The Eastend is kind of like the SoHo/Chinatown of New York. You have to have your wits about you, however felt pretty safe today since we were with our teacher and he knew where he was going. We went through four different markets, each specializing with something for different tastes and walked down various streets lined with clothing, foods, jewlery, and shoes. We visited one of the only flower markets left in London, where carriers from Essex and other parts of England bring thousands of flowers and plants and the like year round to sell. for very cheap prices. and very exotic as well. we almost bought a lemon tree. we also went to Brick Lane Market, which was more or less a huge tag sale.
Spitalfields Market was awesome. Tons and tons of design students featuring jewelry, handbags, frocks, coats, t's...etc. i bought a new skirt for work for 10 quid from a little chinese lady, who had designed it and handmade it from Chinese fabrics. its really soft. and flowy :) We only had about a half hour walk through, so I didn't get to make it through even a quarter of the way in, before I went back to meet up with the group. But all the markets are open every sunday year round. and apparently its a great christmas shopping area as well ;)
Petticoat Lane Market was also a huge tag sale. It was like the NY street sellers all conglomerated on this huge strip for miles, and just set up shop. It's great. Can't wait to go back. Also may have found where I'm going to sell everything that won't fit in my suitcase on my return trip home. or the useless UK power outlet appliances i dont want to take home. haha. just kidding eva...I'll help you out haha.
Tomorrow is my first day at The Royal Thames Yacht Club. Very excited to finally start, yet still really nervous and don't know what to expect. My bosses seem so nice, and accomidating though so I'm not too worried. BUT WHAT WILL I WEAR!?
<3 Krista
Sunday, September 30, 2007
1920's Speakeasies and Indian Experiences
Friday night we tried out this bar/club called Blind Tiger at AKA. It was a 1920's style bar, with sitting room, a dance floor, stools, two floors, and ropes and a hoop hanging from the ceiling. The Dj was pretty awesome, mixing songs together like 'we will rock you' to the music from 'i love rock and roll' and things like that, and playing a few swing songs occasionally. it was kind of awesome. to add to the fun, every night there are different burlesque dancers there. that was kind of crazy. this girl would descend on this hoop from the ceiling, and do all these contorsionist spins, and loops and crazy circus type stuff. to add to the boys attraction, she had lack of a shirt, much like the janet jackson "accident" at the superbowl. or Lil' Kim's classy attire that year at the VMA's. It was really fun none the less.
Last night we went down to SoHo to try Indian food. Trying new things left and right gang. I hope you're proud. It was actually really good. We could barely read the menu, but just took a shot in the dark and were pleasantly surprised. However, we mistakenly ended up at a Vegetarian style Indian Cuisine place, so we're gonna have to try another one out, with meats and chicken and stuff. My tea i had was so amazing. Lemon Tea, freshly brewed or boiled. and then I had a mint tea which was also delicious. I think they literally just use wicked hot water and the lemons, or mint leaves and no tea bags. it was soooo gooodddd.
Off to the East End for the day. Big stories to come, I'm sure. ;)
<3 Krista
Last night we went down to SoHo to try Indian food. Trying new things left and right gang. I hope you're proud. It was actually really good. We could barely read the menu, but just took a shot in the dark and were pleasantly surprised. However, we mistakenly ended up at a Vegetarian style Indian Cuisine place, so we're gonna have to try another one out, with meats and chicken and stuff. My tea i had was so amazing. Lemon Tea, freshly brewed or boiled. and then I had a mint tea which was also delicious. I think they literally just use wicked hot water and the lemons, or mint leaves and no tea bags. it was soooo gooodddd.
Off to the East End for the day. Big stories to come, I'm sure. ;)
<3 Krista
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Belushi's Round Two. Shunned.
Monday we went to The Roadhouse bar to check it out. We heard there were live bands every night, and happy hour and the bartenders practice their flair. There's also flair competitions every Sunday, which is awesome. Definitely want to check that out. It was an all around fun place, and apparently is a "tourist trap", however we didnt find many tourists there, and i really liked the atmosphere.
Last night we went to try for karaoke round two at Belushi's. We got a huge group together, and were pumped, and had a lot of fun for the time we were there. Although, we didn't do much karaoke-ing because they changed the set-up and we pretty much hung out downstairs and danced to the DJ's jams and were having a blast. Then all hell broke loose in a matter of seconds. One of our friends was pretty much attacked, by some random guy, for no reason what-so-ever. Long story short, the tools peaced out as soon as they had attacked him, and then by the time we realized what was going on we peaced out infuriated as well. Goodbye Belushi's. We will find another karaoke hot-spot. LAME.
<3 Krista
Last night we went to try for karaoke round two at Belushi's. We got a huge group together, and were pumped, and had a lot of fun for the time we were there. Although, we didn't do much karaoke-ing because they changed the set-up and we pretty much hung out downstairs and danced to the DJ's jams and were having a blast. Then all hell broke loose in a matter of seconds. One of our friends was pretty much attacked, by some random guy, for no reason what-so-ever. Long story short, the tools peaced out as soon as they had attacked him, and then by the time we realized what was going on we peaced out infuriated as well. Goodbye Belushi's. We will find another karaoke hot-spot. LAME.
<3 Krista
Sunday, September 23, 2007
I lied about my photo website
I found a much better photo uploader, that takes way less time, and also doesn't freeze my computer. So all you lovelies can check out what I'm doing, and stalk me some more ;)
http://picasaweb.google.com/kristabridges
<3 Krista
http://picasaweb.google.com/kristabridges
<3 Krista
Pear Cider, SoHo and Hot Springs
I have found my beloved pear cider at Sainsbury's. for 1/3 of the price i paid in scotland. <3
Friday we went to SoHo on a whim to go exploring. stopped in a few pubs here and there, but didn't stay out too too late. Danielle got a passion fruit martini, that apparently was delectable. I won't disclose the other crew member that got one, for their own dignity's sake and to protect their reputation. haha.
Saturday I got to go to Stonehenge with Dani. We took a seperate tour from the school, and went to Bath as well. It was a really good time. Stonehenge was eerie, and different from what i expected. I'm puzzled by it. Bath was incredible, but very very busy. i just wish we had had more time there. We explored the Roman Baths that were there, and it was amazing. im so glad i got to see them, and the literal hot springs still running through them as if it was still the reign of Julius Caesar. I can only imagine what the ones actually in Rome look like. Apparently you can pay 50 p for a glass of water from the baths, and it "cures you of any illness you may have." my can-do attitude really wanted to go to the Pump House to test it out, but we couldn't find the fountain, or where you would order it. sigh. alas, one thing can't get checked off the list. The city itself was beautiful, but we didn't get to walk around very much at all. lack of time, which is unfortunate. we did however make a new friend on the bus on the way there. he's from australia and he's living right down the road in the next part of kensington for a while. we're all gonna go party at the aussie bars with him and his friends some time, which should be cool.
Today we went to the Hard Rock Cafe Vault and got to check out mad guitars and memorobilia from all the rockstars like Jimi Hendrix, Freddy Mercury, John Lennon, Little Richard, Keith Richards, etc. the tour guide was on crack i think. but it was sick. and free. Free Tours are Exceptional. :-D
Off to the Natural Museum of History tomorrow with Danielle my love. and our weekly stop at Sainsbury's for juice boxes. yay.
<3 Krista
Friday we went to SoHo on a whim to go exploring. stopped in a few pubs here and there, but didn't stay out too too late. Danielle got a passion fruit martini, that apparently was delectable. I won't disclose the other crew member that got one, for their own dignity's sake and to protect their reputation. haha.
Saturday I got to go to Stonehenge with Dani. We took a seperate tour from the school, and went to Bath as well. It was a really good time. Stonehenge was eerie, and different from what i expected. I'm puzzled by it. Bath was incredible, but very very busy. i just wish we had had more time there. We explored the Roman Baths that were there, and it was amazing. im so glad i got to see them, and the literal hot springs still running through them as if it was still the reign of Julius Caesar. I can only imagine what the ones actually in Rome look like. Apparently you can pay 50 p for a glass of water from the baths, and it "cures you of any illness you may have." my can-do attitude really wanted to go to the Pump House to test it out, but we couldn't find the fountain, or where you would order it. sigh. alas, one thing can't get checked off the list. The city itself was beautiful, but we didn't get to walk around very much at all. lack of time, which is unfortunate. we did however make a new friend on the bus on the way there. he's from australia and he's living right down the road in the next part of kensington for a while. we're all gonna go party at the aussie bars with him and his friends some time, which should be cool.
Today we went to the Hard Rock Cafe Vault and got to check out mad guitars and memorobilia from all the rockstars like Jimi Hendrix, Freddy Mercury, John Lennon, Little Richard, Keith Richards, etc. the tour guide was on crack i think. but it was sick. and free. Free Tours are Exceptional. :-D
Off to the Natural Museum of History tomorrow with Danielle my love. and our weekly stop at Sainsbury's for juice boxes. yay.
<3 Krista
John Mayer in London?!
Tuesday i was going to head to The Royal Albert's Hall to see if i could get cheap standing tickets to the John Mayer concert that night. It was sold out, and the night before was supposedly awesome. I had to try at least...
About an hour before i was going to head over there before class, good old Scott gets back from his first day on the job at the Talent Booking Agency (pretty much Adam's "Josh's Intern" job, but in london...) He walks in to tell me about day one and slaps down two tickets on my newspaper. He snagged them up from his boss for the show that night. i couldnt believe my eyes. not only were these tickets to see the show, they were Box seats! rediculously classy, and incredible.
Newton Faulkner opened, and he rocked out pretty awesomely. Kind of a mix of Daughtry and Jason Mraz, the way he spit lyrics, but a rougher sound. Pretty awesome. And to top it off, he sang the Sponge Bob theme song to close his performance....in the Royal Albert's Hall...that's pretty much unheard of haha. it was fantastic.
Needless to say John Mayer put on the performance of a lifetime. It was just f-ing incredible. the lights, the monitors, his energy, the band's enthusiasm. it was unforgettably the best show i've ever been to other than Jack's at newport this past summer. I was in awe. Ultimately amazing. I'll post some videos from the show on youtube later, featuring the Sponge Bob diddy, Why Georgia and Your Body is a Wonderland.
<3 Krista
About an hour before i was going to head over there before class, good old Scott gets back from his first day on the job at the Talent Booking Agency (pretty much Adam's "Josh's Intern" job, but in london...) He walks in to tell me about day one and slaps down two tickets on my newspaper. He snagged them up from his boss for the show that night. i couldnt believe my eyes. not only were these tickets to see the show, they were Box seats! rediculously classy, and incredible.
Newton Faulkner opened, and he rocked out pretty awesomely. Kind of a mix of Daughtry and Jason Mraz, the way he spit lyrics, but a rougher sound. Pretty awesome. And to top it off, he sang the Sponge Bob theme song to close his performance....in the Royal Albert's Hall...that's pretty much unheard of haha. it was fantastic.
Needless to say John Mayer put on the performance of a lifetime. It was just f-ing incredible. the lights, the monitors, his energy, the band's enthusiasm. it was unforgettably the best show i've ever been to other than Jack's at newport this past summer. I was in awe. Ultimately amazing. I'll post some videos from the show on youtube later, featuring the Sponge Bob diddy, Why Georgia and Your Body is a Wonderland.
<3 Krista
Show Me That Can-Do Attitude!!
Last weekend I got to go to Scotland for 4 days. Wow. It was just plain incredible. The sights, the people, the history, the culture...I couldn't get enough of it.
Friday we traveled with a small group from school and two advisors, to Edinborough. The train was about 4 hrs, but not bad...the sights on the way were enough to keep you occupied. When we got there, we checked into our hostel (probably the nicest hostel in existance) and then broke up to do our own thing. Most of us met up and we all went to the Edinborough Castle. We went to the castle, then went off on our own and hung out at a local pub, did some shopping, and went on a ghost tour (which was scary as hell. Endinborough is like the most haunted place in the world).
At the pub I discovered Pear Cider. It is amazing and a God-send. Scott got Haggis, which we all tried. yes. haggis. the ultimate scottish traditional dish. For those who dont know its all the gizzards of a sheep, ground up, and then boiled and used to be lined in sheeps intenstine, but these days i guess the UK FDA nix'd that. so its a more "natural coating". anyways. My can-do attitude was at its height. and yes, i ate it. a miniscule bite. but i did it. we have documentation for the sceptics. in all honesty if i didnt know what it was it wasnt awful. it was like really spicey taco meat....but i dont think ill eat it ever again.
Saturday we were picked up by our Haggis Tour bus, big yellow, and our driver/tour guide who rocked, Dave. Born and bread in Scotland he knew his stuff, and kept us laughing. Over the next 3 days, we traveled throughout the whole country, up to the aisle of Skye, through the highlands, and to Loch Ness on our way back down and around. Highlights included: Dunking our face in the river for beauty. whiskey sampling from the the whiskey stop. hanging out with the locals in Fort Augustus at the one of two pubs in town. drinking water from the ferry waterfalls for goodluck and wishes. seeing Wells take not one, but probably three diggers running down from the top and getting covered in mud...and scott prancing his way down to avoid doing the same. then the next day, seeing Wells (probably twice scotts size) wearing scotts pants because he had nothing else to change into. seeing real highlander attire and watching this australian kid have to "become a real man" and pretty much strip in front of 50-60 people. Scott and I had a karaoke reunion at the Lodge (our third night hostel) and then the rest of the night consisted of group sing-a-longs, and scott's special performance -spitting mad rhymes-. pretty much all of the sights and stories dave told us. and i dipped my leg in loch ness. a weekend full of spontinuity. it was fantastic.
<3 Krista
Friday we traveled with a small group from school and two advisors, to Edinborough. The train was about 4 hrs, but not bad...the sights on the way were enough to keep you occupied. When we got there, we checked into our hostel (probably the nicest hostel in existance) and then broke up to do our own thing. Most of us met up and we all went to the Edinborough Castle. We went to the castle, then went off on our own and hung out at a local pub, did some shopping, and went on a ghost tour (which was scary as hell. Endinborough is like the most haunted place in the world).
At the pub I discovered Pear Cider. It is amazing and a God-send. Scott got Haggis, which we all tried. yes. haggis. the ultimate scottish traditional dish. For those who dont know its all the gizzards of a sheep, ground up, and then boiled and used to be lined in sheeps intenstine, but these days i guess the UK FDA nix'd that. so its a more "natural coating". anyways. My can-do attitude was at its height. and yes, i ate it. a miniscule bite. but i did it. we have documentation for the sceptics. in all honesty if i didnt know what it was it wasnt awful. it was like really spicey taco meat....but i dont think ill eat it ever again.
Saturday we were picked up by our Haggis Tour bus, big yellow, and our driver/tour guide who rocked, Dave. Born and bread in Scotland he knew his stuff, and kept us laughing. Over the next 3 days, we traveled throughout the whole country, up to the aisle of Skye, through the highlands, and to Loch Ness on our way back down and around. Highlights included: Dunking our face in the river for beauty. whiskey sampling from the the whiskey stop. hanging out with the locals in Fort Augustus at the one of two pubs in town. drinking water from the ferry waterfalls for goodluck and wishes. seeing Wells take not one, but probably three diggers running down from the top and getting covered in mud...and scott prancing his way down to avoid doing the same. then the next day, seeing Wells (probably twice scotts size) wearing scotts pants because he had nothing else to change into. seeing real highlander attire and watching this australian kid have to "become a real man" and pretty much strip in front of 50-60 people. Scott and I had a karaoke reunion at the Lodge (our third night hostel) and then the rest of the night consisted of group sing-a-longs, and scott's special performance -spitting mad rhymes-. pretty much all of the sights and stories dave told us. and i dipped my leg in loch ness. a weekend full of spontinuity. it was fantastic.
<3 Krista
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Beluchi's - Football. Glowdoms. Blowup sheep. Summer nights.
Last night may have been one of my favorite nights here so far. After class we went out to London Bridge, to this pub/youth hostel called Beluchi's. It was a blast. We got there a bit early to watch the football game vs. Russia, and had some dinner. Then they turn the upstairs bar into a karaoke frenzy with drink specials.
We met some English boys, and they were fun. A bit crazy the more pints they kept getting in them. One wrote for a rubbish newspaper. the other - get this - his sister went to URI to study abroad. WTF. He asked where we were from, and we told him CT, NY...Texas. And he said he'd been to Rhode Island (of course 4/5 of us go to school in RI, so we were like "no way!") and i asked where he'd been. He said Providence and Kingston. "KINGSTON?! WHAT?! Why the hell have you been there?!" "My sister studied there for 6 months last year, at the University." Leave it to fate that this kids sister was probably one of the English girls I always drove home from all the parties down the line with Rhody Rides, and saw in the suites when i did my laundry. What are the odds.
Anyways. We all chatted with them, about football-music-everything. It was fun. Scott and I made our musical debut singing "Summer Nights" for the whole audience. That was so much fun. Our new friends Joe and Dan were big fans...kind of got mauled by them afterward...eh. Scott sang his solo 'Hello, My Love' by the Doors, right as we were on our way out, and unfortunately figured out how to delete my recording of it. But it was so much fun, and I'm definitely looking forward to going back. Apparently I have to do a solo next time. um. yeah right. "Over the Moon" wasn't in the book unfortunately. haha.
Leaving for Scotland tomorrow until Monday with about 25 other Richmond kids. Can't wait to see the castles, I only wish I could live in and search out good ol' Nessy.
<3 Krista
We met some English boys, and they were fun. A bit crazy the more pints they kept getting in them. One wrote for a rubbish newspaper. the other - get this - his sister went to URI to study abroad. WTF. He asked where we were from, and we told him CT, NY...Texas. And he said he'd been to Rhode Island (of course 4/5 of us go to school in RI, so we were like "no way!") and i asked where he'd been. He said Providence and Kingston. "KINGSTON?! WHAT?! Why the hell have you been there?!" "My sister studied there for 6 months last year, at the University." Leave it to fate that this kids sister was probably one of the English girls I always drove home from all the parties down the line with Rhody Rides, and saw in the suites when i did my laundry. What are the odds.
Anyways. We all chatted with them, about football-music-everything. It was fun. Scott and I made our musical debut singing "Summer Nights" for the whole audience. That was so much fun. Our new friends Joe and Dan were big fans...kind of got mauled by them afterward...eh. Scott sang his solo 'Hello, My Love' by the Doors, right as we were on our way out, and unfortunately figured out how to delete my recording of it. But it was so much fun, and I'm definitely looking forward to going back. Apparently I have to do a solo next time. um. yeah right. "Over the Moon" wasn't in the book unfortunately. haha.
Leaving for Scotland tomorrow until Monday with about 25 other Richmond kids. Can't wait to see the castles, I only wish I could live in and search out good ol' Nessy.
<3 Krista
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Speaker's Corner and a Comedy Catastrophe
Saturday night we went to Kavanaugh's pub because we saw they had live music. it was great. a big boost to the bust of a night at Fabric the night before. Ashley Scott and I broke it down on the dance floor. Singing Aerosmith and Bryan Adams got us going. I think by far my favorite part was seeing these two 50 yr old british guys sing Jet's "Be My Girl" though. Can't wait to go back. On our slightly drunken way home Scott and I developed our own gang. Kensington Greyhoods...represent. Applicants just need a grey hoodie and we'll let you in our secret hand signal.
Sunday Dani, Scott, Danielle, Ashley and I went for an adventure to speaker's corner in Hyde Park. Pretty much, here, every sunday, is where anyone can get up on their stool and start talking/debating about anything they choose. it draws quite the crowd, and quite a bit of entertainment. it was so great. one guy scott was talking to (who had 3 teeth) told me "you can't get to heaven unless you're wearing a green dress" (i was wearing my green dress) Was this a come on? Yikes. haha. There was tons of posters lining the fences anti-american/uk invasions in iraq etc...the typical stuff. lots of religious debates...then the odd, freaky and just plain outrageous. Be sure to look for those pictures too.
Scott, Ashley and I went to go play at Henley's toy store. It was pretty sick. FAO Shwartz still takes the cake, but this definitely was worth going to play in. so much fun.
Last night (tuesday) the bad news bears (dani and danielle) dragged me out. we checked out a comedy show at a pub in Soho. It was awful. lol. The last comedian was great, he was australian, but the crowd we were with was just lame. they didnt react off of anything from any of the other performers, and it was just painful at some points. maybe im just a snob from being emotionally numb from the countless comedians being thrown at us at NACA, and through SEC....no. I'm just going to say it was a bad line up in general. Oh well, live and learn.
Rugby game 2 is tonight :) And karaoke. Yes, that's right. Summer Nights duet. I'm all over that shizzle. My debut on the stage has come at last...Watch out London, it's going to be messy.
<3 Krista
Sunday Dani, Scott, Danielle, Ashley and I went for an adventure to speaker's corner in Hyde Park. Pretty much, here, every sunday, is where anyone can get up on their stool and start talking/debating about anything they choose. it draws quite the crowd, and quite a bit of entertainment. it was so great. one guy scott was talking to (who had 3 teeth) told me "you can't get to heaven unless you're wearing a green dress" (i was wearing my green dress) Was this a come on? Yikes. haha. There was tons of posters lining the fences anti-american/uk invasions in iraq etc...the typical stuff. lots of religious debates...then the odd, freaky and just plain outrageous. Be sure to look for those pictures too.
Scott, Ashley and I went to go play at Henley's toy store. It was pretty sick. FAO Shwartz still takes the cake, but this definitely was worth going to play in. so much fun.
Last night (tuesday) the bad news bears (dani and danielle) dragged me out. we checked out a comedy show at a pub in Soho. It was awful. lol. The last comedian was great, he was australian, but the crowd we were with was just lame. they didnt react off of anything from any of the other performers, and it was just painful at some points. maybe im just a snob from being emotionally numb from the countless comedians being thrown at us at NACA, and through SEC....no. I'm just going to say it was a bad line up in general. Oh well, live and learn.
Rugby game 2 is tonight :) And karaoke. Yes, that's right. Summer Nights duet. I'm all over that shizzle. My debut on the stage has come at last...Watch out London, it's going to be messy.
<3 Krista
Who Says the Sun Doesn't Shine in England?
Saturday I went to Brighton. It's where alot of Englanders "holiday" by the seashore. It was just plain gorgeous. The architecture, the water, the pier, the ocean breeze. Just amazing. We took a bus ride, about 2 hrs, and got to hang out in the town all day, see the Royal Pavilion (which was this huge house that looked like the taj ma hall on the outside, but like picasso decorated the inside.), walk along the pier and just relaxing and exploring a bit of the english country side and seashore.
one interesting aspect inparticular was the beach was covered in stones, no sand. But not like, sharp rocky stones...because the salt water had smoothed them out. It was just covered in thousands of white and tan skimming stones, i guess you could call them. it was really interesting. The water was clearer than new england for sure. the pier was huge, and had massive carnival rides, bars, restuarants and an archade. the shore had tons of shops and cafes along the beach, and then there was tons of shopping across the street and into the town of brighton. it was huge and just so nice to get out of the city for a while. breath in the fresh air and sea breeze that i miss from rhode island so much. you don't realize how much you miss it until you live in the smog infested city for a few weeks. make sure to check out the pictures on facebook or in the photobucket :)
<3 Krista
one interesting aspect inparticular was the beach was covered in stones, no sand. But not like, sharp rocky stones...because the salt water had smoothed them out. It was just covered in thousands of white and tan skimming stones, i guess you could call them. it was really interesting. The water was clearer than new england for sure. the pier was huge, and had massive carnival rides, bars, restuarants and an archade. the shore had tons of shops and cafes along the beach, and then there was tons of shopping across the street and into the town of brighton. it was huge and just so nice to get out of the city for a while. breath in the fresh air and sea breeze that i miss from rhode island so much. you don't realize how much you miss it until you live in the smog infested city for a few weeks. make sure to check out the pictures on facebook or in the photobucket :)
<3 Krista
Who Wants E Pills?!
Friday night was an pre-organized club we could have signed up for - Fabric. Supposedly one of the harder clubs to get into in London.
Apparently it was "all the rage-fantastic-awesome-so cool-great time!"....It was a rave/E pill-drugged out party zone. SKETCHIEST place ever. Never again. There were tons of dance floors/bars, bad lighting, AWFUL music. it was just not pleasant. The pre-gaming for that night was the best part. there was no way i was going to pay 5 pounds for a drink there, when it would probably get drugged anyways. Needless to say we left around 1230. But didn't get back home until 2am. I was the only sober one at that point, bringing the bad news bears home, along with another girl from school, who had gotten seperated from her friends and was just a complete mess, poor thing. But I eventually got us all home safely. It was an "experience" for sure.
Of course, the RA's and RD's knew what a mess this place was, but talked it up like we couldn't miss out on it. The next day when we confronted them with these awful stories, and asked why in the world they didn't tell us, they said they wanted us to see for ourselves, and experience Fabric without their input. Yikes. Not fun. Never again.
<3 Krista
Apparently it was "all the rage-fantastic-awesome-so cool-great time!"....It was a rave/E pill-drugged out party zone. SKETCHIEST place ever. Never again. There were tons of dance floors/bars, bad lighting, AWFUL music. it was just not pleasant. The pre-gaming for that night was the best part. there was no way i was going to pay 5 pounds for a drink there, when it would probably get drugged anyways. Needless to say we left around 1230. But didn't get back home until 2am. I was the only sober one at that point, bringing the bad news bears home, along with another girl from school, who had gotten seperated from her friends and was just a complete mess, poor thing. But I eventually got us all home safely. It was an "experience" for sure.
Of course, the RA's and RD's knew what a mess this place was, but talked it up like we couldn't miss out on it. The next day when we confronted them with these awful stories, and asked why in the world they didn't tell us, they said they wanted us to see for ourselves, and experience Fabric without their input. Yikes. Not fun. Never again.
<3 Krista
The Interview? Party at the Yacht Club rather...
Last Thursday was my "interview" for the royal thames yacht club, down in Knightsbridge right across from Harrod's Dept Store (the Macy's of London...x 100) It's right in the city, and the members must store their yachts down by the thames im guessing. I was so nervous/excited. i also was aware ahead of time that I had been invited to the annual cocktail party that night as well. I went in my little black dress, met with the Captain and one of the Sailing Secretaries briefly, and pretty much they asked me if I would work for them on the spot. There really wasnt much of a formal interview at all. Slightly shocked, but really excited. I'm going to be working on a big reconfiguration project on excel because their offices are under reconstruction right now, and also assisting Abbigail, the social events coordinator. The Captain wants me to experience as much as possible, which is fantastic. Everyone there was so great and excited to have me on board. (ha.ha. no pun intended.) So pretty much after I sat with the Captain for like 4 minutes, he's like would you care to come have a drink with us downstairs and meet some people? and of course I accepted.
It was hilarious/great. The members of the club, the YM (young members) and the officers/coordinators of the club all mingle together and share close bonds, and joke with one another all the time. It was very posh. I felt like I was walking into one of the sitting rooms during a cocktail party in Titanic, but I was the Leonardo DiCaprio character and didn't know how to act, what to do other than smile and be as charming as possible.
Captain Freeman introduced me to many officers, members, ect. I met a few of the young members too which was great, meeting kids around my age. The older members were hilarious, cute drunken englishmen. Making passes at me, or just joking about what I should expect. The women were so warm and inviting. They would jokingly tell me who to look out for, and give me a few pointers. I think I'm really going to like it there and am really looking forward to it.
<3 Krista
It was hilarious/great. The members of the club, the YM (young members) and the officers/coordinators of the club all mingle together and share close bonds, and joke with one another all the time. It was very posh. I felt like I was walking into one of the sitting rooms during a cocktail party in Titanic, but I was the Leonardo DiCaprio character and didn't know how to act, what to do other than smile and be as charming as possible.
Captain Freeman introduced me to many officers, members, ect. I met a few of the young members too which was great, meeting kids around my age. The older members were hilarious, cute drunken englishmen. Making passes at me, or just joking about what I should expect. The women were so warm and inviting. They would jokingly tell me who to look out for, and give me a few pointers. I think I'm really going to like it there and am really looking forward to it.
<3 Krista
Sunday, September 9, 2007
food, friends and fun
I figured I'd finally update you on my living situation, the food, and lifestyle in general of the area, since it's been two weeks and I still haven't given you a heads up...
The Atlantic House: this is where I live. haha. typical dorm: doubles, mine's kind of ghetto, but not awful haha. just awkward shaped furniture/fitting - much like back in the suites. our caf is down in the basement, along with a huge common room with couches/vending machines/tv-dvd-vhs player and the 3 computer labs and laundry. We're up on the fourth floor with all the other interns, except for poor calli and steph down on floor 3. we have awesome windows overlooking St. Alban's Grove. Kensington is a very residential area, so its nice and quite, but 20 ft down the road is Builder's Arms pub which is always hopping. and about 2 streets over High St. where EVERYTHING is. and Gloucester which is another road of shops and pubs...it's awesome. coblestone roads and all. its so great.
Food: like i said, its not good here, from the caf. things are very different but its all about new experiences and trying new flavors and new varieties. I've freaked out a few times as some of you know. Grocery Stores were the worst, finding my knick for cheap food...that i could read the label on. Yes, we all speak the same language, but the product labels are completely different and rarely will you find a name brand from the states...which is kind of a lie, because US stuff is everywhere, but repackaged and advertised differently. but for the most part its all UK brands and just new types of foods. Thanks to laura, Sainsburys is my saving grace. its like super walmart. and right down the road. and where i buy my 74 p juice box packages. and cereal. woot.
Everyone here is great. Friendly all around for the most part, and lots of fun. I love you all! :)
My roommate is Dani and shes from Texas. She's too funny, and reminds me a lot of Hannah. (speaking oof which--- HANNAH CALL ME!) Danielle, who lives right next door and was roommate-less. :( but she's remodeled her room and i think finds it much more fitting :) haha. Ironically enough Danielle is my East Granby/Newport connection...and we went to preschool together, just don't remember it now...its a small flipping world.
That's all for now. Updates to come on this weeks---INTERESTING---festitivies. Keep checking out the photobucket.
<3 Krista
The Atlantic House: this is where I live. haha. typical dorm: doubles, mine's kind of ghetto, but not awful haha. just awkward shaped furniture/fitting - much like back in the suites. our caf is down in the basement, along with a huge common room with couches/vending machines/tv-dvd-vhs player and the 3 computer labs and laundry. We're up on the fourth floor with all the other interns, except for poor calli and steph down on floor 3. we have awesome windows overlooking St. Alban's Grove. Kensington is a very residential area, so its nice and quite, but 20 ft down the road is Builder's Arms pub which is always hopping. and about 2 streets over High St. where EVERYTHING is. and Gloucester which is another road of shops and pubs...it's awesome. coblestone roads and all. its so great.
Food: like i said, its not good here, from the caf. things are very different but its all about new experiences and trying new flavors and new varieties. I've freaked out a few times as some of you know. Grocery Stores were the worst, finding my knick for cheap food...that i could read the label on. Yes, we all speak the same language, but the product labels are completely different and rarely will you find a name brand from the states...which is kind of a lie, because US stuff is everywhere, but repackaged and advertised differently. but for the most part its all UK brands and just new types of foods. Thanks to laura, Sainsburys is my saving grace. its like super walmart. and right down the road. and where i buy my 74 p juice box packages. and cereal. woot.
Everyone here is great. Friendly all around for the most part, and lots of fun. I love you all! :)
My roommate is Dani and shes from Texas. She's too funny, and reminds me a lot of Hannah. (speaking oof which--- HANNAH CALL ME!) Danielle, who lives right next door and was roommate-less. :( but she's remodeled her room and i think finds it much more fitting :) haha. Ironically enough Danielle is my East Granby/Newport connection...and we went to preschool together, just don't remember it now...its a small flipping world.
That's all for now. Updates to come on this weeks---INTERESTING---festitivies. Keep checking out the photobucket.
<3 Krista
Thursday, September 6, 2007
SSC 323: Things We Hate About the UK
so our professor for our contemporary british culture class asked us to introduce ourselves, and give something we hate about the UK so far. afterward, he went through and gave his input/bit of history...with a dash of humor.
The Tube Strike: the first basically ever. the Tube has been running since 1860. and it's so popular, there's no time you can shut it down and repair it. so something needs to be done.
Food: British = bland. Has become the Take Away Nation (To-go as we in the States call it) There is no real cuisine of England anymore, it's a big melting pot of everything, and slowly "globalizing"
Weather: so unpredictable. the difference between the states and the uk - the uk weather is not meant to kill you. (ie: twisters, floods, hurricanes, huge snow storms, blazing heat waves) the uk is just plain mild.
Roads (which way do you look/when do you cross): it's a sport. run like hell.
Electricity: problem- no bathroom sockets. well at 240 volts its enough to kill you let alone be near water.
Drinks: Warm. no ice. frowned upon.
Money Money Money: The pound versus the dollar. the dollar is weak right now, but once our "problem" (ie: there is a new election...) is gone it will be better.
Products (my personal dilema...i can't read labels. and i have no idea what i'm buying): be adventurous.
Coins: theres barely any paper money. which sucks. "don't worry about the brown ones" (those GD huge 2 pence coins!!)
Take Away Culture: if you want good food- sit down and enjoy it in a restaurant. on the go "trash food" -leading problem with pigeons and rats.
Size: very small
"not" friendly: londoners are surrounded by people 24/7. when they have a second to themselves, they dont want to see anyone or make conversation.
Tube closes at 12 am - thats what those knightbuses are for. have an adventure. make some new friends
Beef- true. Americans have a few things to be proud of: steak, seafood and salad
Water: english didn't drink water. they purified their water by turning it into alcohol. or make tea, and make the dirty water taste good.
11 pm is "last call": not true. just go search out those pubs with the student nights
The Tube Strike: the first basically ever. the Tube has been running since 1860. and it's so popular, there's no time you can shut it down and repair it. so something needs to be done.
Food: British = bland. Has become the Take Away Nation (To-go as we in the States call it) There is no real cuisine of England anymore, it's a big melting pot of everything, and slowly "globalizing"
Weather: so unpredictable. the difference between the states and the uk - the uk weather is not meant to kill you. (ie: twisters, floods, hurricanes, huge snow storms, blazing heat waves) the uk is just plain mild.
Roads (which way do you look/when do you cross): it's a sport. run like hell.
Electricity: problem- no bathroom sockets. well at 240 volts its enough to kill you let alone be near water.
Drinks: Warm. no ice. frowned upon.
Money Money Money: The pound versus the dollar. the dollar is weak right now, but once our "problem" (ie: there is a new election...) is gone it will be better.
Products (my personal dilema...i can't read labels. and i have no idea what i'm buying): be adventurous.
Coins: theres barely any paper money. which sucks. "don't worry about the brown ones" (those GD huge 2 pence coins!!)
Take Away Culture: if you want good food- sit down and enjoy it in a restaurant. on the go "trash food" -leading problem with pigeons and rats.
Size: very small
"not" friendly: londoners are surrounded by people 24/7. when they have a second to themselves, they dont want to see anyone or make conversation.
Tube closes at 12 am - thats what those knightbuses are for. have an adventure. make some new friends
Beef- true. Americans have a few things to be proud of: steak, seafood and salad
Water: english didn't drink water. they purified their water by turning it into alcohol. or make tea, and make the dirty water taste good.
11 pm is "last call": not true. just go search out those pubs with the student nights
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Photos, Phones, and Snail Mail
Just some contact info in case you feel the need to send me love <3 or stalk me. whatever you choose.
My Cell Phone:
Dial 011 + 44 for the country codes
Mobile Phone #: 079 6441 5246
My School Address:
Krista Bridges
c/o Student Mail
Atlantic House
Richmond, The American International University in London
1 St. Alban's Grove
London, England W8 5PN
And for all of you wishing to take a peak at the amazing sights and sounds of my new home, I'll be posting all my photos (including ones i don't put on facebook) in photobucket...located here :)
http://s220.photobucket.com/albums/dd307/thelondondiaries/
<3 Krista
My Cell Phone:
Dial 011 + 44 for the country codes
Mobile Phone #: 079 6441 5246
My School Address:
Krista Bridges
c/o Student Mail
Atlantic House
Richmond, The American International University in London
1 St. Alban's Grove
London, England W8 5PN
And for all of you wishing to take a peak at the amazing sights and sounds of my new home, I'll be posting all my photos (including ones i don't put on facebook) in photobucket...located here :)
http://s220.photobucket.com/albums/dd307/thelondondiaries/
<3 Krista
portabello, peter pan and posh appearances.
So, updating on the recent events:
Saturday- Portabello Market trip. Way cool. very vintage. it was like a huge flea market with antiques, quirky clothing, farmer's markets and trinkets and shops. I, of course, fell in love with it and can't wait to go back one day. I only wish we had a fridge, or a microwave/way to store our own food (Update on food/friends/way of life still to come in a seperate post soon). But I was able to buy a HUGE pint of blackberries (i'm talking massive. the berries were like injected with hormones they were so ginormous) for a pound fifty. which is about 3 bucks, i was so siked, and ate them all in a matter of 15 minutes when i got home. they were delicious.
Boat Party on the Thames. Took a while to get to, few wrong turns here and there but we're making our way. It was ... alright. fun to chat with friends, had only 2 small drinks, and spent away my life :( the drinks on the boat were very expensive. so we came home around 11:30, and it took almost an hour. thank god we made the tube.
Sunday- Went exploring for our internship interview locations. AKA traveled all the way across London, wrong turns here and there, lots of map research, lots of walking, lots of frustration. I just went along for the ride, but it was kind of tiring after a while. We went to Soho to find E! for Ashley, and Scott was about 10 minutes down the road at a Talent Agency. Then we took a treck up to "scotland" as Dani likes to call it. Really, in fact, it was Camden Town, where Camden Market was being held. um, lets just say it was very interesting. i defintely want to go back and look around the shops. but it was portabello market on E/gone gothic punk. there were some characters. luckily she was offered a completely different position somewhere else, and wont need to travel to Camden Town again. needless to say, she's quite thrilled. On our way home we took the picadilly line straight to my work (since its like right up the street from my dorm. 20 minute walk or so. Right next to Harrod's, harvey nichols, burberry, and hyde park. it's incredible.
Our trip took a lot out of me though, so when i came back i didnt have the energy to go to the BBQ at richmond. I was feeling a bit down/out of it sunday night, just frustrated in general about a lot of things. not being able to figure out food labels. money issues. not being able to just call my mom, or any of my friends and family. it was just rough. i need time to myself to think and collect myself after going and going and going.
Monday- Much better day. Finally getting into a routine, had my first class. only lasted a half hour though because my professors apt had been robbed the night before, and his computers were stolen and he was in a tizzy. poor guy. but he seems really cool, and the class should be very interesting (Writing for the Media/Journalism)
i then went exploring by myself (seeing as it was 10 and i had no plans the rest of the day, which was nice) i explored a bunch of clothing stores to see what was out there/where there were good prices. bought some new headphones so i could finally use Skype. and then took a stroll through Hyde Park. It was fantastic. i just wandered/on a search for peter pan. i got a cup of tea and sat on the river. the sun was shining, and glistening off the water. it was so peaceful and was great to just clear my head, and have some alone time to think, and reflect on the chaos of the past week. i finally found peter. and was so happy. :) i got a picture with him. we're buds now. I will honestly never grow up. I bought juice boxes, cereal, granola bars and peanut butter soon after at sainsbury's which is the most amazing supermarket ever. (thank you laura reidy. haha)
Today- Had our interview workshop. good fun, and good advice. looking forward to mine thursday at 6:30...with cocktail party to follow. can't wait, but very nervous...
going to grab some lunch with the girls now, and will update on the life and tims of london later tonight after our british cultures class. cheers loves!
<3 Krista
Saturday- Portabello Market trip. Way cool. very vintage. it was like a huge flea market with antiques, quirky clothing, farmer's markets and trinkets and shops. I, of course, fell in love with it and can't wait to go back one day. I only wish we had a fridge, or a microwave/way to store our own food (Update on food/friends/way of life still to come in a seperate post soon). But I was able to buy a HUGE pint of blackberries (i'm talking massive. the berries were like injected with hormones they were so ginormous) for a pound fifty. which is about 3 bucks, i was so siked, and ate them all in a matter of 15 minutes when i got home. they were delicious.
Boat Party on the Thames. Took a while to get to, few wrong turns here and there but we're making our way. It was ... alright. fun to chat with friends, had only 2 small drinks, and spent away my life :( the drinks on the boat were very expensive. so we came home around 11:30, and it took almost an hour. thank god we made the tube.
Sunday- Went exploring for our internship interview locations. AKA traveled all the way across London, wrong turns here and there, lots of map research, lots of walking, lots of frustration. I just went along for the ride, but it was kind of tiring after a while. We went to Soho to find E! for Ashley, and Scott was about 10 minutes down the road at a Talent Agency. Then we took a treck up to "scotland" as Dani likes to call it. Really, in fact, it was Camden Town, where Camden Market was being held. um, lets just say it was very interesting. i defintely want to go back and look around the shops. but it was portabello market on E/gone gothic punk. there were some characters. luckily she was offered a completely different position somewhere else, and wont need to travel to Camden Town again. needless to say, she's quite thrilled. On our way home we took the picadilly line straight to my work (since its like right up the street from my dorm. 20 minute walk or so. Right next to Harrod's, harvey nichols, burberry, and hyde park. it's incredible.
Our trip took a lot out of me though, so when i came back i didnt have the energy to go to the BBQ at richmond. I was feeling a bit down/out of it sunday night, just frustrated in general about a lot of things. not being able to figure out food labels. money issues. not being able to just call my mom, or any of my friends and family. it was just rough. i need time to myself to think and collect myself after going and going and going.
Monday- Much better day. Finally getting into a routine, had my first class. only lasted a half hour though because my professors apt had been robbed the night before, and his computers were stolen and he was in a tizzy. poor guy. but he seems really cool, and the class should be very interesting (Writing for the Media/Journalism)
i then went exploring by myself (seeing as it was 10 and i had no plans the rest of the day, which was nice) i explored a bunch of clothing stores to see what was out there/where there were good prices. bought some new headphones so i could finally use Skype. and then took a stroll through Hyde Park. It was fantastic. i just wandered/on a search for peter pan. i got a cup of tea and sat on the river. the sun was shining, and glistening off the water. it was so peaceful and was great to just clear my head, and have some alone time to think, and reflect on the chaos of the past week. i finally found peter. and was so happy. :) i got a picture with him. we're buds now. I will honestly never grow up. I bought juice boxes, cereal, granola bars and peanut butter soon after at sainsbury's which is the most amazing supermarket ever. (thank you laura reidy. haha)
Today- Had our interview workshop. good fun, and good advice. looking forward to mine thursday at 6:30...with cocktail party to follow. can't wait, but very nervous...
going to grab some lunch with the girls now, and will update on the life and tims of london later tonight after our british cultures class. cheers loves!
<3 Krista
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