Stockholm with the Parents

It was nice, last week, to find my parents huddled under a shop awning in Canterbury city center. Their arrival was such a funny reminder of home: my mom in three layers of fleece, Dad griping about wearing the fanny pack. My parents in the UK.

 We did fun "Canterbury Things"-- walked around the Cathedral, ate at Tiny Tim's, took the boat tour in the canal.

And once departing that sweet hamlet, Canters, we took a more ambitious trip....

 to Stockholm Sweden.

Unfortunately we were doused with a good bit of rain and cold, and we even had to withdraw the first night and settle for hot chocolate and James Bond (Sean Connery) on T.V.

That being said we saw some pretty amazing museums, the Drink and Spirits one had countless peices just on Vodka... and they were really really good.

forgive the glare

taking pictures of pictures, so bad, so guilty

I can't say exactly what Stockholm is like. London and Paris are unmistakably themselves. But Stockholm? It sort of reminded me of London, but there was definitely the Scandanavian/nautical/troll element to it, and perhaps because of the rich yellow red buildings and exotic curvy spires, I also saw more Eastern Europe in it, like Bulgaria.

love those guys

And luckily I got to spend a couple days in London before returning to school. We saw some big shows,

 but the real star apart from the West End, was The Club Lounge.

 I knew staying at the Marriot could be luxurious-- but this? Complimentary food, drink, JACK DANIELS. I suggested making a vacation of just the lounge but Mum and Papa somehow wanted to see London.

And it's a good thing we did! Our first day back we wandered over to Portabello Road. And no it hasn't changed much since Bed Knobs and Broomsticks.

It was really fun to explore the street, look for that stinking Notting Hill book shop (never found it!) and duck into a gorgeous thai restaurant for lunch. It was also my first chance to walk around posh London neighborhoods. Who doesn't want to live here?

In keeping with our love of boat tours, one of the last things I got to do in London was ferry down the foggy River Thames. Everything about and along the Thames gives me goosebumps.

The eventful four days quickly passed, and I finally had to say goodbye to Mom and Dad at the bus station and return back to my home of sorts.

I never imagined Canterbury would be a place familiar enough to feel like "going home" but there it is.

For now I need to remember I have actual school work to do (say whhhhat?) and what the heck is Halloween going to be like here????

Thanks for the great time together Mom and Dad!

PARIS.

Paris is as sumptious as they say! The buildings, the clothes, the river. After a surprise ferry trip (didnt know what was happening!) my coach dropped me off in Paris early early on a Sunday morning. Florian and his Dad picked me up from the bus station, and after a proper French breakfast (baguettes) we went for an impromptu bike ride.

A bike ride on an early Sunday morning through Paris! Tres magnifique.

The streets were ours and we saw EVERYTHING. I couldn't stop gushing.

 I am convinced: the only way to see a new city is by bicycle.

 

Over the next few days, Flo and his family made me feel so at home. I can't wait to go back.

Shameless eclair.

Thank you Flo, Giselle, Bruno, Brice, and Gusie!

Wales and London

Cardiff bus stop blues with hellos and goodbyes, Welsh mining valleys, red-painted churches, sheep with tails, mountain mist, Butty Bough ale (my spelling), kiss of the dragon, trolls, cheese, Indian food, Pakistani food, BROWNIES, Sex and the City, Tate Museum, St. Paul's, choral Evensong, Westminster Abbey, Hyde Park, swans, Victoria and Albert Museum, ballgowns, tea tea tea, and FINALLY some cheap clothes.

These last four days have been so full! Cardiff and London poured some of their delights into my lap-- but I'm greedy and I want to steal back for more!

It's funny, I've visited Beth and Huma now, and they both say the same thing: that they wish they could see their hometowns with an outsider's perspective. Apparently only a visitor fauns over historical details, side street architecture, and tiny flowers.  I hope whatever new home I make or return to, I can see it with traveler's eyes.

Applicable advice:

Tonight I saw a filmed screening of All's Well That Ends Well done by the Royal Theatre Company at the Globe. Wonderful acting, and probably better to see and hear in this campus theater than at the Globe itself. And for this weekend, I *think* I'm staying at Canterbury...