american werewolf, part 3- full english breakfast

Because of the ocean between us, I rarely get to see my mom's side of the family. The last time I was here it was for a funeral. We are staying with my aunt who lives in this cute neighborhood in Wembley Park. That's northwest London. Wembley Arena isn't far. My mom actually grew up not far from here. I walked up Wembley high road, which is where all the shops are. 

This time we are bringing my grandmother's ashes and having a small memorial service. The cemetery is very old and is running out of space so all the headstones nearly touch. It's something you don't see in Florida as much. 

Today we are going to to an estate that has been turned into a hotel/restaurant. Apparently Churchill used to visit quite frequently. And their is what used to be a Russian Orthodox chapel. The pictures make it look very grand and pretty. My uncle is driving so we do not have to worry about the numerous train closings this weekend. The closest station was completely closed yesterday and I had to take a somewhat confusing bus ride. 

Dinner happens earlier here than I am used to. Then comes supper. I feel sort of like a hobbit. 

Tomorrow my mom is going to Harrod's and I am going to the Tate Modern. Harrod's makes me crazy. I always get claustrophobic. And their is something disturbing about a store you can buy anything at. A pony, a giant toaster, a car, a house, a steak?

american werewolf, part 2: mind the gap

Hi everybody. I wrote this in Debenham's. I'll save you from reading my serial-killer handwriting:

Londoners are busy Christmas shopping and bumping into me. I am currently in a cafe in one of those fancy high street shops. I stick out here. I'm clearly not Christmas shopping. And most of the customers seem to be sweet looking older white British ladies. 

How come the prepackaged food tastes better here than it does in the US? It might be because it costs twice as much. Still I am impressed by the dessert selection.

They cleverly put their cafe in the least trafficked area- men's accessories. Every once in awhile some older English gentlemen will walk over and look at a pair of gloves or a money clip. I have yet to see anyone actually pick anything up. 

I thought I was seeing the same girl everywhere. On the bus, the train, outside the station, and in Topshop. It just turns out that floral skirt, black tights, and slouchy suede boots are really in right now. So I'm seeing variations on the same girl. The Topshop girl?

Oxford Circus is the mecca for the Topshop girl. It's  a little disconcerting that I blend in so well- I even have a skull scarf on. But, I refuse to wear sheer tights in this weather though. Or thin ballet flats. A group of Russian girls were all wearing snoods, denim minis, and tights. They seemed nice but clearly did not speak much english. I always end up next to friend non-english speakers. Time to work on another language? 

Oh well, it's hard to make random friends. I bet I'll have better luck out later this week with my cousin. She's a journalist and currently in the running for the world's coolest human being. Oh and this is the same cousin who was in a singing group that got discovered by Flavor Flav. Yeah, I'm very excited to see her. 

american werewolf - Part 1

South Florida has no true winter. It's almost Thanksgiving and girls in bikinis are putting on sunscreen at the beach.  I saw a few people swimming but they were pale Canadians. The mall is crowded. Scarves stay in their drawer. But I'm not complaining. I've got a new laptop and clothes to pack. 

I'm going to England tomorrow. Specifically, I'll mostly be in London. It's going to be cold. It's the land of ab fab, Amy Winehouse, fish & chips, Kate Moss, and Damien Hirst. Katy gave me a guidebook. I have a serious hunger for contemporary art galleries, you know the pristine white cubes with pretentious gallerinas?