On this day...

On this day two years ago I started this blog. I was preparing to make the big move to London and I wanted somewhere to record my journey and if I failed at this adventure and was forced to return home penniless and sooner than I intended then I was at least going to have something to show for my bravery of quitting a job, packing up my life, and saying 'see you soon' to my pup.

Two years since I started on this adventure and looking back, I don't think I would change a thing. My life isn't as glamorous as I might have imagined it to be, but it's certainly better than I could have hoped for.

Whatever happens in the next 7 months with my remaining time here, I do intend to fill it with love, laughter, travel and friends. And documenting as much of it as possible.

Now for the traditional weird gif after a real moment here on {erin out and about} 
Twerk it.

Wednesday Wanderings

Regent's Canal Lock, Limehouse Cut, London

Fun travels!

Hey there, Monday er...Tuesday!

I was sick last week. Boo. And I'm still on the mend, so despite the extensive videos and movies I watched online last week, I don't have much to share with you. 
Here's to a happy, healthy Tuesday!

Why are you Walken when you could be dancin' (click the link to see how clever and original I am)

Museum Makers Happy dance

It's all about perspective. Very talented man.

Clown car of dogs. Love.

Conference call IRL.

This is a really cool project.

Spring time walks

Spring is on it's way here in London (happy first day of spring!), daffodils are in bloom in the parks, the sun is shining making the days warm and pleasant and making the people giddy with the desire to do all the things. 

I think I love spring in London the most because of the excitement that is almost palpable at this time. The middle seasons, as I call them, have always been my favourite. Fall has the anticipation of the first snowfall, and long winter nights in front of a fires with a tea and a snuggle buddy. Spring has the anticipation of warm, long summer days with picnics and sun dresses. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy a good hot summer and a cold Canadian winter (how's that 3rd biggest storm of the season treating you, Ontario?) but I do get caught up in the crisp air of the changing seasons and I can't help but feel a fresh start is upon me and I can do anything. 

Happy spring!

Have you heard the one about the joke around the corner?

neither have I.

Wednesday Wanderings

St. Katherine's Dock, London

Fun travels!

PopUpCanada Poutine

On a gloomy February evening in a pub in Maritime Greenwich, I found myself at the bar asking the bartender a most Canadian question, "This is where I get the poutine, eh?"

His response: "Is that the band?"

I thought this wasn't a good sign.

After explaining exactly what poutine is I discovered I was indeed in the correct location. 

It was the Pop Up Canada event at the Admiral Hardy. There was live music by "The Curds", cold pints, and most importantly poutine by The Poutinerie.

The Poutinerie is usually located in a stall at Brick Lane market on Sundays. I have still yet to catch them there, so I was glad for this opportunity. And boy was it good. The gravy was rich, the fries (cause they're Canadian--or rather French, and not English) were crisp and crunchy and the cheese was squeaky! 

This is an Englishman tasting poutine for the very first time.

Notice the 'OMG this is so good' face.

Hey there, Monday

Had another great weekend in London. It consisted of markets, new friends, gin, a photography exhibit, a parade, old friends, and a Vietnamese dinner. I'm certainly enjoying my remaining months here, but I keep attempting to scale back the fun a bit just because my wallet can't keep up this pace. Here's to procrastinating Monday and maybe nursing a bit of a hangover. 

lá sona ú Pádraig

8 Facts about Irish language. First thing, it's called Irish. I just won an argument with this.

Now let's dance like a thug. 

First kisses with strangers.

The art and science of kissing.

What do you have for breakfast?

I love a good museum

Cats are awesome little jerks

This was written by a friend of mine and has inspired me.

Lovely Lavenham

Sometimes you just need a holiday. Just a little time away from the every day drudgery. A quick little escape, doesn't  have to be far away or somewhere exotic. Sometimes you just need a bit of a breather, time to regroup, collect your thoughts, to be able to see the world anew. 

A few weeks ago, a friend of mine and I, rented a car and drove to Suffolk county. I do sometimes miss being able to jump in a car and to take a spontaneous road trip. But this 2 day planned trip was just as good. We drove straight out of London and into the countryside. Passing through little (and big) English villages. We even stopped along the way for dinner in an old mill inn in Chelmsford, before arriving at our destination of Lavenham. 

Even in the dark we could see the charm and history of this little Suffolk village.
It has it's start in Saxon times, but grew in prominence and prosperity starting in the 13th Century on the backs of the wool industry. The market square was built and chartered in 1257 and was among the 20 wealthiest towns in England in the Medieval period. The wool trade declined in the 1520's and the town never prospered in any other industry and although the town was never abandoned, the architecture and the buildings have remained the same. Eventually, this became a tourist attraction and along with its developing hotel and restaurant industry it makes for a lovely day to visit.

We stayed in the Angel Hotel, which got it's licence in 1420. It was full of oak beams and slanty floors.

We had a wonderfully sunny day to explore the town. Which was good since nothing was open. We were there during the middle of the week and during their off season which meant that the Guildhall and Little Hall (the 2 museums in the market square), the tourist office, and many of the art galleries were closed. Although we were able to enjoy a quiet time here, I might suggest visiting in the spring or summer months so not to miss out on anything. 

We thoroughly enjoyed wondering the streets and taking many photos of the crooked little houses along the narrow lanes. We even did a pub crawl of most of the watering holes in the village. (Don't worry, parents, there were only 4)

During World War II, Lavenham was home to an American air force base and the town still commemorates this North American connection. 

In the White Swan, one of the oldest pubs/inns in Lavenham, has an honour roll signed by members of the 487 Bombarment Group from the 40's. They've kept the tradition going today with American Air Force members visiting the pub and signing the current honour roll.

We had a great time in Lavenham and had we had more time for our mini break we would have loved to hiked some of the trails and spent an afternoon in surrounding Suffolk villages and driving the countryside roads.

Lavenham was Lovely

Fun travels!