Weekend with the American

So I am totally procrastinating right now. I should in fact be writing my presentation which I have to give tomorrow morning on the subject of western psychiatry in colonial Africa. However, I am just not feeling it. I am pretty knackered to be honest, and I can't figure out whether this is tiredness through cooking, eating and drinking all day or sympathy jet-lag for Brock who passed out at around 9pm.

So this weekend was the long-awaited arrival of everybody's favourite travel buddy Brock and knowing that he had jet-lag, we thought instead of dragging him into London on a major sightseeing tour, we would have a weekend at my flat so that we could all hang out, catch-up and do nothing too energetic. Plus, it has not stopped RAINING the whole time he has been here. Sam and I went to Heathrow to meet him yesterday and took him on what must have seemed like the most complicated and ridiculous journey back to East Dulwich. There we hooked up with Ollie and Jen and trekked down to the Plough (which is where I seem to take all out-of-towners) for some London Pride, Addlestones Cider and large portions of pub-grub. Then we walked back in the rain to my flat for more drinks, some League of Gentlemen (what else?) and card games.

Today, Sam and Jen came back over to the flat and we drove up to Sainsburys for supplies before embarking on the most immense Sunday lunch I've had since I used to visit my Grandma in Devon as a child. We had olives, chips, sundried tomatoes and a cheeseboard of four different kinds of cheeses including Gruyere, Stilton, White Stilton with Apricots and Brie and crackers (Brock was amazed at how much cheaper it is to buy cheese here than in the States and went a little crazy at the cheese counter). This was followed by an enormous dinner of roast chicken (stuffed squash for the veggies), stuffing, roast potatoes, roast parsnips, carrots, broccoli and huge amounts of gravy. If this wasn't enough to put us in a total food coma, we then had treacle tart and cream with lots of coffee before crashing out on huge floor cushions to watch Miller's Crossing and complain about how full we were.

So now Brock has crashed out, Ollie is in the living room watching Top Gear and i am curled up in bed with my laptop and Africa course reader, supposedly doing some work but actually doing this. Ooops xx

Little Break

OK so I've been pretty useless at blogging this week. After spending the majority of last week pissed, I decided to take some time out. I haven't completely abstained from alcohol - have had a pint of cider and a couple of glasses of wine - but I have been taking it easy and enjoying simpler pleasures. Tuesday I went and had an ace and very cheap Thai dinner in New Cross with Sam whilst everybody else went and drank copius amounts of free wine courtesy of the history department. Wednesday I went to my lecture without a hangover and then had brunch and geeky discussions with Sam and Mike before travelling to Southampton to have dinner with Ollie's family. Today I walked little Baxter the dog all over Southampton common and am currently curled up on a couch with sleeping dog at my feet next to Ollie choosing recipes from the new Jamie Oliver American cookbook. Tonight I am going to see my Mum and Dad.

Of course, this is short-lived as there are already at least three drunken nights out planned for next week. The invasion of Americans and Canadians is nigh and I can't wait. Expect erratic hungover blogging.

The lovely Adrienne is coming to London from Toronto:


The lovely Brock is coming to London from Alabama:


And the lovely Keith is coming to London from New York:


Exciting times xx

If You Say Run, I'll Run With You...

Bowie Night was AMAZING. I drank too much and danced too much, but it was ace xx

The London Transport Revolution...Finally

After three years of living in South East London and enduring the ridiculous two-tier transport ticket system, it has been announced by the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson and the interestingly-named Transport Secretary Lord Adonis that Oyster pay-as-you-go will be introduced for overground trains from 2nd January 2009. For anybody who lives or regularly visits South East London, this cannot come too soon. To be honest, the fact that this confusing system has been in place for so long shows that the people governing London need to invest time and money into making the daily lives of Londoners easier instead of funding things which are no use to anybody (£400,000 on a certain Olympic logo springs to mind). For example, on Saturday night I travelled from my flat in East Dulwich, over to New Cross to have drinks with friends before we headed to Angel to a club. So instead of being able to do everything with my Oyster, I had to spend money buying a ticket at New Cross Gate station to get to London Bridge where I could connect with the tube. Why? New Cross Gate is in Zone 2, is a highly populated area and is closer to central London than many places on the southern end of the Northern Line such as Tooting or Morden, so why are we penalised it is a 'train' rather than a 'tube'?

It can be argued that forcing passengers to pay for additional tickets to use the trains, particularly in parts South East London where there is either no tube, or the tube is currently being built, widens the divide between North and South London. For example, I have received calls from friends at London Bridge on their way to my flat shouting in disbelief that they are unable to use their Oyster and asking the whereabouts of the ticket machines. And among some North London friends, the mere suggestion of a night out in Brixton or Dulwich is met with exchanged glances and tired sighs and I always give in and end up trekking up to Islington or Camden to pacify them. Is it a coincidence that most of the city's best restaurants and clubs are north of the river. Now, before I am met with protests, I LOVE south London, but it would be nice to get a bit more entertainment here.

As well as benefitting Londoners, this move will also be good for travellers. They can get off the plane at Heathrow or the Eurostar at Gatwick and buy ONE ticket which will take them anywhere in London and not have to figure out the present complicated system which could result a £50 penalty fare if they make one false move. The introduction of the London Overground stations on to the main Oyster map could result in more travellers visiting South London and its landmarks instead of spending their entire visit north of the Embankment. For example, a visit to Dulwich Park instead of Primrose Hill; Friday night at the Amersham Arms instead of the Old Blue Last; seeking vintage in Greenwich instead of Camden or slow food at Blackheath Common instead of Covent Garden.

It's about time xx

Village Bike

Cycling is my new thing. Ollie bought me a lovely bike for my 26th birthday so I am trying to get out and use it as much as I can despite the grotty London weather. Today we decided to cycle to New Cross to go to the Telegraph Hill farmers market. So in total I cycled about six or seven miles - not bad for a novice. I am completely drenched and ache, and the only thing that can cure this is a Lush bath with all of the goodies I received for my birthday from the gorgeous Jen Ven.

I bought these too:




Must start baking more cupcakes xx

If You Run Away, They Get You. And if You Stand Still, Well...They Get You Too.

Any film buff worth their salt usually has an opinion on City of God. This happens to be one of my all time favourite films. It is based around a true story, and the actual storyline and plot are not complicated or spectacular but the way the film is shot and the soundtrack beautifully captures both the Brazilian spirit and the tragedies of slum life. What is also clever is that the film focuses on the tale of a young man living in the City of God whose ultimate goals are being a photographer and losing his virginity, not on the gangsters themselves. Of course, the story of the gangs are what the film is about, but to have the straight guy as the protagonist not only adds humour and a different dimension, but also throughout the film you constantly question whether Rocket will become more involved in gang life. The film has three main stages: the early part of his life in sixties Brazil, all shot through a filter to make the long shots of the landscape look sunny and orange, the Brazil that exists in most people's minds. Then it focuses on his teenage years in the 70s, which is shot in what appears to be super-8 format, but isn't. Then finally, the 'war', which is all very grey and depressing. It needs to be seen to be appreciated. Plus, I don't want to have the responsibility of ruining it for whoever wants to see it.

And if you like it, watch Gomorrah, a film set in the slums of Naples.

The Return of Saigon Syndrome

Most of my week has been spent either drinking or recovering from the effects of drinking and therefore little time has been dedicated to doing anything vaguely productive, including writing this blog. The week has existed in a series of highs and lows, which I will attempt to explain, but you may have to bear with me as I haven't properly thought it through.

LOW: Tuesday morning I set off for work despite being decidedly unenthused by the prospect. I was running a little late due to dithering all morning, so got to London Bridge ready to hop on the tube and was faced with crowds of very angry commuters. They had shut the Northern Line. If only this meant I could have retreated back to my flat.



HIGH: After a completely shambolic day at work, I travelled down to Goldsmiths and spent the afternoon with Deric having a competition as to who could consume the most caffeine and smoke the most cigarettes in an hour sat in the very cold terrace of the Goldsmiths Cafe.

LOW: Had to sit through Medieval Monsters with a very full bladder and the caffeine shakes.

HIGH: Went to Pound a Pint at the Student Union, drank many many pints of cheap cider, laughed until my face hurt, Ollie came out and we all planned our upcoming trip to Holland. Then back to the evils for wine, menthol rollies and more trip planning.

LOW: OMG headache the following morning. I couldn't even get my head off the pillow. I suspect this was due to the rather silly combination of cider and wine which always succeeds in fucking me over. Couldn't go to Wednesday morning lecture due to said headache and the stench of booze that was seeping from my pores.

HIGH: Watched a couple of episodes of Tribe and ate leftover mexican food. Started feeling better.

LOW: Spent the day having a freak-out over my essay which I was completely happy with two days previously. When I am hungover I am not only grumpy, it appears I am also paranoid and neurotic too. Started to chain-smoke furiously despite my declaration earlier that morning that I would never let another Marlboro touch my lips again.

HIGH: Handed in essay Wednesday evening with over two hours to spare. Celebrated by going to Barry's to buy chocolate.

LOW: had to go to work on Thursday - same problems with the tube. Began to consider whether professional recluse is a viable career option.

HIGH: Free chocolate. Yay me.

LOW: I had to somehow try to make two hours worth of work last eight hours. Cue much time spend organising e-mails and trying not to fall asleep. The highlight of this day was going out to take the post.

HIGH: Met Sam in Old Street and went to Tay Do Cafe for amazing and cheap Vietnamese dinner of fried tofu with lemongrass and chilli.

LOW: Finally arrived at 93 Feet East after a long walk through Bethnal Green. It has possibly the most vile and disgusting facilities ever. Even worse than the Goldsmiths SU...if you ever conceive that to be possible.

HIGH: The band played and they were totally on fire. Everybody loved it, the manager loved it, the other bands loved it. The evening was on a real high. A glass of wine was never very far from my hand and the world was yay. Then Sam and I drunkenly stumbled back to Kennington to meet the guys at their studio for late night jams and more booze.



LOW: I woke up this morning still drunk and had to go to my Empires lecture which soon bored me into a hangover.

HIGH: Pizza with the evils for lunch and now sitting on my couch with a big cup of tea writing my blog.

So there you go. That didn't quite work out as I had planned but things very seldom do. Am having a day off from drinking as am going to Bowie it up in Islington tomorrow night. Love xx

SE22

My lovely little part of London...

Another Thing About the Heygate...

Many of my friends have endured sitting across from me at many a dinner table listening to my obsession with disused tube stations, derelict buildings and the blowing-up of multi-story tower blocks and will not be surprised to learn that the Heygate estate is a constant source of fascination for me. I first noticed it a little over a year ago when I went past it on the bus and saw that the majority of the windows facing the street had been welded up. I soon became obsessed with this derelict, largely uninhabited concrete ghost town right next to one of London's major traffic blackspots - the Elephant and Castle roundabouts.

Basically, it is just one of Britain's crumbling 'sink estates' and Southwark Council are in the process of evicting the last of the tenants before the estate can be demolished in early 2010. Some people still live there, although the number is slowly diminishing, and the whole place has an eeriness that is as alluring as it is terrifying.

A couple of months ago I found this wonderful blog detailing life on the Heygate and after. It's still updated from time to time, but the early entries are absolutely fascinating:

http://livefromtheheygate.blogspot.com/

Also, I really want to get down there and take some photos of my own before it is demolished completely, however here are a few that I have pilfered from Google Images for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy xx

Harry Brown

In an attempt to revive our old tradition of Sunday night trips to the cinema, Ollie and I ventured out into the cold from our very warm flat and trekked down to the Peckham Plex to see Harry Brown.

If you only see one film this year, make it this one. It is entertaining, emotive, but also manages to perfectly encapsulate a moment in time, which is easy to do retrospectively with the benefit of hindsight, but difficult to achieve as the said moment is still unfolding around us.

The film is set on an inner-London sink estate (beautifully shot on the crumbling Heygate Estate in Elephant and Castle - all the more poignant as it is set to be demolished early next year) where drugs, violence and gun crime are rife. A frightened pensioner is stabbed to death in an Old Kent Road underpass and his devastated ex-Marine friend and neighbour (Sir Michael Caine), disillusioned by the abilities of the police to find those responsible, begins his own campaign of vigilante justice.

Although the characters and storyline are largely fictional, Daniel Barber provides an insight into the world which has become the white elephant in the room for many politicians - this gritty underworld that, although they are frightened to deal with, is all too real and present. Whether it is realised yet or not, this film will one day have historical significance, although the nature of this significance will largely depend upon the actions of the next government - whoever they may be.

Back to an artistic point of view, the film is wonderfully shot and gives a real sense of the bleakness of every day life. It is complex enough to be interesting but simple enough to be entertaining. And Sir Michael Caine, in all of his usual brilliance, completely gets under your skin. Beautiful. xx

Walking Home in the Rain

Well, operation kick-myself-up-the-arse seems to be working - at least thus far. Yesterday as well as going to uni and coming home and doing loads of work I managed to spend some time hanging out with my friends, go food shopping, handwash all of my little delicate dresses AND be in bed by 10.45 so to get my eight hours sleep needed to survive today. They key to this new found productiveness is writing lists. Write down stuff you need to do, tick it off. Very satisfying.

Today was a typically boring Thursday. I tried to make three hours worth of work last eight hours. This involved re-arranging my e-mail inbox many times. I was so ready to go home at 5pm. Then I had to walk all the way back from Peckham Rye, in the wind and the rain, feeling very sorry for myself. I was about to give up for the day and dive straight into bed but when I got home the flat smelled wonderful - Ollie had made me an amazing veggie Spaghetti Bolognese. Love him.

Comfort food makes everything better xx

Busy Busy

So this week, as weeks go has been pretty busy. I went into uni on Monday morning for my Africa seminar thinking how lovely it would be to have a week off. Not just 'reading week' but a week of doing absolutely nothing but sleeping, having long boozy lunches with friends, going on bike rides with Ollie and watching box sets of League of Gentlemen, Father Ted and Extras. Whilst deep in these thoughts I haven't had time off for a VERY long time.

Some parts of this week have been ace - hanging out with the evils for a couple of hours today. Also last night I went for dinner with Ollie, Matt, Dan and Lucy to Pizza Express in Kennington and ate loads, drank a fair bit and listened to each other's ideas about what we would do if we were super rich. We then went back to the Peranics' for tea and a film made in the 1930s about a freakshow, which was the most bizarre thing I have ever seen. On the flipside there has been work and lectures and the constant troubled journeys from one part of London to another which are responsible for a large part of my daily stress. I think if I wasn't busy I would be bored, but it would be nice to have the option every now and again.

Despite being busy, I am smelling lovely. I got Lush boxes for my birthday from Sam and Lucy. Sam also made me a scrapbook of our South East Asia trip which I will probably flick through at least eight times a day remembering happy things. My friends are so lovely and generous xx

Berlin

Twenty years ago today since the fall of the Berlin Wall. I have very vivid memories of watching it on television with my mother as a six year old wondering what the big deal was. Not realising what a huge deal it was.

Berlin is one of my favourite cites in the whole world and I would love to be there right now to experience today.

Happy Birthday to Me

Yesterday was my 26th birthday, and I didn't even have time to wake up and have my annual freak-out as I was up in the FOURS. Something which I am usually violently opposed to except when it is for the purpose of travel - and yesterday it was. Last year I spent my 25th birthday in Amsterdam cycling along canals and had such a lovely time, I decided that all birthdays should be spent in another part of the world (I realised this rule had also been adopted by Jen Ven who spent her birthday in Siem Reap with Cambodian coconut cake and many rum smoothies). So this year I was up so early in the morning because I was going to PARIS!

We got a ridiculously early Eurostar and, having slept through most of the journey, arrived in Paris a little after 10am. First we walked through tiny and eerily quiet streets towards the district of Monmartre, so that we could see the Scare Coeur basilica and the famous steps, which are Ollie's favourite Parisian landmark. We walked up ALL of the steps, shunning the cable car, so that we could reach the top and get an amazing view of Paris. Following this, we walked all the way back down, dodging the guys selling bracelets and models of the Eiffel tower and went to find some lunch. We had lunch in this beautiful little organic cafe and gorged ourselves on soup and bread, vegetable tartlets, salads, cakes and yummy little French sweet things. Then we walked off lunch and went to the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower before spending the evening drinking in the Left Bank. Unfortunately we were unable to stay and fully experience Paris nightlife, but definitely some other time.

Remember Remember

Bonfire night has always been a bit of a tradition for me. Firstly, I love winter and relish any opportunity to stand oustide in the cold, bundled up in my favourite coat with a big cup of tea and a packet of cigarettes. Secondly, it's two days away from my birthday. And thirdly...well, who doesn't love big sparkly things that go bang. However, last night it all went a little awry.

Instead of being in the park, I spent the night in various pubs in Crystal Palace with Ollie, Matt, John and Heather drinking vast quantities of alcohol, playing table football and telling everybody who will listen about one of my hamsters ate the other one. Instead of paying the £5 entry fee, we stood outside the gates with all of the other fee-shirkers and spent the money on extra booze.

Saying that, I had an ace time. This morning my head hurt like a bitch and I had to finish off my Africa essay. Not the best / most exciting way to spend my last day of being 25. However, tomorrow is my birthday and I am going to Paris to wander around doing lots of lovely Parisian things and not thinking about work at all.

On the eve of my birthday I always have a little think about what I've done throughout the year. Lots and lots and lots. I think of all things I saw, this was one of my favourites:

This is What Happens...

So I am supposed to be writing my essay right now. No need to highlight the fact that I am the world's biggest procrastinator. There is always something dreadfully important that I would rather be doing. Right now I would rather be anywhere then sat in my spare room writing about disease patterns and healing practices in pre-colonial Africa, but that's what I signed up for so that's what I must do.

I started today hungover, which is never a good start. Last night Laura and Jade came over for dinner so I baked some squash with chilli and garlic and then stuffed them with roasted vegetables and goats cheese. We caught up and talked and laughed.

And drank two bottles of wine.

Then Ollie and Matt came back to the house and we decided that we hadn't drunk nearly enough so went off to Lordship Lane in search of more drinking venues. Then we ended up at the Bishop. Drank two more large glasses of wine, smoked a few cigarettes (NAUGHTY) and looked at scantily clad women on Laura's iPhone before Ollie, Jade and I stumbled back to the flat to top up our alcohol content with these amazing vodka-filled chocolates that Dan and Lucy bought us back from their recent trip to Vienna.

So this morning I grudgingly crowbarred myself out of bed and headed towards Bloomsbury to make use of SOAS's lovely library. (Another black mark against Goldsmiths I'm afraid when they had NO books I could use for my essay). A little trip to Pret was in order before I went in and I did so much work and thought myself all wonderful and productive.

And now I am sat writing a silly blog with a deadline on Friday. Idiot. At least I've managed to stay out of the kitchen. For now.

I have a feeling tonight will be a late one xx

I heart Laura and Jade

Work was boring so I won't bore you with that.

On the plus side, I am spending the evening with Laura and Jade for the first time in ages and am super happy.



I heart Laura and Jade xx

Breathe Deeper, Daydreamer

Spent much of today doing two things: daydreaming and trying not to fall asleep. Will probably go into work tomorrow to find that I've made some kind of disasterous error that it will take me all day to undo. Just cannot focus on anything real. Instead, have been thinking about Paris, entertaining Laura and Jade, my looming essay deadline and how easy it would be to travel the silk road.

There. Nothing whatsoever about environmental seminars. Should probably get to bed earlier tonight instead of staying up late with Ollie discussing how we could save the world from inevitable doom. I had great faith in human nature last night when I said that bankers should all give a little of their bonuses to helping disadvantaged inner-city kids, however that all changed this morning when I had a walk through the City and saw all of the flash suits and flash cars. Yeah, there are still 3 million unemployed - stop flashing it about, it's just vulgar.

My favourite part of the City is the little Lush tucked away in Liverpool Street Station. I went there this evening and bought this for my face:



and this for my bath:



Am waiting to find out about hosting my very own Lush party in the flat for all of my lovely Lush ladies xx

Breaking the Cycle of Laziness

This morning I woke up to the sound of rain, which is something that hasn't happened in a long time. That's the problem with living in a modern building with lots of aluminium and steel - it's LOUD. At times I do miss my old beloved creaky Victorian town house. Anyway, I really really wanted to take the bike out this morning and cruise around Dulwich buying lovely things, however considering I have spent two weeks suffering from the dreaded lurgy, I though it better not to risk it. By the afternoon the rain had cleared up and Ollie and I cycled down to beautiful Dulwich Park and did a few laps, dodging joggers, children and dogs - the three nemesises of cyclists. Then we stopped off at the Clockhouse on Peckham Rye on the way home for a glass of White Rioja and some olives.

Despite the problems stemming from rain, I am actually beginning to enjoy winter. There is something lovely about getting bundled up and going for walks in the park, kicking dead leaves and snuggling up with hot drinks. And although summer has fun things like festivals and trips to the beach, winter has Hallowe'en, Bonfire Night and Christmas - excellent excuses to meet up with friends and drink lots. Plus - I love winter food. It is almost worth becoming a bit of a fatty for. Tonight I am making spicy bean and veggie sausage stew which I intend to eat under a blanket watching Sunday night TV with my warm boy. Bliss xx

Hallowe'en

Despite the fact that I had to retreat back to Dulwich super early, Hallowe'en was lots of fun.

SAM


LAURA


LAURA & MIKE


NAT & TAFFY


AND ME....


(I think I might have done this somewhere before...?)


Oh yeah...