Home Sweet Home

Beautiful sunset...

But more importantly, this Dodge Ram is rockin' the American flag bald eagle combo. 

And there is a potential I could be related to the driver...

And now I have seen it all...

A man, sitting on a toilet, reading a paper on Westminster Bridge next to Parliament...

Random Moments

Reading on the train is one of lifes little pleasures. My commute is only 30 minutes from door to door and I spend about 20 of it on the train. So I dedicate my mornings and afternoons to my book club book. This month it is Jitterbug Perfume. I've read it about 4 times but it never ceases to make me laugh and I still find amazingly constructed sentences that paint immaculate images like only Tom Robbins can do.

On those occasions when I have forgotten my book... usually on the side of the bath tub following my evening soak and read... I take time to look around and see what everyone else is reading. It isn't unusual to see one of the Twilight books or one of Stig Larsson's trilogy. I also see what appear to be a lot of student's ready text books... don't know if I could study on a rush hour train but to each their own.

While Nirk were visiting we were on the Piccadilly line when I spotted the lady below. She was really into her book so you can imagine my surprise when I read the title...

Technology of breadmaking!!!

I love living in a city where you can see just about anything at any given moment!

BOLO

On my walk home from work a few days ago I came across an interesting scenario. About 2 blocks from the flat, I found a pair of men's trousers on the sidewalk. It looked like someone had just walked right out of them. I ponder for a moment how a man could loose his trousers and just keep walking which is when I came upon a jumper (aka sweater)! Now I was baffled... trousers and a jumper within 10 yards of one another... could this be a coincidence? Now I felt like I was on the hunt... so when I came across a pair of men's underpants, I nearly jumped with delight!!! A few yards later, there was a men's button down dress shirt... and then it hit me.

There is a naked man roaming about my neighborhood!

West London be on the look out for (BOLO): a naked man!

Have you ever...

laughed so hard you peed your pants?
No?
I guess there is a first time for everything...

Florida Girl presents

Homeless Prague Discotheque 2009

Notice that we aren't the only ones snapping pics as the show gets under way.

Is she alone???

I think she has a partner....

Yep... there he is, peeking over her shoulder.

He is warming up...

But his woman keeps stealing the limelight.

She is about to break it down...

What is this? A new move...

I think her man may be embarrassed.

He is kind of acting like he doesn't know her.

Maybe he is just considering a Kebab for dinner?

And he is back with his signature wide leg stance.

She is still strutting and he is... well... he is standing...

Ut oh... I put my camera down and looked away for just a moment... and this is what I found when I looked back. Notice the Kebab shop workers, we could hear them laughing from across the street. There are also 4 police officers out of view that are doubling over with laughter...

At this point, the tears started to well up in our eyes... the anticipation of what might happen next was almost too much to bear!

Yes, she did wrap her legs around his neck while lying flat on her back. And yes, he did lift her into his arms. And no, neither so much as stumbled!

I realize that the pictures can not possibly do this event justice... I strongly encourage everyone to print these pictures out and fashion a crude flip book. This will be the best way to recreate the moment. I recommend playing Billie Jean for the first few moves, then move on to Walk like an Egyptian, and close it out with Time of my Life... I think the moves sync nicely with the songs.

Oh... and we will be buying a video camera just in case this EVER happens again!

Caught in the Act

The random credit card charges for "kitty porn" are starting to make sense...

Unfortunately, It doesn't seem like it is doing much for Moe... or maybe he is just contemplating ordering a pay-per-view... teenagers!

What?!?

According the this website: "The only restaurant in the world serving a variety of classic Polish dishes as well as Mexican favourites."

Kielbasa Taco, anyone?

Richmond Riviera

After hanging out at Kew Gardens for a few hours, we decided to head a little farther west for an impromptu pub crawl in Richmond! It was only a stop or two further on the train and then a short walk to the Thames River. We were expecting people but we weren't expecting this...

The sun even brought the police out from behind the CCTV cameras!

It is hard to tell in the pictures but people were lounging around on every possible surface and many were in their bathing suits! The crowd was diverse and entertaining to say the least... some of the best people watching EVER!

We eventually found our way to The White Cross and settled into the perfect spot for enjoying a pint, the weather and the people!

It didn't take long for the show to get good... please note the yellow Miata like car floating in the middle of the river!

It's a car, it's a boat, it's a car, it's a boat... it's a something! And Chris could not resist heading out to take as many pictures as possible!!!

The steering wheel is in the middle of the car...er I mean boat?

If we were to ever move outside of the city, I think this would be our 1st purchase... we could commute to work via the river! Much easier than the tubes or buses... especially in light of the next pending strike!

While at The White Cross, we met this lovely man. I have no idea what his name is but what I can tell you is this: He served in WWII on 3 different islands around Great Britain, the worst being an island off the northern coast of Scotland (I think it was the Orkneys but not sure). During the war, our friend was part of the entertainment that played for the troops who were stationed in places that the USO (or whatever the UK's version of the USO is) could not reach. After the war he decided to move to London and become a professional drummer! He was a session drummer for recording studios and toured with various bands. His stories were fascinating... the first time. Unfortunately, our guest was getting up there in age and may have had a pint or 10 too many so he was telling us the same thing, over and over and over again! He told us where he parked his car, how he walked to the pub from where he parked his car, how the river was up over the railings which forced him to walk all the way around to the other bridge and how he loves the pub because during the week the "ancient" men come and talk about the old days! Mind you, he did not include himself in the "ancient" men crowd!! He was a dear old man and I really enjoyed chatting with him... but I must admitted that Chris and I could not look at one another out of fear we would totally lose it! In the picture above, I think he had just pointed out f(or the 5th or 6th time) the bridge he walked over!!!

How on earth do I manage to meet these people?!? Who knows for sure... but they sure do make things interesting ;-)

Come back soon for more on the fabulous, sunny London summer and our tour of Hampstead Heath!

Until then, XOXO!!

So much to say...

I have been absolutely terrible at updating the blog over the last month or two. I have a million excuses as to why I have been neglecting my blogging duties. However, in the end they are really just excuses! I have never denied that I am a wee bit lazy ;-) The problem we now face is where to start with the update?!? How about we take a walk around the Marble Arch area?

A few weeks ago I picked up a book of walking tours around London. I found a company that offers guided tours around London for about 8 to 10 GBP a person. However, the book was only 8 quid and includes 12 different tours! A bargain... at least I thought it was when I bought it. As it turns out the tours are pretty bad and lack in the entertainment arena. Now, I know what you are all thinking... "Didn't you read the tours before you bought the book?" Yes. Of course I read one of the 12 and it just so happens to be the best by a mile!

Rewind a few weeks back to a lazy bank holiday weekend; Chris and I were sitting on the sofa enjoying a cuppa and wondering if the rain would stay away long enough for us to tour the city. Ultimately, we decide to stay close to home just in case. Our walk started at the Marble Arch and ended at the Windsor Castle... the pub, that is. I took some time to snap a few pictures of the best parts....

A garden square along the walking tour... but not actually a part of the tour... pretty none the less! Unfortunately, like many of the best garden squares, this one is for key holders only...

Okay... Now is when things started to get... fun(ny)!

After posting the shorts, I felt it was only fair that I share this as well... Seriously, this gives a whole new meaning to the idea of butt cleavage. That crack goes all the way up to her shoulder blades! And now I am officially going to hell...

After walking for about 3 miles and seeing nothing of any great interest, we found ourselves at a cross road. Go right and go home. Or go left and to the Windsor Castle for a pint...

It is tough to see but the sign reads: "The Queen was amused to hear we're doing Thai food at The Windsor Castle." There was even a picture inside of the Queen behind the bar, pulling a pint!


The official meeting place of mustachioed men of London... no seriously... it really is! Do yourself a favor and check out the pictures of the members in the link above... they are truly entertaining! Kinda made me wish I could grow a good ole fashion handle myself!!!
Do you think this guy is part of the club?

I will definitely be returning to The Windsor Castle on the first Friday of the month to see the entire gang of Handlebar Clubbers! I think this is the true reason why the Queen has been to this pub... nothing at all to do with the name ;-)

Stay tuned because there is more to come!
Until next time... XOXO

Funny thing... shorts...

So many thoughts came to my head as I was chasing this woman down to get a picture. However, the main thing I was thinking... Please, oh please, don't let her be an American! I can only hope...

Hungry?

Funny things I have heard and seen...

• I heard this recording when I called to set up our gas account, "If you are calling regarding a gas escape, please press 1." A gas escape! I picture a very prim and proper English lady silently "making wind" and then announcing "Pardon, I seem to have had a gas escape."

• In case you are wondering, the English say "wind" as opposed to fart.

• A sign in the local pharmacy read, "Get you flu jab here!" Jab... shot... whatever!! It is all the same.

• Keds... yes, the bright white shoes us 30 somethings used to wear with tight rolled. acid washed jeans and multiple pairs of brightly coloured, slouchy socks... as I type, I realize I am seeing this entire outfit all over the city... only it is the men that are wearing it! I promise to get some pics as soon as I find my camera!

• A man dressed as a woman. He had on a long, curly blond wig and a short black mini skirt. He was wearing fishnets, gloves up to his elbows and about 3 inches of make-up. Having lived in Atlanta for the last 3 years this was not unusual. The funny part was everyone's reactions as they realized the gangley, oddly dressed woman was in fact a man. He/She was walking a few feet ahead of us, so I was able to see and hear every ones reactions. Chris and I broke into hysterical laughter as a young English woman blurted out, " What the bloody hell was that?!" Some people just have a way with words!

Things I saw in London this weekend...

This advertisement in the Covent Garden tube station...

(Sorry about the poor picture quality... we were riding down the escalator on the opposite side! The small print says "experience a little southern hospitality.")

And this man in very tight red pants walking through Hyde Park...

I don't know what is worse... the pants or the bright blue shoes!

Today we had all our ducks in a row...

Things I saw today...

• An advertisement in the tube station that read: Crispy beef dripping clad Adonis chips. Essentially, these are beef flavored french fries!

• A speciality food shop on Westbourne Grove with a sign that read: Now taking orders for Christmas and Thanksgiving. Huh... isn't Thanksgiving an American holiday? I guess I know where to get our turkey!

Thanks Nicholas!

I was exchanging emails with my good friend, Nicholas, yesterday and I tried to explain my lack of knowledge as it relates to the English language. Now, I can speak "American" English and I think I occasionally have a knack for grammar... although my spelling is atrocious! However, when it comes to proper English (as the Brits call it) I am at a complete loss. I spend most of my day asking people to repeat themselves. Unfortunately, no one ever says the same thing when they repeat it which just leaves me even more lost! I try to read lips but since I have not mastered this technique I usually look like I am staring at their bad teeth! I have a rule about asking people to repeat themselves 2 times in a row. As a result of this asinine rule, I spend about 60% of my day grinning and nodding. Because "Grin and Nod" is my second rule! Who knows what I have agreed to or smiled about over the last week.
I receive some funny looks which I respond to by laughing. I find that when I start laughing other people laugh, too. I tell myself we are laughing together but reality is that they are likely laughing at me. I can't even imagine what must be going through peoples heads when I am bobbing my head like a hula dancer on the dashboard and breaking into fits of spontaneous laughter! I am really helping the American image!
Now the second part of this is the number of people in London who have a mixture of accent. I worked with a Letting Agent who was Korean and had a British/Korean accent. Seriously, this is just wrong. I think that the hour I spent with her was being taped for candid camera or punk'd or whatever practical joke show is popular in London! She was asking me questions.. I could tell by the way she looked at me when I did not respond with an actual answer. I exaggerated my nod, just in case she had missed it, and flashed my pearly whites but she kept looking at me like I was supposed to say something. So I just started talking... I told her about Chris and how he was in Singapore. I talked about Moe and how he had woken me up the the middle of the night by stepping on my chest and then staring at me. Essentially, I started talking and did not stop until we got back to her office! All of you who know me well, know that I am perfectly capable of talking non-stop for at least an hour... maybe longer. This poor agent probably thinks I am an idiot... However, I did tell her that I had a degree from the University of Florida! She essentially knows my life story.
To top it all off, I met a potential work contact at The American Bar. She was very talkative but she was British and drunk! All the lip reading, repeating and grinning/nodding in the world couldn't help me! I am banking on the fact that she was drunk enough to not realize that I had no idea what she was saying but sober enough to think that I was a lovely person deserving a break!

Election Fever!!!

Tonight I joined a friend and some of her friends at The American Bar at the Stafford Hotel in London for an Election Party. I was expecting American ex-patriots, tourist and maybe some curious Brits to be there following the results of the election as they slowly came in to CNN. Wrong! The place was literally packed. The hotel and bar staff had to close off the entrances and prevent people from entering. The bar was 6 people deep and I could barely move an inch. The truly surprising part was the number of non-Americans. I met people from Germany, France, Canada (ok so Canada is not a big surprise), Ireland, South America and then a few Americans.

So picture this, The America Bar stuffed to the gills with people from every where in the world and everyone discussing American politics like they have some sort of degree or 1st hand knowledge of it! I heard one Brit say that John McCain admitted to beating his wife in a speech! Someone else was trying to explain the hanging chad debacle in 2000 and said that now 100% of the US is voting electronically! It was very entertaining but also a little disappointing. You would think with information so readily available with the Internet, newspapers, magazines, etc, that people would not be so ignorant!

I was in the lobby of the hotel waiting for my coat and taxi (I missed the last train to Barbican... opps.) This man... I think he was an American but he was without a doubt drunk! He had a Spanish man with him named Pedro. He asked me if I was winning. I said that I was not in the race... he did not find any humor in this and asked if my "man" was winning. I said that it was too early to tell who was winning and this drunken, possible American proceeded to lecture me and the desk clerk on American politics. He was saying that all politicians are crooks and that he was an Anarchist. He said he never believes anything anyone says and then he encouraged me to keep my head up because I had a pretty face! He actually said that... He ended the chat by saying "I hope that what you wish for or want, you get... unless you want Obama and in that case I hope you lose." He then asked the desk clerk "what the flavor of the month" was and when he didn't get a response he yelled for Pedro to get on the lift and up they went! I kind of feel sorry for Pedro... he just dropped his chin and followed orders.

If it is not raining tomorrow, I may take the train to Covent Gardens and watch the street performers. If it is raining I may just go back to the Stafford Hotel and watch Pedro and the drunk possible American! I will be sure to keep you informed ; )

Until then...

Discombobulated Ki-Put

Yesterday morning as we were going through security to board our flight to Atlanta I temporarily became an idiot. At least I am hoping it was only temporary! I loaded my belongings on to the conveyor belt to the left including my shoes, belt, purse, book bag, etc. I stood in the queue (my 1st British word today : ) and waited my turn. As the other people went ahead of me and headed to the right to gather their belongings, I silently became an idiot. I walked through the metal detector and headed to the right... However if you recall my belongings were to the left! The TSA man said "other way" and I said "oh, yeah!" As Chris followed behind me the TSA man called me "Discombobulated!"

This whole episode occurred just following the TSA screener asking me is my last name was "Ki Put" pronounced with a German "ut!"

Needless to say, Chris is now referring to me as the Discombobulated Ki Put!