It's about time I started

On this lovely 13th of March I have decided to end my procrastinating and start documenting my days here in the UK. I certainly can't promise that I will be able to provide intriguing reading material, as most of my time is spent working, but I'd like to give it a go. Today was actually the first day since my mid January arrival that I have not been attached to my laptop hammering away at work deadlines, so I am feeling quite rejuvenated. I managed to get a successful haircut and manicure and enjoy the first signs of spring weather breaking through the bitter cold English days. While the beauty treatments were great, I quickly discovered that getting a manicure in Oxford is a lot like trying to secure a kidney on the black market. I am missing the ladies at Allure Nails in Philly just as much as I am missing my family and friends.

It's a great time for theater here in London as many celebrities are trying to get back to their roots and appear on the stage. I have had the opportunity to see a few shows starring some pretty big names. I decided not to stalk them all by the back stage doors as you might expect, but enjoyed seeing Phylicia Rashad, James Earl Jones, & Saana Lathan in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Sir Ian McKellan in Waiting for Godot and most recently Keira Knightly in The Misanthrope. After too many glasses of white wine last night I also purchased a ticket to see Ricky Gervais for a last minute stand up show he announced. Turns out being a single pays off since you can score a ticket in the 7th row for an otherwise sold out show! I may have to stalk him in the alley behind the theater.

For those of you that know me all too well, you will be not be surprised to know that my obsession with celebrity chefs has not subsided despite my move. I have simply redirected my attention to those chefs closest to my current postal code. Yesterday evening I had the opportunity to dine with my fellow work exchange peeps at Jamie Oliver's restaurant, Jamie's Italian Kitchen. It was probably one of the best meals I have had since arriving. Unfortunately Jamie was not there for me to introduce myself, but maybe next time. I also intend to hit up a few more of his UK locations. In the meantime, Barbora and Margaret are subject to recipes that I am attempting to recreate for our Sunday night dinners. They have been very gracious in coming over to test all of my culinary attempts.

Until next time....