Blasts From the Past

The last few days have been very unexpected...it's funny how when one thing happens, everything seems to follow suit. In every sense of the meaning. I've had some pretty powerful re-connections in the last few days, I'm still starry-eyed.



I haven't seen my grandmother (read, Papa's mom) since my grandfather's funeral in Nairobi nearly 5 years ago. She was in town this last week, unfortunately for another funeral, but I got to spend some time with her which was just unbelievable. At first it was a little awkward, just because so much has changed since I last saw her, but on the second day it was perfect. I went to Hounslow on Wednesday afternoon and had lunch at her sister's house. They have a cook from India living with them and it was soo incredible to have home-cooked food! (I can't wait till Sangeeta Bhua gets back!!) I decided that no matter how uncomfortable it might have been, I was going to spend the night there on Thursday. I mean, it's the least I could do, and I hope it meant a lot to her. It certainly did for me. She lit up when I asked her to make me sugar prontas (can't spell in Hindi) and I was just watching her, thinking, what a grandmotherly thing. So anyway, I slept there last night and then this morning, the cook walked me to the tube station and I went straight to work. Hounslow's really far, for the record. Like, we're talking zone 6.

I've also been wanting to get in touch with Lindsay basically since we graduated, and I finally got the courage to do so. I pinged her a message and gave her my email address, to which she sent me such a nice letter. After this much time, it's hard to remember why we fell out -- I can only remember good things. Well mostly :/

On Wednesday I met up with Jamie Corley and Jono Cohen, also from high school. We went to the LSE student pub and it was a lot of fun. I just wish someone would have taken my phone away from me!

I'm going to Berlin tomorrow which I'm really excited about. I was having second thoughts yesterday because I kind of would love a weekend alone here, but I think that was just part of buyer's remorse or something.

Work was okay today -- was kind of struggling but oh well. Had two articles this week which I'm really proud of. I'm working on another two for next week. I'll be the only intern in next week as it's the mid-term break for the rest of the program. (I went home, remember?) We had Nando's Chicken Friday which was everything I could have hoped for. I also went out with everyone for drinks at a pub near the Westminster Cathedral because the Tech & Gadgets Editor had his last day today. I'm glad I went, I got to talk to a bunch of different people. I'm also going to test drive cars with the Cars Editor...no big deal. Like, amazing ones.

I'm semi-jealous everyone's in STL for Nidhi's baby shower this weekend, but Dad will be here on Monday and I cannot wait for that!!

Also, could people start voting on my poll? Grrreat, thanks.

Ambika xx

I am Scrabulous

I just want everyone to know about perhaps the most amazing scrabulous game EVER. I don't know if I'll be able to finish it because I don't think Ryan wants to be beaten by a girl. The score is currently 281-153. Here are my best words with their points. It's no big deal but his highest word was worth 17. What an amateur. Juuuuust kidding!

Quieter: 48
Bin: 21
Thief: 28
Ghost: 39
Fair: 21

That's all.

London Fashion WeekEND

LFW was amaaazing. Kristin and I went around 1:30 yesterday and were given passes and escorted into the tents outside the Natural History Museum. We first went to the Ana Mika booth -- that's the company who gave me the passes. There was a champagne bar, a Campari bar, a nail salon, a hair salon, two restaurants, and an espresso bar. We started on the first floor in accessories and finished off the second floor about 3+ hours later. I can't decide if it was more interesting to see next season's fashion or people watching, every kind of person imaginable was there. We got asked if we worked there because of our badges which was funny. The prices were pretty amazing, but all the American lines just ended up at the price they would be at home. I got a Little Miss Curious Junk Food t-shirt and THE most precious dress. Get this: Black angora wool. Hand made. Strapless. Full Skirt. Cream buttons down the bust. Cream belt. Tuxedo style fold over at the top. It's by this company called Lowie and since everything is handmade, there are only a few of each piece. There was this hummingbird jewelry I really wanted to buy, I don't even know how to explain it...but then I decided against it. I'm sure trendy stuff like that will filter into Forever 21 etc. at some point.

Steal of the day I didn't take: Grey, sequined chiffon dress by Roberto Cavalli for 99 quid.

Anyway, I have so much stuff to do - I need to have an article ready for Nicole tomorrow...among other things. Hopefully I'll get a chance to post again tonight about this weekend's festivities. Sarah's roommates from home came to visit her FOR JUST A WEEKEND (hint hint to anyone who wants to come visit) and a bunch of us went out last night. I better go before I spoil the good stuff!

xx.ab

I'm running out of lyric titles...

Last week was amazing -- I had so much fun at home. I just can't get over the fact that I spent 12 hours in O'Hare Airport. Kristin picked up my shoes for me last week, from the shoe cobbler, and they are unbelievable. Just like brand new. I don't know how they do it, but I'm regretting not bringing all of my shoes back from St. Louis that need a little rejuvenation. It was nice to be back at work today...although I could use a holiday again. Just kidding...kind of. Today is Kristin's 21st - we went over to Suzi's for drinks and presents, and Kristin went out to dinner (at Signor Sassi's...sigh) with her sister and her friends. Well make it up to her tomorrow night I'm sure.
I got hit on by a waiter at the Indian restaurant across the street. His first sentence? "You must be from Pakistan." Grrrrreat. What a shame as I really liked the food there. Oh well, I'm sure the one on this side of the street is decent as well.
Went to Dover and Canterbury yesterday -- pretty uneventful. Although, I did light a candle and write a prayer at the cathedral in Canterbury, which was actually pretty amazing. I wonder if I'm even allowed to do that...oh well.
I'm working on getting tickets to the London Fashion Week sample sales for Saturday, so hopefully that will go through.
Also, I was approached by Matt, the head honcho at work, about writing for MSN Money once a week, so now I will spend two dadys with the Entertainment Channel and one day each with Life & Style and MSN Money.
I'm getting tired so I think this is it for now.

I'm getting really frustrated that on Safari I can't really upload pictures. Will figure something out this weekend.

ab.

Sleeping to Dream

Too tired to concentrate -- going to get into bed and fall asleep to friends. Will update when I can keep my eyes open.
AB

Sarahfest 08

Since there were 21 candles on Sarah's imaginary birthday cake today, Kristin, Sarah, and I went to celebrate in Brighton. It was incredible! We left this morning around 10:15 and took the train from Victoria into Brighton -- whenever I go to Victoria, which is everyday for work, I always think about Mom because that's how she got to London from boarding school. Anyway, Brighton was so cute and it was absolutely perfect today - no clouds, all sun. Aside from our intellectual conversation, it kind of felt like we were on The Hills or something. We had incredible fish & chips and mussels over a bottle of wine at a restaurant overlooking the ocean. We sat outside and it was so warm in the sun that we even got to take our coats off!! Brighton is apparently the gay capital of the UK, which explains the penis-shaped chocolate bars everywhere. Brighton kind of felt like 20% Santa Monica Pier and 80% Atlantic City. But maybe not, as I've never been to Atlantic City.

Last night we went to Brick Lane. There's only one word to describe Brick Lane: earthy. We had a really great time, all the boys came out for Sarah's birthday which was great because that meant we'd be safe on the tube home. We went to their flat afterwards and then came back here. Want to hear something incredible? Our entire flat for 6 girls is the same size as two of the boys' bedrooms. If not smaller. In their 4 person room, they have 2 CLOSETS. WE HAVE ONE. THEY HAVE TWO BATHROOMS. WE HAVE ONE. THEY HAVE TWO FRIDGES. WE HAVE ONE. THEY HAVE A PATIO. WE HAVE A MOUSE. I got really irked when I noticed that they had extra space in their closet. Once it gets warmer I think I'll send my winter clothes down there. It just doesn't make any sense. I mean, sure, they're in the basement and our whole building has to keep our trash in front of their door until it's trash day...but two bathrooms? And toiletree storage? Ridiculous.

I have an article up. Once you get to that page, click on the arrows on the feature pop-up thing until you get to "The Dairy Debate." That's me. Those directions will only work for a week, I'll post another link later because my internet is sucking right now.

Yesterday I had lunch with Sangeeta Bhua, Sanjit Uncle, and Ambika at the Cipriani, and then Kristin met up with us for tea at George. On the way back to our flat, we ran into the most stupid people ever on the tube, they squeezed 10 people into a space where 3 people would have been uncomfortably, and they kept bashing me and pulling Kristin's hair. It was really weird. I guess it was 5:00 somewhere.

Anyway, I'm so tired...I think I'm going to get some stuff done and then go to sleep. Soon. Oh, we got mousetraps. Marvin's being shy, but I'm sure he'll get curious soon.

ab.

Handprint on my Heart

So I always said that if I went to college in New York or somewhere equally fabulous, I would do culture-ful things on my own. Well, I'm in college, er...uni, in London, so I decided to prove it. I was leaving work today and knew I'd have the night to myself as all my roommates were busy with other stuff, and I thought, I could either sit at home and be mopey, or, I could go see a show. I stopped by the Victoria Apollo on the way back to see if there were any tickets left for Wicked...and I got a front row seat for 25pounds! I am SOOO glad I went, it was UNbelievable. I've never seen a show like it - it was just phenomenal, I'm probably going to be obsessed. And yes, the next book on my list is now Wicked.

The actresses who played Glinda and Elfaba (sp?) were just unbelievable...there was a standing ovation and everything - that didn't even happen at The Sound of Music!

Yesterday I went to Warwick and Stratford-upon-Avon, which I'll write about this weekend.
Ambika.

Passive v. Aggressive

I would go into detail about this title, but then that would be exhibiting passive/aggressive behavior, no? So, all I'll say is that as much as I love awkward situations, I'm not a fan of the one I was in all day.

UPDATE: problem solved.

I just got home from work a bit ago and I'm dreading going to class. Okay, maybe not dreading...but I'd rather be napping.

It's interesting to experience the Superbowl as an outsider. At home it's always such a big deal about where you're going and who you're watching it with, but in all reality, no one really cares here. I wonder if it was televised at a different time, maybe the rest of the world would be interested. I think it ended at something like 3 this morning. I contemplated going to a bar to watch the beginning last night, but then I realized I could just watch all the commercials online and let's face it, that's the best part of the Superbowl. Anyway, mazoltov to the Giants.

Happy Crepe Day

I don't even know where to begin...

Work
Friday was dreadful to get through for some reason - just really tired I think. I did a fashion quiz for the life & style page which was really fun because I came up with all 18 questions, found the pictures, formatted it etc. Here is the link: http://style.uk.msn.com/ If you scroll down, there is a picture of a Union Jack Chanel bag that says "The Big Fashion Quiz" or something. That's all me. It kind of sucks because author names don't go on quizzes. Oh well, I swear I did it. I had a lovely lunch from Nando's, and then I was supposed to go to a pub nearby with everyone from work but had to bolt on the way because my dinner plans got moved up, and then canceled.

Saturday
Yesterday I had lunch at Sangeeta Bhua's house -- to meet the other Ambika Behal. I was hoping we wouldn't get along so then at least I'd feel justified in being bitter about the name thing, but she was incredibly lovely. She's so accomplished and poised. I'm sure I'll be seeing more of her.
Last night I went out with Sarah and Erica, then came home and met up with Kristin at 1 (I know, so not me) and had an amazing time.

Sunday
Kristin and I somehow managed to make it to our crepe date this afternoon...I had to call the other Ambika for directions, but we made it...and it was so worth it. The restaurant was about the size of our flat, and you could see them making the crepes in the pseudo-kitchen. We then went to this amazing cupcake place called Hummingbird. I think they're getting into L.A.'s cupcake thing here. We went to Knightsbridge and stopped in Harvey Nick's, where I accidentally tried on Louboutins, and Harrod's. Thai for dinner with Kristin and Sarah...now I'm ready for bed...