Day 23


Since last Thursday was a crazy day and this weekend was spent away, I cooked a proper thanksgiving meal for my flat family today. Again, I know this is American....BUT I cooked the whole meal with things bought at a British supermarket. Honestly, I didn't think it would be so difficult. Originally, I took it as a fun challenge, but as I was scanning the aisles of the store searching for an hour, I was filled with a sense of wavering commitment. Although quite the undertaking, I managed to pull through with a little creative zest. 


Let it be known that I've never actually made the whole feast on my own before....even in the US. That being said, I missed out on the whole 'turkey must thaw for days' part and ended up roasting a chicken instead....tastes that same, right? I found some 'dried onions' in a box and used them as a substitute for the trusty 'French Fried Onions.' The fresh cranberries I bought to make a homemade sauce had "Grown in the United States" on the packaging (I thought..'Hey, me too!'). There were about 5 total bags of marshmallows on the shelf....with only one brand to choose from (What? Are Americans the only ones who insist on putting sugar on everything?!). For dessert, I wasn't going to settle for anything less than a pumpkin pie....but I was stopped in my tracks when the bakery had no idea what I was going on about. There was so much confusion....how do you describe pumpkin pie? Canned pumpkin was out of the question too. Next best option? Apple Pie. 


All in all, I'm impressed with myself and the flat loved the meal. Lucky for me, I also have leftovers. Thanksgiving sandwich for lunch tomorrow? I think yes!

Day 24


Being at home in Britain on a Sunday is all about "The Roast." After a chilly (ok, freeeezing) trip to the shooting range in the countryside to target some clay pigeons, Tash and I watched Marley & Me and fell fast asleep on the warm sofa. Upon waking up, there was such a great afternoon meal prepared! Beef, carrots, onion, gravy, yorkshire puddings (new favorite), parsnips (something I've never tried before..mm), and a mince pie for dessert (also new...figured 'why not go all the way?'). Our bellies were well fed for the train ride home and I left feeling so thankful for a cozy weekend away. 

Day 25

This weekend I've travelled to Evesham with one of my flatmates for some time away from the city. Since it was out in the country(ish), I felt at home. Just swap the sheep for cows and it could have been Nebraska. It was great considering my mild dose of homesickness as of lately. Her parents drove us to Bath (home of the famous Roman Baths) and we saw some really old buildings...stuff you only hear about in history class. Cerca 60 AD stuff. Being from a baby nation, I forget how old this world is...and that these places actually existed....and I've been there!  

Day 26

Today I took a picture in front of a London phone booth for the very first time!! I've been waiting practically my whole life for this (well, at least until the first day I arrived here). This is the kind of stuff that's in movies (well, at least the kind of stuff that makes profile pictures on facebook). Every time I pass one, I think 'No one will believe I was actually in London until I get a picture inside of that telephone booth...' I've been too afraid to look like a tourist. So, I've been in London for two months...do you believe me now?!

Day 27

So, I realize my countdown is supposed to be about all things London. BUT the America in me screams "It's Thanksgiving!!! Don't do anything British!!!" Hence, the bacon cheeseburger and fries (not chips) today for lunch. I must say, it was the first time I had that dish on Thanksgiving Day. It felt funny, but I made up for it when I whipped up some greenbean casserole later this afternoon. Take that Britain.  

Day 28

Tea, Tea, Tea. After skipping out on the second half of my PR Campaigns class today, I grabbed Caitlin and Beth (fellow American girls who visited me last night) and we strolled up to Harrow on the Hill for some Doll House tea. It's getting cold enough here to really appreciate a warm cup of tea accompanied with a fresh out-the-oven scone (jam and clotted cream to top it off). Dusk was creepin on the rooftops and quiet jazz played around us. What a splendid evening for a cuppa.

Day 29


Today I bought my very own sleeve of biscuits. Actually, some "digestives" (am I the only one who thinks this doesn't sound very appealing?!) which is, I guess, a more specific way of categorizing what I purchased today compared to the broad spectrum of "biscuits" (which are most kinds of sweet cookies). The point being, I usually nick them from my flatmates and today I purchased my very own! While at Sainsbury's doing my weekly shopping...I wandered down the biscuit aisle for the first time... A layer of cookie topped with caramel and then some chocolate. mmmm. let the belly ache begin.

30 Days to Departure

Whilst chatting with a friend earlier, I came to the realization that today is the 22nd of November. Well, that, and the realization that I have exactly 30 days left in London. So, I'm counting down the days (not to make them go by faster, but to appreciate them more) by making note of something Londony I do or discover on a daily basis.

Day 30
I celebrate another week in the making with the traditional "Messi Mondayz" pub visit after briefly looking at an advertising assignment due wednesday. You know you're in Britain if you're ending the weekday with a round of cider at the pub. 

Victoria Line

Since London has finally become my reality (is this real life?!), life is moving faster and more routinely. I can sense the sights and sounds that once awed me are fading into normalcy. That being said, I've transitioned into this really great comfortable time where I'm building deep friendships and actually feel like I'm a resident. All of a sudden, I just end up at the platform I'm meant to take without my brain engaging, I'm drinking multiple cups of tea a day and (at times) I'm even talking like a bloody brit. Don't worry, the huge sprinkle donut I bought for breakfast this morning still proves just how American I truly am.

My Brighton trip this weekend, love seeing the beach.

Last week it hit me that I only have 5 more weeks here. EEEEK! I knew that would happen. Basically, that creeping thought of not living in London was a kick in the trousers. I decided I needed to continue to explore...finish with my list of things I've wanted to do here before I even got here. It'll happen. For now, I quite like feeling like a resident and I'm relishing in the comfortable moments with the people I love here.

Brick Lane shopping with Portia.

Gareth carving his prized pumpkin...Happy Halloween.

American food night for our tradition Sunday dinners.

Chelsea in Brighton, adorable.

I'm feeling free and loved by London, God and my new family here. I'm realizing how perfectly planned this trip has ben in my life. I'm amazed at the adventure and curiosity I've had here. More than that, I'm smiling at how all of it points to God. I've literally been revoked of any responsibility for three months in order to be convinced that God doesn't expect me to be responsible. He doesn't expect anything. I'm free to be a daughter, free to just be. It's perfectly humbling to recognize the chains that I put on myself, completing missing the point of who God is. 

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and 

do not be burdened by a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1