2 July (Monday): MOVING DAY!
R and I were overcome with "pure and genuine happiness" when saying goodbye to our old neighborhood in Bayswater. So long fried chicken den of hell, so long smells of nail polish from Nails USA manicure salon, so long to the throngs of people loitering on our block's stoop. Adios, au revoir, arrividerci!!!
We had a few mild encounters with British inefficiency at the K & C Parking Shop for our new resident parking permit. But, we arrived in one shape to the new 'hood.
Our new location in Chelsea is perfect. We are right along the Embankment and have views of Battersea Park and its golden Peace Pagoda. Our street was once home to Oscar Wilde and Sir Haden-Guest (physician). London's oldest botanical garden, the Physic Gardens, is right down the street.
But, the cherry on top is our recent discovery that Gordon Ramsay's namesake restaurant is literally down the block from us on Royal Hospital Road. This is the only restaurant in the U.K. with 3 Michelin stars and it's our local! We honestly feel as if we've hit the real estate jackpot. I cannot wait to try the tasting menu.3 July: Hospital Day
Unfortunately, when you move heavy boxes over a prolonged period of time, rusty sets of pipes might get a little bent out of shape and alas, we had our first trip to the Emergency Room since being on this island. We were pleasantly surprised at the speed with which the staff at the Fulham Road hospital attended to R's complaints of muscular pains in his chest and back. After about 1.5 hours (they were very thorough), they sent him off with some pain killers and doctor's orders of no lifting or smoking for a while.
4 July (Wednesday): Happy Fourth of July
An ex-pat colleague of mine invited me over to her house and I just couldn't resist. I brought an assorted variety of delicious English ales and American beers that R and I have been getting delivered through our membership with the Beer Club of Britain. There are far worse things than having beer delivered to your door, so I thought I would spread the beer love with everyone for our celebration. I met my friend's boyfriend at their house in Battersea (just across the bridge from us now!) and we went to ASDA. Come to find out, ASDA is owned by Wal-Mart (yuck), but that also means it has dirt cheap prices (yay) which is good when you are buying bulk to serve an army of hungry Americans.
We returned home and starting preparing bbq chicken and veg kebabs, hamburgers, and hot dogs. Thanks to a generous donation from a neighbor, we were able to trade in our pathetic one time grill for a proper gas grill. On the menu was lots of red wine, beer, strawberry shortcake (with some of the most beautiful strawberries I have seen) and yummy chips and Whole Foods guacamole.
To top of my dose of American patriotism, earlier in the day, I ventured to Patridge's on the King's Road and discovered their American section complete with Aunt Jemima mix, cake mix, and Pepperidge Farm Goldfish crackers!!!! I bought two packages (1 cheddar, 1 original) and 3 bowls of my favorite instant Korean ramen soup--score!
The night did not quite end standing starry eyed underneath a sky of fireworks, but for this group of Americans in London, we were happy to be together for our Independence Day.
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