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! 

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.
. 

Flyin' High on the London Eye

My ticket said my time slot began at 7 p.m.

I was inside one of these bad boys. 

I squinted up at the giant Ferris wheel in front of me. I had walked by it many times before; I was no stranger to the Wesminster area, but this would be the first time I would enter one of the pill-shaped capsules and be lifted high above the city. 

The line wasn't too long, and because I had no companions on this little endeavor, I was herded into my little pod rather quickly, along with a few other tourist groups from all over the world.

My program had given me a half-off deal, and I don't regret taking it. Because it was already dark out, I saw London sparkling by night.

And the view didn't disappoint.

Over by the City of London, where all the business happens. 

I see you, Big Ben! 

A closer angle. 

The rigging. 

London. 

Is. 

Forever.

Going.

To. 

Feel. 

Like. 

Home. 

Up top. 

Toward MI6, Mr. Bond's place of employment. 

Above Westminster. 

Within the Eye. 

The Shard stands tall on the London skyline. 

The park below. 

A different kind of view. 

The price is a little high, much like the views, but I would still take a spin on the Eye if you're in the area. I even was able to spot where the archbishop of Canterbury lives! You never know what you're going to discover from a different kind of view. 

*Fun Fact: The London Eye is now sponsored by Coke, so it's current official name is "The Coca-Cola London Eye, with the logo now being emblazoned on all the Eye's merchandise.

Tuesday With Emma

Tuesday would've been my second day of school...if I had school on Tuesdays, that is! So, while most of my flat was stuck in a classroom, I was out and about in London with my longtime friend Emma.

Let me introduce you. 

Emma was the first English person I'd ever met. She started 6th grade with me in Japan, where we both attended international school. We were great friends, and we hung out with a lot of the same friends. I pulled her chariot in our production of Persephone, and we even played for the same field hockey team. Now, Revolutionary War aside, who says the Americans and the Brits can't get along? 

The last time I saw her, we were twelve-year-olds in mini skirts, playing "We are the Champtions" with our hockey sticks. Sorry Emma! This picture is the only one I have of us! 

Now Emma and I haven't seen each other in eight years. When we met up at the station closest to my flat, she gave me a cheery wave. I gave her a bear hug. Things got only better from there. 

After a brief lunch of sushi, chocolate, sandwiches and tea, my "whistle-stop" tour of London began with the Natural History Museum, which is right down the street from where I live. From there, we visited the Tate Britain, followed by the Tate Modern. Both the former and the latter are well known art museums. 

And all three of those museums were free. Awwww yeah! 

Then, and possibly one of my new favorite London spots...Chinatown! Waltzing down the narrow streets, surrounded by warm smells of meat and dumplings cooking, with snacks sitting in the storefronts brought back happy, fuzzy memories of Asia. I'm going to have to go back and stock up on deliciousness! 

Before she had to catch the train home, we stopped by my flat for a quick cuppa tea. I told her that we didn't use kettles in America. She told me that was tea sacrilege. (In retrospect, it's probably a good thing that I didn't mention how we threw all of the tea into the harbor that one time.)

Even though our feet ached, even though we had to catch tube after tube, we had an absolutely lovely day to catch up while we discussed British and American cultures. 

Really says something about friendship, doesn't it? 

And now, for your viewing pleasure, because this post is long overdue, and I can't wait to share it with you, a photo dump. And a large one at that.

Here is my day in (unedited) pictures: 

MI6, in real life. 

The Tate Britain

Snoopy no! 

Queen Victoria does not approve. 

Pigeon love. 

The Shard