Life Without London

It hurts. 

With it being everything. 

Therefore, everything hurts. 

All I want to do is go back. I knew leaving London would hurt, but never this much. Every time someone asks me if it's good to be home, I lie through my teeth. I say yes.

I mean, things are cheaper in America. I'm currently with my family, who loves me very much. And I love them. But there's so much that I miss. And when all that I miss weighs on my heart, it's hard not to want to curl into a ball and dream of busy streets, rainy days, and warm mugs of tea.

In the four months that I spent there, I came to think of London as a second home, following Tokyo and before Baylor or Missouri.

I've been feeling a little melancholy at the moment, and this post is the product of that feeling.

I'm still trying to process living in America again, and believe me, this transition is pretty tough. Hopefully, once I begin school and my job over here, I'll be able to get myself into a steady rhythm.

My wanderlusty, London-loving soul may think otherwise, but everything is going to be okay.


Blogger's Note: Not to worry! There will still be lots of content still popping up here every now and then! Stay tuned! 

Resting in Rome (A Brief Layover)

Layovers can be fun, but more often than not, for me at least, they're brutal.

This picture really has nothing to do with the post, but it was taken in Rome, and I like it.

At the end of a long traveling day, I just want to rest and refresh. And layovers are the types of things that stand in my way of exploration and rest. Because, really, can you rest during a layover?

Not I.

Our layover began with getting into another black van, this time with three strange Italian men. Then we got into a traffic jam outside the airport. Then it got dark. For a while there, we seriously thought we were goners, and that this...odd, possibly bad decision could be our last.

But it wasn't. We got to our bungalow just fine, and the men promised they would come get us in the morning. After a night in the coldest room ever, the men kept their word. They were back, and they got us to the airport on time, only accepting their payment after their full job of taking us to and from the airport was done.

Shame on me for judging circumstances too quickly.

The campsite where we stayed was huge. During the summer season, it would have been a resort for families. It still was, but many of the amenities weren't open, as it was very cold. We were in the middle of a gorgeous Italian forest overlooking the city, the trees growing to the stars.

It was also cheap, which is always a good plus.

The staff were friendly, if not a tad flirtatious, and the attractive man at the front desk kindly called a van to take us to our bungalow, as it was on the other side of the campsite. The beds were great; Rachel, the early riser, got her own room and didn't have to worry about night owls Kalli and I bothering her.

Our time at the bungalow was all too short, we had to wake up before dawn to meet our van, and our hair was still wet from the night before. But we knew that Spain was coming soon, and that was something to look forward to.

Vivacious in Venice

When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that's amorehhhhh. 

A vaporetto

Our next stop, and by far my favorite, was lovely Venezia. When we arrived at Marco Polo airport from Naples, we were exhausted and ready for some good quality sleep in a soft bed. 

The beds were great at our fancy Italian hotel, but the wardrobe, er, well, special. It was covered reliefs of people in the throes of passion. And it was just as awkward as you might think it is. At least the humor of the lady behind the front desk was on par. After being paid only coins by one of our little group, she puts on a stern face and says, "I may have to kill you."

Vaporetti stop

The next morning was chilly, and rainy, and gross all around. The hotel provided a shuttle (for a little extra moolah) to the city center. There we had to do what we usually did when we went to a new locale; we sped to the nearest tourist center to ask for directions. 

And this tourist center, in fact, was the most helpful place we went the whole trip. They taught us how to navigate the vaporetti water bus line, and told us great places to go in the local area, including the colorful island of Burano and the isle of glass, Murano. 

But the first thing we did in the city? Hired a gondolier. Rode through the quiet and quaint canals of Venice, waving to passersby as we went. It was expensive, but very, very worth it. It helped that there were four of us, so we could split the steep cost.

It was a rainy day in Venice.

Next was Burano, an hour away by vaporetto. We shivered on the covered deck in the rain, but the fresh air did us some good. It kept Rachael and I from being seasick especially. Not being seasick is always good.

By the time we spotted the colorful buildings of Burano, we were famished. The first thing on our agendas became acquiring some sustenance for our growling bellies. After searching for a while in the rain, we settled on a cozy cafe...

...that ended up having the best pizza ever. In the world. And the world is a big place, you guys.

Amy, Rachael, and I split a breakfast pizza, while Kalli chowed down on her personal pepperoni. I also ordered a pasta dish with ham and mushrooms. It was so good.

The prison bridge

And for dessert, tiramisu. My second favorite dessert. It was a little square of heaven.

The waiter told me that I shouldn't share with my friends. I assured him that I wouldn't. He told me he was kidding. I told him that I wasn't.

This got a laugh out of everyone in the room. Good spirits and good moods were everywhere. The Italians are really on to something here.

After lunch, we looked around the isle. There were a variety of shops that sold lace, which was Burano was famous for, as well as Murano glass, which is not only gorgeous, but globally acclaimed glass.

It was almost dark when we headed back to the station to wait on our vaporetto. Our bags were full of souvenirs and our hearts were full. It was drizzling, but the cold and the wet couldn't dampen our moods now.

A rather large vaporetto came to collect everyone. We talked away the hour ride back to Venice, where it was only raining harder. Some more souvenir exploration was done, then we trooped into a restaurant for dinner and back out again to catch our shuttle, with bellies satisfied.

The next morning, Rachael, Kalli, and I did some more exploring of Venice while we waited to catch our shuttle to the airport. Amy had an early flight to Spain, so she would arrive hours ahead of us.

We loved Venice, but all too soon, we caught our flight to Madrid with a layover in Rome, which was a whole adventure unto itself.

View from a gondola.

A restaurant in Burano. 

A postcard come to life. 

Reflection

Deserted square

Model for a Day

Yesterday I had one of the most wonderful photographic experiences since I've come to London. And this time was a little different, as I'm usually behind the camera. This time, I was in front of it.

My roommate Julia received an offer from a new salon/photography studio called GK London to spend a day with a friend, getting a makeover, a manicure, and having a full-length photoshoot with all the pros.

And to my shock and excitement, Julia asked me to join her. I'm so very glad she did.

We prepared for the photoshoot that morning by showering and leaving our faces a blank canvas - no makeup just yet! Our closets were rummaged through as we tried to find at least four outfit changes - another requirement.

I had to dash out the door without getting anything to eat, because we were running slightly late, and even though GK wasn't far away, the tube can be a little unpredictable nowadays.

Getting ready. 

Our freshly-washed hair whipping in the wind, we arrived, and were offered tea on the spot. Because this is England, and we love our tea. The host, Christine, was a sweet Albanian in her late twenties, and she could make a mean cuppa.

GK London was running behind, so we had to wait a bit before our pampering began. In the meantime, we looked through a photo book, GK has a great portfolio, and drank some apple juice after the tea (that was me). Julia went first, and picked out a lovely burgundy for her nails. The Romanian stylist fixed her straight hair flowing waves and the Italian makeup artist worked her magic. I've always loved meeting people from all over the world, and this time was no different.

Julia, stunning already, finished her pampering looking like an absolute goddess.

She not only has a pretty face, but this smart lawyer-to-be is queen of the courtroom. 

Before I knew it, it was my turn. I got a scolding from the manicurist for picking at my nails; I had picked them down to the quick out of stress, but she graciously gave me a hand massage and painted my stubby little nails a beautiful taupe.

My hair and makeup were done at the same time so Julia wouldn't have to wait so long. By the time they had finished taming my thick, wavy tresses into curls (she agreed with me when I told her that I had enough hair for five people) and painting my face in makeup, I couldn't recognize myself anymore.

Guys, I usually never talk about myself in this manner, but I looked good.

Everyone said this could be my album cover. Buy my mixtape. 

I have a lot of hair. 

The photoshoot itself was a ton of fun. Our photographer kept things light and hilarious, even though English wasn't his first language. One of his favorite phrases was, "Don't you dare to move."

However, a few minutes, a cup of tea (Julia) and a glass of wine (me) later, our pictures were ours...for a price. And a high price it was too. Yikes. I could just hear my wallet begging me not to buy anything.


We got one picture each for free, then, because I paid both Julia and my deposit on the photoshoot, I got a second picture for free! She, purchased two, along with her free one.

It was a long, exhausting, but an overall great experience. GK London was an absolute joy to work with, and I highly recommend them for any styling and pro photoshoot needs.

BEFORE

AFTER

Ravenclaw and Gryffindor Take London

An alternate title of this post can be something along the lines of: Two Nerds in Sweaters Go on an Adventure. 

I've decided to create a little series entitled Ravenclaw & Gryffindor. Basically posts are part of this series when Kalli and I are doing Harry Potter related things. This post is technically the first one in the series, but it has been posted second. 

To begin this post, I'll need to once again provide background so everyone reading is on the same page. I wouldn't want to leave any of you lovelies behind! I'll label this section so those of who are familiar with The Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and the world of Harry Potter can jump ahead. 

But for the rest of you, here is some stuff you need to know before reading about the following adventures: 

The Background Information that Maggie Promised 

Now, I'm sure you've all heard of the Harry Potter books and movies, right? If not, here he is. Harry's this dude right here. But he's not just any dude, he's a wizard dude. Which causes all sorts of problems in his life. He attends school at a magical school called Hogwarts, where young magical folk go to learn about their magical skills, cool creatures, potion making, and so on. Hogwarts is divided into four houses. Gryffindor, the house that Harry Potter and myself belong to, is the most well known.

The other houses are Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin. Each of these houses have their own color and set of values that they uphold. Gryffindor is bravery, Ravenclaw is intelligence, Hufflepuff is loyalty, and Slytherin is ambition.

The kind of sweaters we're wearing in all of our pictures is the sort sported by the athletes of the wizarding sport of Quidditch. It's a crazy sport played on the back of a broom, and, in fact, I have played it myself. It's a mix between dodgeball, ultimate frisbee, and capture the flag. And it's probably the best sport ever.

 I just started my journey into Harry's world this past summer for the first time, and, believe it or not, it's been life changing. The topic really deserves a blog post or an article of its own. However, the Harry Potter series has had its share of controversy, which makes it unpopular with some parents, as there is a common belief that the books promote witchcraft (they really don't).

And to finish this little spiel, I'll add that my friend and travelling companion Kalli is a Ravenclaw.

Background Finished

Kalli brought home a brochure one day, and on that fateful piece of paper was a list of all the nearby locations where many pieces of the Harry Potter movies were filmed, as well as places that you could buy HP memorabilia, like chocolate frogs, Bertie Bott's Every Flavoured Beans, jelly slugs, and galleons. 

We began our little tour at, where else, Platform 9 3/4 at King's Cross station, where young wizards and witches would push their luggage carts through the wall to meet the Hogwarts Express on the other side.  Unfortunately, the photographer was a Slytherin, and as everyone knows, Gryffindors and Slytherins usually don't get along very well. 

So we heckled each other for a while. It didn't help that one of my shoes flew off an almost knocked out an innocent Hufflepuff. The great part was that all of us got a great laugh together, people from around the world bonding on something magical that was, in reality, all too real to all of us. 

Kalli and I explored London, our House sweaters drawing many faces and whispers from children and adults alike. I was pretty sure some kiddos were convinced that I was a witch (this is where playing witches in previous stage productions comes in handy). 

But instead of me telling you about all the Pottery places I've puttered around in London, let me just show you! 

A pilgrimage location for every good Potterhead, Platform 9 3/4 is smack dab in the middle of King's Cross station. 

Left: Kalli and I on platform 4, where the scene was actually filmed. Platform 9 is elsewhere.
Right: Molly and Ginny Weasley look on as one of the older ones runs between the space between the platforms. 

Left: We're on our way to the Ministry of Magic!
Right: Ron Weasley on lookout duty nearby the Ministry of Magic

Left: Us on the windy Millennium Bridge
Right: The Millennium Bridge after the evil Death Eaters had their way with it. 

Left: A delicious chocolate frog from a candy shop

Right: Uh oh, Harry! Your frog's trying to escape!

Left: Kalli and I on one of the streets that inspired Diagon Alley
Right: Diagon Alley, a shopping thoroughfare for wizards, in all its glory. 

Roar Roar Gryffindor! 

Trafalgar Square, not only a central area in London, but where the world premiere of  'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2' was held!

Not to worry, friends. This is only where are adventures began; there's so much more ahead.
. 

Gryffindor and Ravenclaw take Edinburgh, Scotland

After a previously thwarted attempt to travel up north in September, Kalli and I finally made it up to Scotland! Edinburgh, Scotland, to be precise. 

It was pouring when our train pulled into Edinburgh Waverly station. Our first mission, we decided, was to find our guesthouse to drop our backpacks. We had just been on the train for five hours, and we wanted to chill for a bit before exploring. 

One of our first views of Edinburgh. 

The Ivy Guesthouse was about a mile away, so we got a mini-tour of the city as we walked through the center of the city and back out to guesthouse row, where guesthouses lined the street for a few blocks. 

Google Maps led us to the back of the house, where the parking was, so a nice Scottish lady had to set us on the path once more. Unsurprisingly, our guesthouse was covered in Ivy. After checking in with the landlord, we tramped up the stairs to our cozy first floor room (that would be the second floor for Americans!) and crashed for a bit. 

After our rest, we headed back out into the cold to our next destination: dinner. But more importantly, dinner at The Elephant House, a famously delicious tearoom fancied by author JK Rowling as she wrote the Harry Potter series! 

Be still, my nerdy heart. 

This city properly belongs in some sort of fairy tale. 

Kalli decided to be the brave one and order the Scottish national dish of haggis, neeps, and tatties. For starters, tatties are mashed potatoes and neeps are mashed turnips. 

Tur-neeps. 

And don't gag when I say that I ate the haggis too. It tasted somewhat like meatloaf, actually. And the neeps and tatties were hearty as well; it went nicely with the beef stew and tatties that I ordered. 

And both went well with a cup of Italian hot chocolate, topped with a heavy dollop of whipped cream and white and pink marshmallows. 

A tradition at the Elephant House is to go into the bathroom and write messages on the wall to JK Rowling, all Harry Potter themed, of course. Most of the messages say things like, "Thank you" or "I heart [Character name]." I was struggling to write on the wall with my little ballpoint pen I bought at the BBC, but just above the door, you can read my own message: "DA 4 LYFE" 

That would be referring to Dumbledore's Army, of course. 

Fleshmarket Close, a tiny side alley separating the famous Royal Mile from the New Town. 

We left the Elephant House and went exploring. And somehow stumbled across Edinburgh's Christmas market, full of little amusement rides, homemade goods, and festive eats. 

Kalli and I got crepes, she a banana and Nutella one, and I a strawberry, Nutella, and whipped cream one. They were an adventure to eat on that cold and windy night. Kalli had to eventually hold my hair back so I could eat. But it was a lovely snack nonetheless. 

I fell asleep early that night, curling in a little ball in the bed. I slept for around twelve hours, but I woke up feeling like I hadn't slept at all. There was no time to dwell on this, though, because we had to pack our things to check out and make our way to the Edinburgh Dungeon for our time slot. 

The Edinburgh Dungeon is a kitschy, touristy thing, but I had a blast. I would have to describe the experience as a cross between a haunted house and a history walk. 

We were drenched when we arrived, as the rain beat down on our backpacks the whole way there, much to the amusement of the staff. After we got our initial pictures out of the way (me beheading Kalli with an axe and the both of us doing jazz hands in the graveyard), we began our little tour into the darkness of Scottish history with our little group of unsuspecting tourists. 

The Edinburgh Dungeon in all its...glory.

I was tried as a witch right off the bat. Unfortunately, I was convicted and sentenced to be thrown into the Loch. Not Loch Ness, surely. Apparently, I had been dancing on the hilltop, praying down to the powers in Hell to bring me a man. The judge then asked if he, at least was attractive. I answered with a "very." 

The judge informed me that that was considered a confession, and I was sentenced to die. Oh well.  

The man put on trial after me was a burly guy with a grey ponytail, tried for cross-dressing. He pleaded insanity on this one. Then the judge sentenced the whole back row in our little courtroom for committing crimes of fashion. 

They wore heavy raincoats? TREASON TO THE CROWN. 

Our adventures continued, as we came face to face with an attractive torturer, a family of cannibals, a medical student who accepted bodies from serial killers (I got to be the "lady of the night" for the demonstration on how they killed their victims), a vengeful ghost, the serial killers themselves, and, oh, the plague. 

It was a pretty eventful morning. 

The Scottish Steps. Each step is made out of a different kind of marble. Today it's a tragic example of  beautiful urban art covered in trash. 

Kalli and I decided to leave Scotland early (insert tears here), but we were very cold and wet. We grabbed McDonalds and hopped on the five hour train back, with me standing three of those five hours. My legs felt a little like pudding afterwards. 

Edinburgh was amazing, and a weekend didn't do it justice. I wish we could've been there a whole week, but, alas, this was impossible for now. 

Next time, though, Edinburgh Castle, I'm coming for ya! 

 And now, a brief photo essay: 

The winding streets of the city. 

Some fabulous Gothic art above the Christmas market. 

The roofs are a society unto themselves. 

Christmas market in Edinburgh!

The Elephant House, frequented by JK Rowling! (Also home of some great food.)

My note on the bathroom wall at the Elephant House: "DA 4 LYFE."

Spotted above the toilet...because that's one way into the Ministry of Magic. 

Harry Potter fans from around the world come to this place to leave their mark on the bathroom walls, the mirrors, the dryers, everywhere but the toilet. 

The rel questions. I had to post this because I just couldn't stop laughing. Poor Ron. 

Delicious, delicious hot chocolate! 

Rockin' in Rome

An old adage once said that Rome wasn't built in a day. We took a little spin off from that; we explored Rome in a day.

That day went by pretty quickly as well.

Our day in Rome began with the evening before. Our flight from Copenhagen landed in the late afternoon, so we had to get to the city, and the hostel, quickly for our night tour around the city. However, getting a taxi was nigh on impossible and the airport was a ways out from the city center.

Plot spoilers: We missed the tour. But that's okay.

What we DID do, was climb into a big black van (a car that was hired for us), with a nun and an American couple. Sounds like the beginning of a horror movie, but we made it out fine. Even if our driver decided he was done with Roman traffic and actually started driving on the train tracks to bypass the road.

After missing our tour, we went to a local restaurant recommend by a friend of Rachel's. The pizza was some of the best I've ever had, but our waiter couldn't take his eyes off me. He told me he liked how I flipped my hair, calling me bellissima, winking and blowing me kisses as we left, much to the amusement and horror of my friends; I was blushing all the way home. I may also add that he slightly resembled John Travolta, which made things even weirder.

We arrived back at the flat to find that we had two male roommates: a skinny, quiet one, and an older, more awkward one, just still young enough to still be hosteling. The hostel was comfortable enough. Our original plan had been an AirBnb, but it ended up not working out. In the morning, though, we were refreshed and ready to explore.

Our first stop was the Colosseum. Instead of waiting inside for tickets, we went to the Roman Forum across the street and got a better deal on tickets, we could visit the Colosseum, the Forum, and Palantine Hill, after only ten minutes of waiting, as opposed to six hours.

The Colosseum was surrounded by men in gladiator suits, charging an Euro for a picture. We ignored them completely and charged straight for the magnificence ahead of us.

It was everything that the books promised it would be. History had just come to life. No words I could use could do it justice.

Next was the Roman Forum. Basically, the Forum is a main area. It was a center for commerce, full of important buildings and the ruins of small shops. Palantine Hill sits regally on the cliffs above, shadowing what was once a thriving center of Roman life.

We also saw a cat. Kalli named it Minerva, after the goddess, and Amy wanted to feed it crackers. A day in the life of us.

After trying and failing, as always, at Roman transportation, we took a taxi to our next stop, Vatican City, where we toured the museum beyond the City's walls, seeing art and history around every corner. Growing up with an artist for a mom, I was fully able to appreciate everything I saw. I even cried in the Sistine Chapel, even though we were being herded through like cattle by grumpy security guards.

The Spanish Steps and Trevi fountain were closed that day, to our immense disappointment. We had been hoping, like thousands of tourists from all over the world, to throw coins into the fountain to make a wish.

Our group retired early that night. The next morning, we were taking a train to Naples, and from there, we would be feasting our eyes on even more history in the ruins of Pompeii!

In memory of the many Christians who laid their lives down within these walls

The Roman Forum

Also the Forum

The people on Palantine Hill

Lady Minerva does not approve.

In Vatican City

I love designs like this.

Oh, did I mention I was an ancient Egypt nerd? 

The Shabti servants

Lovely ceiling designs ahead...

Step by step to the Sistine...

Parking in the Vatican? 

The Borgias were an extremely interesting Italian family: I've been interested in their history for years. 

Same.

The Spanish Steps

We came in time for a cute wedding shoot in the streets.