Most of you are probably familiar with my mom's own Mexican bean recipe (I've made it at school quite a few times.) The beans are similar to refried beans, but completely healthy (not fried, but steamed) with vegetables and literally no added fat. Did you know kidney beans are an EXCELLENT source of protein?
The first time I made beans at school [sophomore year]
Anyway, I love Mexican food but it seems like the craze is American. So today I attempted to make the beans with canned kidney beans since I didn't bring my wonderful pressure cooker across the pond.
Mushing them was difficult and the beans turned out quite dry. However, I found some excellent Mexican cheese at Sainsbury's and REAL salsa as well.
The point of this blog entry is that I have new found appreciation for the difference between "from scratch" and "not from scratch." Can't wait to make more beans when I return to school. :)
This list shall extend in the future, I reckon:
1) Shortbread biscuits (cookies)
2) The existance of boiling water faucets
3) Ribena black currant juice
4) Many museums have free entry
1) Shortbread biscuits (cookies)
2) The existance of boiling water faucets
3) Ribena black currant juice
4) Many museums have free entry
Today we went to see Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing at The Globe Theatre in Southwark. Last night, CAPA had a lecture with the professor who teaches the Shakespeare class. He gave us information about Shakespeare, The Globe and the play itself. We also saw a clip of a film version of the play. I was pleasantly surprised to see the same actor who played Hamlet in one film version, Wilson from House and Jeffrey from The Fresh Prince of Belair (which I should mention airs here on TV multiple times daily). There was also mention of the similarities between the play and other pieces of great literature like Pride And Prejudice [:)]. I did indeed fondly see the similarities.
I've read plenty of Shakespeare in school. However, I seemed to have forgotten that The Globe is an open-air theatre. It is essentially a semicircle with covered seating around the perimeter and a large area for people with "Standing Tickets" to stand and watch in the middle. Those who stand are literally at the mercy of the elements. In fact, you are not allowed to bring umbrellas and use them in the theatre. I had the great fortune of having a standing ticket, so I got to watch the 3+ hour play while standing. I was really tired afterwards, but I suppose I got to experience Shakespeare as the common folk no-doubtedly did back in the day.
The play itself was very impressive and witty. I love wit! The characters were believable and genuine. The clothing divine and the scenery so very natural. I do believe the actors did not use mics, but rather had to project their voices for the entire theatre to hear for minutes on end. It was my good fortune that they were performing Much Ado About Nothing as I love witty romantic comedies. The similarities to Pride and Prejudice added greatly to my enjoyment. It was also nice to know that I have retained much of my knowledge about Shakespeare and how to interpret his artistry. I got the jokes unlike some of my companions, so I could enjoy it more.
Now I am completely exhausted and am looking forward to chilling tonight in recuperation.
Tonight we went to London Fashion's Night Out around Oxford Circus and Bond Street. The girls and I got all dressed up and made our way over. There were lots of stores that were open late with things like DJs, drinks and prizes.
Girlies outside of Louis Vuitton
Gwyneth Paltrow, the current face of Coach, was even there. There was a huge crowd standing outside of Coach waiting for celebrity sightings. Most of the other stores you could walk into, or there was a queue outside to enter. But at Coach, none of the common folk were allowed in. There was security at the entrance and lots and lots of paparazzi. When Paltrow arrived it was obvious with the sudden frenzy. I was almost trampled, so I tried to get away from the madness ASAP. I had always heard that paparazzi was horrible, but I didn't realize just how bad it was. I can't imagine being bombarded to that degree every time I walked outside.
Overall, the night was quite luxurious and a great experience.
I went to visit my Uncle, Aunt and cousin in the countryside of London. It was very different from central London - quiet, very green and uncongested. I managed to find my way out there with little trouble.
It was wonderful to meet Uncle, Aunty and Purvi Didi and spend time with them. Hopefully, they will come and we can roam around the city sometime!
Aunty, Purvi Didi, and Uncle
Today we went on a bus tour of London. We saw various places including Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, and London Square. The tour was nice because it let us know the main places in London that we should go back and explore more thoroughly. We had a very good tour guide who told us a lot of background information and history.
I most certainly want to go to Westminister Abbey and the Tower of London, to do proper tours. I'd also like to explore Trafalgar and Leicester Square better. Also,
I most certainly want to go to Westminister Abbey and the Tower of London, to do proper tours. I'd also like to explore Trafalgar and Leicester Square better. Also,
I've gotta go to Harrod's. It's probably a good idea if I start a list, so I don't forget anything!
Buckingham Palace
Big Ben
The flight over to London was much better than I had expected. The last trans-Atlantic flight I took was horrible and I was expecting a similar experience. Mom had packed me lots of food just in case the in-flight fare was inedible, but luckily it was actually quite good! I slept for probably 3-4 hours on the flight into Dublin. During my four hour lay-over I dozed a bit and people-watched. Interestingly, there is no free Wi-Fi in European airports; instead most people were seen to be reading. YES READING! books and newspapers. It was nice.
After my connection to Heathrow, my roommate Lauren and I were miracously able to find eachother in the large airport and we took the Heathrow Express train and then a short cab ride to our flat. We were the last ones to arrive, but were still able to attend a short neighborhood walking tour and visit from our flat supervisor.
Later, a group of us went to a pub called The Globe to get dinner. I opted for a safer dish, Lasagne, since I was way too tired and hungry to risk being disappointed, though I will not leave London without having fish n' chips at a pub. Some of the other girls got burgers and one got fish n' chips. We all felt our meals were a bit different...
Afterwards, I unpacked unwillingly and we all fell asleep, planning to wake up by 10 AM. However, once we all finally awoke, in reality it was past noon!
After my connection to Heathrow, my roommate Lauren and I were miracously able to find eachother in the large airport and we took the Heathrow Express train and then a short cab ride to our flat. We were the last ones to arrive, but were still able to attend a short neighborhood walking tour and visit from our flat supervisor.
Later, a group of us went to a pub called The Globe to get dinner. I opted for a safer dish, Lasagne, since I was way too tired and hungry to risk being disappointed, though I will not leave London without having fish n' chips at a pub. Some of the other girls got burgers and one got fish n' chips. We all felt our meals were a bit different...
Afterwards, I unpacked unwillingly and we all fell asleep, planning to wake up by 10 AM. However, once we all finally awoke, in reality it was past noon!
