My last post went up about a month ago, a testament to how quickly time is passing over here and how busy life seems to get.  In it I wrote about my experiences traveling solo, from dining alone at restaurants to seeing different cities sans travel partners and friends.

Tonight I write from a different place. I arrived back in London last Tuesday after a trip to Ireland, and just a week later I found myself sitting at table brimming with new faces.  To my right sat my new business partner, Stephanie, who I met just a week prior through another random encounter with a lovely couple at a dinner party.  To my left sat Helen, a British friend who I met in New York City last summer and bonded with over an intense game of volleyball at a music fest a few days later.  Across the table was Bruce, a friend of Stephanie’s and a man who was kind enough to open his home and industry advice as we brainstormed our new plan this weekend.  Next to him sat Sophie, Anne and David, the family of friend and NYC singer-songwriter Will Knox who have generously taken me in for the duration of my UK/London tour.

On stage were three familiar faces… Caleb, Bess and Alex.  I can tell you that as much as I love being over here, seeing Caleb walk through the door of a London Starbucks to come grab us before the gig was one of the highlights of my trip.  

There are moments in life when you stop for a moment and think about where you are.  Who you are with.  What random acts and serendipitous events have brought you to that moment.  I rarely dine alone anymore.  I find myself excited each morning with what new things may come my way.  I look forward to working because I’m working towards something now.  I feel like the pieces of me that were scrambled all over New York City for the years after my dance studio closed are starting to reassemble and form “me” again. The “me” I remember.  The “me” I want to be.

This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for that full table.  

Day 5 and in my third place of rest… it’s just like home!

Seriously though, I have to admit I love this city.  Aside from the drill sergeant at Customs wanting to know how much money I had in my account to stay here for two months (note to self: from here on out I’m simply an excited tourist… damn me and my honesty), everyone and everything has been wonderful so far.  

My first night I had the pleasure of meeting up with the lovely and talented Alex Berger, who introduced me to some local singer-songwriters after a heart-racing game of Frisbee in the park.  He’s actually in New York now, so if you’re in the city on October 23 you should definitely check out his show at Rockwood Music Hall.

On Saturday I ventured over to Holland Park, which quickly became one of my favorite neighborhoods here.  Rich with trees, cafes, parks, and clean and classic buildings, I felt like I was walking through a movie set as I made my way to dinner at the secret restaurant, Nomad Chef.  I cannot say enough wonderful things about Shelley Taylor, our host and chef, who put together a delicious meal (complete with tofu for the vegetarians!) and dessert in her beautiful flat.  At dinner I was able to meet and mingle with about 15 complete strangers, exchanging numbers, drinking and even a little dancing to complete the night.  The concept of this “secret restaurant” is brilliant- it’s a perfect way to meet new people and enjoy a night of socializing while maintaining the comfort and intimacy of dining at home.  Some nights she has live entertainment featuring local singer-songwriters, and other nights she’s busy being booked for private parties and events.  We’re working on getting Shelley and her magnificent hosting skills to NY and NJ in a few weeks… you don’t know how lucky you are!

Sunday was recovery and work mode… aside from wandering and meeting up with some great people and business contacts here I’ve spent a great deal of time in cafes mapping, planning, e-mailing and writing in prep for the upcoming weeks of travel.  Wednesday I head out to Frankfurt, Germany, making my way through Stuttgart, Zurich, Munich, Amsterdam, Haarlem, and Paris before coming home to England and getting settled.  

Another note: the Tube system here is great. Easy to navigate, not overly crowded and extremely clean.  Not one person gave me a dirty look as I made my way on and off with my 90 pounds of luggage…  Not even when I rolled over their feet.  London definitely wins in the public transportation department!

Today is a warm and windy fall day, and I’m taking some time to explore the West End before heading back to Flat #3 in Camden.  Missing you all in New York, but excited to share everything I’m experiencing along the way.

Love. XOXO

1. Go to Red Mango and get Pumpkin Spice yogurt with dark chocolate chips and graham crackers. Yum.

2. Eat pizza. More yum.

3. Learn German, French, and Dutch. Not so much yum.

4. Buy back ups for back ups of back ups of all my electronic equipment.

5. Buy extra fast sneakers to run after any potential thieves who may try to steal from me (they will NOT get away with it this time).

6. Say goodbye to my fall wardrobe, and hug each pair of boots, one at a time.

7. Eat more pizza and Red Mango. (aka feed my inner fat girl)

8. Learn how to drive on the wrong side of the road (I am kind of an expert at that already).

9. Find a coat that can be worn in three of the four seasons, since I was just informed the weather is summer-like in London, with snow in the near forecast.

10. And the thing I’m least looking forward to doing… Pack. 

One week!