Emma Watson Role Model for the New Generation

It is about time that young girls have a young female celebrity that they can look up to. I live in Los Angeles and I swear everyday a young starlets are making the news and not in a good way. From sex scandals, to being arrested for drunk and disorderly behavior, the tabloids are having a field day with today’s young Hollywood.

Emma Watson is a French born English actress who is best known for her role as Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter film series, based on the seven Harry Potter novels by British author J. K. Rowling. This young British celebrity beautiful, elegant, successful and educated makes for a perfect role model for the new generation of young women.

Instead of landing in the tabloids on a drunken binge, or being shot with her panties MIA, this starlet stands tall combining grace and elegance in this crazy world of fame and fortune.

Thank you Skype and Facebook

Thank you Skype…life is so much sweeter because of you. When your friends move away, and ours do too often, staying in contact can be a difficult task. My husband and I both work in the entertainment industry. I love what I do, the work is so rewarding, but friends come and go with projects, and with time. You try to stay connected but life takes over and before you know it a year has passed bye. But with today’s technology, such as; Facebook and Skype make it easier to stay connected and stay on top of the people you care about.

Today I was able to talk with a dear friend who in the past year moved to London with his partner for work. Thousands of miles away, but because of Skype, just a click and a camera the magic is created. We stayed connected for about 45 minuets, catching up on each others lives. Although I wish he were just miles away, I felt like as if he were sitting next to me, in one of our favorite little coffee shops. Just two friends dishing the dirt, it was great.

I just adore Tony. He makes me laugh with his witty, sarcastic sense of humor. I will be leaving in just a couple of months to meet up with him and Kevin in London. I wander if by then he will feel more at home. I know for myself it took three years before I felt at home in Los Angeles, but now I could not imagine ever going back East. Dealing with the snow and the below zero weather; the days that made your bones feel like they were going to freeze and break in two. Not for me anymore. I like it here in sunny LA, well at least for now.

Everything British

A lover of everything British is what I am. At the moment I am sitting here and watching “Notting Hill” and I have seen “Bridget Jones Diary”, all of the “Harry Potter” films and too many more to mention about a zillion times. I read books by British authors, indulge in travel magazines that feature Brittan and all of the UK, and daydream about my next vacation to London, which is in 13 weeks and 1 day.

I love the British humor, their sarcastic way of looking at the world and their blunt no holds bar personality. I love the accent and the variety of dialects. They only thing sexier to me is the French accent and my husbands. I also adore their colorful way with words, from the hardy cheers, to their name for a police officer, “bobby”, even the slang sounds scrumptious.

From Soho, to the lavish countryside, I find England awe inspiring. From William Shakespeare to JK Rowling, from the kings and queens of present day to long ago, from the Beatles to the castles that grace the land, Britain holds a magical history and an even more incredible future.

As for the food, I have to admit is I do not enjoy meat pie, but adore all of the curry dishes. The first time I ever tried a beer was in a London pub, where a friend introduced me to apple cider beer…wow…so glad I can not find this near me. If we did have this amazing tasty treat, I would most likely be about 20 pounds heavier and a little drunk.

I adore taking the tube, because you never know what you will find. From the girl with the pink hair and the multi-colored socks, to the fasionista, and the bloke going off to the office. I love taking the trains, getting away to the country, as the lavish greens pass buy at an accelerated rate looking like one beautiful swirl of color.

Today as I sit in beautiful sunny California, where we have the sun shinning about 360 days a year, but I still miss the cool days, with a light, rain and a bit of overcast. England may not have the beautiful days that are celebrated and taken for granted in California, but what it does have is an energy that is similar to New York but with a European flair that has a bit of a twist. 13 weeks and 1 day until I say HELLO London!

Saying Our Goodbyes

Today is our last day in London and it is a shopping day, with the boys. We are on our way to Kevin’s and this will be our first time seeing his new flat. As we arrived, Kevin directed us in via phone. His flat was quite smaller then his home back in America but lovely indeed. I think living in America is always much bigger then most of the world.

Kevin took us on a tour of this new neighborhood that he calls home. This flat was located in the perfect place for him and Tony. Everything is in walking distance, the grocery store, shopping center, cinema and parks. We walked by the cannel and I nearly was run over by a bike. Local pubs restaurants and art galleries lined the streets. This place was a combination of artist and families, a nice fusion, I would say so myself. It was also hip and young but not too young, not twenty something young, more like thirty something young.

After the tour we took the tube to begin our day of shopping, shopping, shopping….oh, and more shopping.  We decided to visit Oxford Street, since I heard that this was a great street to shop. The first thing on the agenda was a local book store. I am passionate about British humor and British writers. I am also a big, no massive fan of Harry Potter and needed to get the British version of the very first book, since it was a different title then the American version. What would you know, a little bit of home, Borders books store.

After we spent some time tooling around the store, we headed out on a mission to find Kevin the perfect winter coat, because London is starting to get cold. On the way we stopped by a variety of stores and did a little window shopping, as well as picking up a few trinkets to take back home and a new pair of shoes for me. My feet were killing me and I needed a more comfortable pair of shoes.

It was the middle in the afternoon and we were famished. I bet your wondering where we stopped to fill our hungry tummies…you got it, a local pub. I think if I lived in London I would have to start cooking more then I do now, or I would gain a million pounds eating all of this pub food. But then again, I am a tourist and if I lived here, I would probably be hip to all of the cool and trendy places, the family style diners and the places to eat if you feel like being good.

After lunch we took another tube ride to check out what films were playing and then we sat down for a delicious bite of gelato and some down time. I think our stay has wiped Kevin oh out, although I know he was happy to have us come. Oh by the way, did I mention we did find Kevin the perfect coat for those cold winter days and nights. It was a beautiful wool knee length coat, very hip.

The day was starting to set and as we walked back to the tube station, we said our goodbyes until next time. We promised to stay in touch, visit when we can and meet in Italy next year. That is one of the things I am envious of with Kevin and Tony, that they live so close to so many amazing countries. The transpiration is so fantastic and so affordable in Europe. On any given day you could visit Paris, Italy, Ireland, Prague, Spain and so many more incredibly fabulous places. Well maybe one day this will be me living in Europe, if not full time then maybe part time.

A Perfect Day

Only two more days left and then back to Madrid Spain and time with our family. We spent the day taking in some of London’s hot tourist spots. We visited London’s Tower Bridge, the London Eye, the British Film Museum, and the Tower of London. The day was incredible. It was the most time I spent alone, completely alone, with my husband in such a long time. We held hands, enjoying intriguing sites, sharing our favorite moments, and locations. We laughed and played like children. We took so many pictures, just like the typical tourist on holiday.

After an exhausting day of taking in as many sites as we possible could get in, we met up with our friends at one of London’s local pubs. The night had already set in and it seemed more like 9pm, then 7pm. The streets were crowded with locals who had just ended another long working week. A few pints of beer and a couple glasses of wine, the stress of another day in the office was starting to wash away, and most seem to start enjoying the night. We also indulged in a few delicious drinks ourselves, to warm the heart. Soon the night was fading further into darkness, as the stars had come to play, we started on our way to find some delicious eats.

A few blocks away were bright lights of busy restaurants, shinning from North, South, East and West. The biggest issue we had was to decide where to eat and what type of food we wanted. Finally a small Italian café won out. I am not sure if it was the smell of garlic in the air or the thought of a great bottle of Italian wine. The café was quaint, with traditional old world Italy flavor. We sat down and each of us ordered some type of pasta, enjoyed piping hot homemade bread, a glass of wine, and tiramisu to satisfy our sweet tooth.

The night was filled with intriguing conversations, sharing of dreams and memories, laughter, and secrets reveled. You know when the wine starts flowing, so does the gossip. The perfect ending, for a perfect day!

Some Alone Time

Today Luis and I spent most of the day alone. Our time in London is quickly passing us by and that makes me so sad.

We started out with a quick bite at a local café, and then a tube ride to Buckingham Palace, to watch the changing of the guards. It was an incredible site to see. People from every point in the world watching the changing of the guards, with bated breath, snapping pictures, and trying to get a glimpse over one another, as they were pushed back into the crowed. Luis and I were one of the lucky ones, as we had a front row seat.

After the Changing of the guards had finished, Luis and I strolled around the neighborhoods adjacent to the palace. It was a beautiful Autumn day. The foliage that hung delicately from the branches of the trees, and lined our walking path, was shades of brown, gold, and amber. The day was crisp with a light breeze that barley glazed our skin as we walked in awe of the beauty and incredible architecture of the buildings as we passed by. We strolled through the park, enjoying the people as they went on with their day, and the simplicity of it all. Luis and I started to dream out loud. If all goes well in our lives we would buy a flat here, if not in this neighborhood then one just as captivating. We talked about the child we would raise, the life we would have. I love living in America and am very proud, but the idea of living in Europe is a dream of mine.

Our Night with Jack the Ripper

In the autumn of 1888 Jack the Ripper terrorized the streets of London’s East End. It is 8pm, and the sun has faded as the night creeps in and wishes us a good night. We have all gathered together to follow the trail through the spine-chilling backstreets and gloomy courtyards of London’s East End, on a walking tour of the haunts, and blood soaked trail of Jack the Ripper.

Our host for the tour is a dramatic historian who fills us with anticipation, of what is to come for the next two hours. His dramatic flair, and theatrical display into the beginning of this ghostly tale, of one of histories most infamous serial killers, leaves us feeling chilled to the bones with fear and horror.

The next two hours our host took us on the very streets where this fascinating, yet monstrous, murderous mystery were played out. As we walked through these dimly lit areas in the East End of London, and listened to our host play out these grisly acts, we were all fascinated, and horrified all at the same time. To imagine the world that these women had to survive in, that most of these women were forced into a life of prostitution, and paid for it with their lives, had us wanting to hear more, but faint with the thought of these gruesome acts. Who was this man, and will we ever know????

Lynn and Mike spent most of the time in the front of the line. My husband, Kevin, and our added guest Jorge, spent most of the time, I believe talking, as I strayed back taking pictures, and trying to record the nights events. I always heard that you can catch a glimpse of a ghost by photographs or recordings. I wanted to give it a shot, and see what the results would be. I figured there had to be some very pissed off ghost on this tour, but nothing. I think if the ghosts of the women who were murdered by Jack the Ripper exist, they did not want to come out, and play that night. If they did though come out and play, I wonder how I would have reacted, probably scared silly.

By the end of the night we were all so completely spent. The day had been long, and drained all of our energy. Kevin, Lynn, and Mike all said goodnight, and went home to sleep. Since this was the first time we had seen Jorge in over two years, and it would be sometime to come before we would see him again, we went out to sample a bit of Indian food in the heart of London.

Hummingbird Bakery & Notting Hill

Our next stop was Hummingbird Bakery, for a slice of Heaven. Red velvet cake, was all I could think about, since Lynn went on, and on about it. Hummingbird Bakery, located on Portobello Road, has been around since 2004, and is a stopping ground for Londoners with a sweet tooth. When we arrived, the line was around the building, and down the sidewalk. As we stood in line, enjoying the sugar high from the aromas that swirled in the air, a young girl moved swiftly through the line taking orders. As she approached me, she made an announcement to the crowed, “I am sorry to inform everyone, we have only one slice of red velvet cake left.” The moans and groans grew load, and some decided to leave the line, disappointed that they could not purchase a slice of the infamously delicious red velvet cake. As for myself, I ordered the last slice of Heaven, and several cupcakes to share with the others.

The first bite was like a delicious dream, the kind you wake up from feeling completely satisfied. I wanted to share, but I also wanted to keep it all to myself, and save some a little for later. I let Luis have a small bite, and then immediately handed him a cupcake, to keep the cake for me.

We did a little more shopping, people watching, and walking around Notting Hill. As we walked off a few of the many calories consumed today, we made plans to take a tour of the hunting’s, and history of the brutal murders, of Jack the Ripper. I actually wanted to go on the tour of haunted London, but some were a little nervous, so Jack the Ripper it is.

Our Adventure with Sherlock Holms

Luis finally arrived at the café. Off we went to meet Kevin, Lynn and Michael for a look into the world of Sherlock Holms. Kevin and Luis are big fans. They have read all of the books of Sherlock Holmes and sometimes more then once. The rest of us know very little about this legendary character, but are looking forward to the museum and spending time together. So now we are going to step back in time and visit the world’s most famous address – 221b Baker Street – the Official Home of Sherlock Holmes! If you do not know who Sherlock Holmes is, he is a fictional character of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries and was a brilliant London based “consulting detective”, Holmes is famous for his intellectual prowess and is renowned for his skilful use of astute observation, deductive reasoning, and forensic skills to solve cases.

Back on the tube and on our way. We finally arrive at Baker Street. We meet outside the tube station and head over to the museum. On our way we enjoy a few stops into local stores to find little treasures. The Beatles albums, Sherlock Holmes statues and bobble heads, tourist tee shirts and other fun and unique finds. As we arrive, I see the look on Kevin’s and Luis’s faces; it is one of childhood wonder. Adorable and quite amusing these two grown men step back into time and a childlike essence takes over. It is picture time; Luis and Kevin take turns getting the perfect image in front of 221b Baker Street – the Official Home of Sherlock Holmes. Inside we wondered through the store, trying on replica hats from the infamous Sherlock Holmes books and television shows, checking out pipes and other props and taking pictures like Japanese tourist. Flipping through books and admiring the history and the delicious reads on these legendary fictional characters, Sherlock Holmes and Watson, his famous assistant we are taken into a big part of British history. Even if you are not a fan, after stepping through the looking glass, you instantly want to know more. Luis and Kevin head off by themselves, exploring the museum and snapping picture after picture of historical moments and of course they place themselves back in time as if they are a character in the book of time.

About an hour has passed and Kevin and Luis emerge, both with a smile from ear to ear and like children excited to show and share each and every wonderful moment. We head off to the nearest café for a cup of tea and to reminisce over their experience and enjoy the fun pictures they captured with their digital cameras. Kevin is already posting on Facebook as we walk and e mailing his partner back home about the days events, wishing he were here to enjoy this remarkable day with us.

A Delicious Sunday Morning

It’s early Sunday morning and as my husband still lays in a blissful sleep; I slip out our hotel room and down the street to the nearest café. I am an early riser, even on my holidays. I am not sure why, but my internal clock wakes me by 6am every day. Sometimes I stay in bed and snuggle, but today I am up and out the door, ready to start my day, not to waste a minute of this glorious holiday in London. So I am off, on my own to find my perfect place in Knightsbridge, but before I slipped away I left my sweet love a note, to join me the moment he arises and to his new day.

Not more then a few feet from our hotel is a corner café. This is it, the perfect place to begin my day. As people line up for fresh brewed coffee, piping hot tea, delicious breakfast Panini’s and handmade pastries, I stand there waiting, captured by the festival of flavors mingling in the air and captivating my every sense. Intoxicated by the fusion of cinnamon, mocha, coffee, sugar, chamomile and the essence of a crisp Autumn morning, this is perfection. I finally arrive at the cashier to place my order. I order a cup of piping hot green tea, tropical flavor for that hint of sweetness to begin my day and a tasty bacon, cheese and egg Panini, mmm, so good. I pay for my order and head outside.

A beautiful Autumn morning in Knightsbridge, with just a slight hint of a brisk wind that brushes the tender skin on my face and kisses my lips hello. I sit outside a delicious little café, sipping my tea, enjoying my sandwich and reminiscing over the past days events and the day that yet awaits me. As I sit in deep thought, with a gleeful smirk across my face, remembering moments in London, the phone jars me back to reality, it is my sweet Luis. He has decided to order room service while he prepares for our day ahead. I will sit here in my perfect world, enjoying this incredible morning, while I wait for my husband to join me.

I wish holidays could last forever. Even though I love my life, I love the freedom a holiday bestows on you, if only for a short time, a sweet escape from reality into a delicious fantasy.