A Touristy Day

I know I've been slacking for the past two days but never fear! This blog will last more than a week, I promise.

So.

Yesterday I met up with Vanessa, my cousin's British friend whom I was introduced to via Fbook. We met up at Charing Cross which is in the south east end of Central London right near Trafalgar Square (the pics along the side are from Trafalgar Square and Regent street). It was a fun touristy day, but also long and full of walking ( I guess that's what tourists do). We did lunch first at Pangos which is a Portuguese restaurant where you order and pay and then your food comes. It's really good. They mostly seem to serve chicken but you can pick if you want it hot, extra hot, wild herbs and spice or...I actually forget the last option. I opted for a hot double fillet pitta (that's how they spelled it on the menu) and some spicy rice. We also had a roasted red pepper dip for an appetizer. Everything was delicious, especially the dip which had chunks of diced roasted red peppers and was served with warm pitta bread. Mmmmm.....I'm making myself hungry which is not good because I have absolutely nothing to eat. Nothing. Nadda. I desperately need to do some grocery shopping and buy some bread. I feel like I could eat a whole loaf right now...

Moving on. After lunch we went window shopping all down Regent Street and somewhat down Oxford street. It was great, we went into some upper end stores like Guess and also we checked out H & M. There are about four in that area and they're all massive and wonderful in every way. We also checked out Topshop, which was good too. A little pricey in some areas but their jeans look amazing so I'll definitely be getting a pair once I have some $$. And a blazer too!

I feel I must voice my concerns regarding the fashion trends in London and my general tastes and how I forsee me having to break out of my print-free, earth tones + black fashion shell. I am plain. Delly plain and average height. I like plain clothing that can be accessorised and that match with everything else in my closet. I have a sinking feeling that I'm going to have to take some pretty terrifying fashion risks while I'm out here to fit into the culture. London loves the 80s. I do not. I actually think the only good fashion trend that came out of the 80s was tights. That's it. Nothing else. But in Topshop and H&M and everywhere, the 80s are making a horrendous comeback with shoulder pads and triangle shaped dresses. Also with the whole droopy roushing phenomenon. I don't really know how to describe it. It's like the MC Hammer pants...but in a dress or skirt. *shudder* never for me, thanks. I may give in to the bright colours and the clashing (ex. blue shirt + orange skirt + green shoes + purple eyeshadow), but that's as far as I'll go. The buck stops there. The day you see me in Aladdin pants is the day I invite you to go ahead and slap me in the face with your shoe.



Moving on. We also hit Primark, which is kind of the UK version of Forever21 except not nearly as amazing. I compare the two only because they both carry they same kinds of things you would see at H&M or Topshop but at prices the average person can afford. F21 has a much better selection of dresses, skirts and dressy clothes. BUT Primark has a larger inventory of items including bedding and towels and even shoe insoles. I allowed myself a few minor purchases at Primark: a GORGEOUS dark purple snakeskin clutch (£7), a belt that matched the purse(£2.50), a large super soft cotton towel (£4.96), a long black cardigan (£10) and some other personal odds and ends. I felt it was money well spent!

Oh yes, I also paid another visit to Nicholas at Barclays bank and he accepted the Statement of Assets from my bank and allowed me to open a bank account. Annoying British Banking problem: no temporary debit card. All I have is the piece of paper with my name and account number that I have to carry around with me until I receive my visa debit card in the mail. Very annoying because I have to go in and wait in the inevitable line every time I want to deposit money or withdraw money until I get my card.

That was Monday. See more pictures below :)

OMG! I almost forgot to mention my favourite discovery from yesterday: The Haagen Daz Restaurant!!!! Yes, that's right, a sit down restaurant whose menu consists solely of Haagen Daz ice cream and sundae options. Fantastic does not even begin to capture it. One drawback I must mention and warn you of is the horrendous service. But that seems to be pretty much a given here in London, so it should come as no surprise. There is a pic below of the deliciousness. Sorry, I actually dug in before remembering to take a picture. Anyway, I ordered one scoop of the strawberry cheesecake (there is actual strawberry cheesecake in the ice cream) and one scoop of pralines and cream (a little too sweet for me in the end, but still amazing) and got it topped with caramelized hazelnuts and put in a waffle cone. Total cost £5.45 :) Best money I've ever spent. And you can bet I'll be back...possibly tomorrow....




Trafalgar Square, the Time Square of London.