like being teased by Spring. Nevertheless, I've become at least somewhat of a Londoner in that these rare days are very exciting, and I do rush outside like everyone else to lay in the sun--yes, when it's in the 50's...I can just hear all my Texas friends laughing :) Last week it was nearly 60 and sunny and I walked across the bridge from my flat to this walkway that looks across at parliament. I found an empty bench and read for hours; it was just heavenly! When there was no breeze I was almost too HOT sitting there! Imagine that! However, I now haven't seen the sun in four or five days...and tomorrow it's supposed to snow :-/ 

This was my gorgeous reading spot for the day :)

View from the bridge of the bank where I was reading

Someone else thinks it's Spring too!.. they've started planting all kinds of beautiful things in the courtyard of my flat!
The windows on the left are my living room & kitchen, so I get to see these pretty flowers all the time :) It's not
quite the SMU landscaping...but I still enjoy it immensely!

I couldn't live without a real coffee maker anymore... Thanks
to Gumtree, for 15 pounds I'm now feeling American again :)

In the most exciting news ever...MY MOM IS COMING TO VISIT at the end of this month! I cannot wait! So much more exciting blog starring my mother coming soon!

February: The month of 24, Valentines, and Pink.

February is one of my favorite months for three reasons: 1) My birthday! 2) Valentines Day and 3) the (un)official color of the month is Pink!!

This is my third birthday away from home, and it really couldn't have been more perfect. Last year I was in Ohio, and the year before I was in Italy. I'm getting to like celebrating somewhere new with all new people every year..kind of exciting!

This year February 6 was pretty much the most perfect, most Londony, most "me" day I could have imagined. I spent the morning making pancakes (though here pancakes basically means crepes), because it's a family tradition. Since my first birthday my dad has always made me a pancake in the shape of the number of the age I was turning. I couldn't let that stop at 24--though I think the last two years they may have made a pancake in my honor and skyped me--so I made pancakes! I had one with smoked salmon and cream cheese for lunch, and just pampered myself all day :)

Bday dinner prepared by Ames!

Ames & me @ Phantom

That evening I went to my friend Ames' flat where she cooked us a yummy dinner, then we made our way to Phantom of the Opera! I had only seen the show once in Dallas in 2006, and the production just wasn't that great, but the venue (Fair Park) is probably to blame in my opinion. However, I've always wanted to see it again, and Ames had never seen it. Needless to say we both LOVED it. On our way out we started to walk past the stage door, but I just couldn't do it...just couldn't see a London production of Phantom of the Opera and not get my playbill signed. So we waited at the door with only a few other people and met Carlotta, Christine, Raul (I think?)...and then waited ages for the Phantom to come out. We almost left a few times because it was SO cold, but good thing we didn't!

Waiting for Phantom to start!

Marcus Lovett (THE PHANTOM) & me!

When the Phantom, Marcus Lovett, finally came out of the stage door he was THE absolute friendliest, kindest, most thankful and appreciative person that I've ever met! He spent time talking to each person who had waited to see him, asked a bit about them, their story, and signed each playbill with their name. When he got to me, he asked my name, started to sign, then Ames said "It's her birthday!"...at which point he stopped and said he would be right back, he had to go back inside to get me a birthday present! When he returned he had a big beautiful playbill with big glossy pictures from the shows throughout, and he had written a birthday note on the front: "Dearest Ali, Thank you so much for sharing your birthday with us. Love, Marcus Lovett." LIFE. MADE. (!!!) I was, needless to say, the happiest person on Earth. He chatted to us a bit about being from the States (he is from NY), the show, living in London, our masters program, and Twitter. As soon as I got home I Facetimed my parents, and in the middle of the call got a text from Ames saying that HE TWEETED ME! ...yep, I got a happy birthday message from the Phantom of the Opera. I tweeted a thank-you-message back, and he replied, wishing me good luck in my English lit. masters. WOW. Perfect birthday.

Bday dinner with everyone!

But it didn't end there; I got a two-day birthday! The next evening I had dinner with some wonderful friends that I've made here. I adore playing hostess, so I held a little drinks-and-apps for anyone who could make it before dinner--with champagne, smoked salmon, fruit, chocolate, cheeses and bread-- and then proceeded to an Italian restaurant in Leicester Square. Dinner was so much fun; I loved being with all these great people I've met here, and I can't believe I didn't even know them 8 months ago. Anyway, it was a blast, I had a giant, delicious pizza, a cupcake with a candle--which Ames stealthily snuck into the restaurant!-- and the accompaniment of "Happy birthday" to serenade me, followed by tiramisu! An indulgent birthday for sure, but wonderful.

Camilla & Ames, my fellow English Lit. girls!

SO happy with my birthday cupcake!

Then it was back to work for school, though I must say it only borders on feeling like "work" these days because I'm just enjoying what I'm doing so much. I LOVE my classes, and it makes such a difference to last semester. I'm just so happy, and feel like I could just read, study, and discuss this material all day for the rest of my life and probably never tire.

Rachel, me & Courtney @ Courtney's b'day. They're my
fellow Mexican-food-lovers, from AZ!

Perfect V'day dinner!

Then came Valentine's Day! I love Valentines Day, and just thinking about those we love--though it's much more fun in the States I think, as it's just more celebrated...more candy, more pink, more hearts, more decorations, etc. Seems to be just flowers here. Last year, you may know, was a really difficult Valentine's Day for me. But this year I look back at where I was a year ago and can only think of how far I've come and how much I've grown, and I know that I owe it all to my incredibly supportive family and friends. They kept me afloat, laughing, strong, and believing in myself and my dreams, and now thanks to them I'm living my dream. So this Valentine's Day I spent the day thinking how grateful and blessed I am to be surrounded by those people. Then, on the evening of Valentine's Day, my friend Rachel made a TON of THE most amazing sugar cookies I've ever had in little heart shapes, and we ordered Thai food, had some wine and watched a silly chick flick. It was so much fun! Delicious thai food, good talks, mediocre chick flick, flowing wine, and an overindulgence of cookies... is there really anything better?!

The rest of February consists of a lot of reading, researching, studying, and of course exporing! I still love just wandering around different areas of the city when I get the chance, and lately we've had a few days where it's been nearly 50 degrees and sunny--practically summer (haha). But those days where you don't have to wear a giant scarf AND gloves AND a hat AND 10 layers, but instead two layers and a pea coat (rather than a giant down winter coat) and a regular scarf, and can just put your hands in your pockets...those days are perfect for exploring (though I'm SO craving summer...sun, legitimately warm weather, a tan(!!)). The other day I walked to school and then continued down Fleet street, as it turned into a million different streets, past St. Pauls, and nearly into the downtown, then walked across the bridge to London Bridge. I have a million more places on my list to explore, and will of course update here in time!






 I forgot to mention...I made it to Chinatown for Chinese New Year! Pretty cool!..and delicious!

 

Haven't seen Tower Bridge in ages...never go that far East..so it was a nice treat to see.

Sun makes all the difference!

Look at that sun :)

I Love London. That's all.

I grow more and more angry with myself each day that I don't write and record how much I absolutely love my life right now, SO..here I am. FINALLY! :)

Mom & me :)

I really thought I would be able to write a nice little catch-up blog when I was home for a whole three weeks (!) during Christmas holidays etc. I also thought I would see my friends a million times, go everywhere that I'd missed, spend loads of time with my family. In reality, however, I spent loads of time with my books, my computer, and my desk :-/ I didn't go many places, other than journey up and down the stairs from paper-writing, to breakfast, to paper-researching, to lunch break, to paper-writing, to coffee break, etc. It is sort of the phenomenon of graduate studies, I'm finding, that you sort of lose a sense of place a lot of the time, as hours upon hours are spend reading and researching, and reading some more. And usually for me these are in my room--though eventually I'm going to have to become a grown-up and go figure out the libraries. I just don't like be stuck in a library far far away from comfort. This is probably an exaggeration; libraries can be quite lovely, motivating, and equipped with an overwhemling enormous amount of resources. However, I miss being able to move from my desk to my bed to my couch etc. and have my blankets on me to battle the London cold. I miss being able to go to the kitchen anytime I want and make another perfect cup of coffee (Yes, I am the proud owner of a Nespresso coffee machine-- a gift to myself upon starting grad school. And yes, every cup is perfect!). I even miss taking cleaning or baking breaks (my two greatest modes of destressing), etc.

Yummmmy Mexican food!

Though I complain about the papers which took up 2.5 of my 3 weeks at home, I did manage to push myself, finish a few days early, and have about 4-5 days to spend with friends and family. I ate a decent amount of Mexican food, but alas the craving has already returned.

My mom's specialty: Mexican Eggs :)

Being home was so rejuvinating. I got to eat lots of Mom's home cooking, I drove my car anywhere I needed to go, I got my hair colored and cut (I think this is like the equivalent of the way some girls relax by going to get mani/pedi's... it's my one silly girl thing that just makes me so relaxed and happy!). I was able to bake and cook in a big spacious kitchen, fully equipped with everything (in the right measurements even!).

Christmas dinner! Best parents (and chefs) in the world!

Snow on Christmas day!

 My English friend observed that Texas weather sort of "caters" to us. Maybe this isn't always true, but it really was while I was home. Christmas day it snowed--the only day in all of 2012 that is snowed. Beautiful big snowflakes fell all day long and covered our yard. It wasn't the cold cruel blowing snow storms that you sometimes see; no, this was actually perfect. We sat down to Christmas dinner in our dining nook that opens to the living room which was filled with a beautiful Christmas tree and blazing fire place, and through the windows was our snow-covered yard and pool. The day before I flew back to London it was 73 F (21C). I couldn't ask for more. I saw incredible Texas sunsets and was smiled at and so kindly welcomed by everyone I encountered. Texas is really special. But you know what?...I was so ready to come back to London :)

Christmas morning <3

Texas sunset <3

Dad & me at sushi dinner!

Sidewalk ouside my flat in London

Some people have told me that you just have to get away for a while every three months or so in order to live in London, and continue to enjoy it. They must be right. London had run me right into the ground by the time I boarded my flight home. It really is an exhausting life. It's exciting, but if you let it, it can nearly turn you into a depressed zombie. Everything is such an effort, getting anywhere takes so much energy. Getting groceries is a 20 minute walk either way, usually in the cold or rain or both, and you have to carry everything you buy. A simple "to-do" list consisting of picking up some books at the book store, getting my nespresso refills, and picking up some groceries could take a half the day. Always add on top of that that it is either raining, snowing, freezing, blowing wind like crazy, or all of the above. And you're walking in it.

So you see how it could wear you down.

BUT!...the important thing is I rested. I'm rejuvinated. I'm back. And I LOVE London :) <3


It must also help that my classes this semester are SO thrilling/fascinating/exciting/wonderful/brilliant...I don't even know how to describe them! My brain is always turning in all kinds of directions with new questions and ideas. I'm constantly exposed to so many new ways of thinking, of understanding, of knowing.

Hyde Park in the snow!

One class is called Turn of the Century Representation of Sexuality, which is a lot of discussing the construction of gender identities--and I'm especially interested in this in the 1890's (ish). I have a slight massive Wilde obsession, and will almost definitely include him (a lot) in my dissertation. Don't ask me what it's about though. Just don't. I have TOO many ideas, too many questions I want to ask, and no free time to ask them/research at the moment. We've already had to turn in tentative dissertation titles, so I hope I left mine broad enough that I'm able to go any way that I want once I really figure it all out!

My other class is Biographical writing. We're reading not only biographies, but also theory texts about the writing of biographies...the different approaches, what is ethically okay, how does one approach a project in which one writes another's life. It's a big deal. And fascinating. And I love it! Last week we read a sort-of biography of the Brontës. This biography looked at the many other biographies that have been written about the Brontës, especailly Charlotte, and examined how this has affected her life as we know it now, how she has sort of been mythologized, in that she-- and the whole family-- are more remembered for their personal life stories--which arguably have been constructed by many different biographers with certain agendas in mind--as opposed to being remembered for their fiction, for their incredible ability and talent as writers and artists.

Wilde.

The Courthouse Hotel restaurant. The courtroom where Wilde
brought forth the libel trial against Queensberry.

You know why else living here is SO cool?! Because EVERYTHING is here! So admittedly I LOVE Oscar Wilde, right? So I googled did a little research and found out that every Saturday morning there is a walking tour that goes around London to all his "spots." You see where he lived in Chelsea with his family, some of his favourite hotels and dining spots (unfortunately, he had really good taste, and I can't really afford to eat, or really even go for a drink, in one of them). One restaurant in the Langham Hotel is said to be where "the seeds were sown" for The Picture of Dorian Gray. In Cafe Royal (now turned 5* hotel, but maintaining the bar/restaurant area on the ground floor) Wilde often met Lord Alfred Douglas. You can even go to the Courthouse Hotel, which used to be just a court house, the one in which Wilde brought the Wilde trial against Queensberry. The dining room is the old courtroom (and is pretty much maintained as far as I've read). There is also a bar which uses the old holding cells as little private rooms of the bar! I've really got to splurge one night and go to one of these places...it's just too amazing.

Sometimes I can't believe I get to do this. At this moment I
was sitting in my flat in London, drinking coffee from
Utrecht, reading about the Brontës, and it was snowing
ouside. #utterhappiness

After reading The Brontë Myth by Lucasta Miller this past week I also must make a trip up to Haworth in Yorkshire.  Crazy, annoying, American Brontë fan or not, call me what you will, but it's a must-do for an English lit. student I think.

MY EPONINE! <3 (Samantha Barks)

ALSO...(!!!) My FAAAAVORITE (at the moment) West End actress is performing for just a few more weeks in Oliver the musical in Bristol! I'm still looking into the tickets, and mostly waiting for my young persons rail card (to discount national rail journeys) to come through. But then I'll go to Bristol for a day, see Oliver, gape (in a good way) at how INCREIDIBLE she is, then dash to the stage door and wait for an autograph and picture :) Should I bring a present? probably not. But gahh..I just adore her. So maybe you're wondering who she is. Samantha Barks is this star, and I first saw her two and a half years ago, as Eponine in Les Miserables in the West End while I was doing my summer study program at Oxford. Yeah, Nick Jonas was in the show, whatevs. Met him, he was cool..but I was still asking some of the dancers at the stage door "Where is Eponinnneee?!?!?" "She left," they said. Saddest. Moment. Ever. (I tend to exaggerate). You also may recognize her from either the 25th Anniversary Concert DVD of Les Miserables, ORRRR... from the MOVIE just out! Yes, she is that incredible, awesome, blow-you-away-with-her-heavenly-powerful-voice-and-darling-trademark-dimple girl who plays Eponine. Anyway, that's my girl. This is going to happen.

When it isn't raining or below freezing I just
HAVE to wander around London (on foot
of course!). Stumbled upon Berkeley Sq
the other day. Can't wait to see it in summer.

I want to go on about SO many other things. Things that I love about London. Quirky things they say here, funny little differences (like why all baking devices--toaster ovens, regular ovens--only have pictures of the function rather than simply just saying "bake," "grill," "broil". I'd love to talk about my walks around the city, recently through New Bond Street, Berkeley Square, Mayfair, etc,...Would love to talk about the weather of course (snow!), and all the things I dream of doing, writing, seeing, researching, eating while I'm here. I would love to discuss my ideas of starting separate blogs for my life in London, my research ideas, my travel plans, my cooking experiences... But as I hardly find time for this one, it probably isn't my most brilliant idea. I just haven't the time for any of that I'm afraid. I do hope to keep this up to date more. I'm not sure who would bother reading this novel I've just scribbled; I think at this point it's more for me. But if you've made it this far, congratulations, and thank you for caring that much about my life (or being that bored I suppose!). Much love Xx

It's an event worth of a picture when the sun is out! Mind
you it was 25*F. But nevertheless, sun is a wonderful
thing when you do catch a glimpse of it in London.

Again, had to capture that the sun DID shine, at least for a few minutes. It was like heaven on my face.

Will never have enough pictures of Westminster Abbey. It is the most magnificent place in London to me.

National History Museum covered in snow.