Midnight Mass

Prince Charles and Lady Diana were married here.

Winston Churchill's funeral was held here.

I became a Christian here?

I went to midnight mass at St. Paul's Cathedral on Christmas Eve. Singing Christmas carols, hugging my neighbors and saying "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" made me feel good!

However, I had an awkward moment with a priest. In all my holiday fervor, I decided to partake in the communion. As I joined the procession, I saw the wafers and wine and realized that I didn't want to tongue kiss thousands of people. So as the priest extended the chalice of wine closer and closer towards me... I backed away and finally made a face to communicate my discomfort. He then recommended that I simply dip my wafer into the germy glass. This was an acceptable compromise for me...  As usual, my smoothness did not go unnoticed. A few people gave me funny looks as though I had rejected god (a bit severe I thought). I felt as though I should go into a naughty corner for a few minutes, but quickly ushered my way out of sight as I left the church.

The experience was utterly magnificent.

10 Gales

Once upon a time a woman found herself extremely pressed for time. 

The woman prepared for Christmas by buying all the fixings for a robust turkey dinner, mailing out holiday cards to loved ones and putting up decorations with flair. A few days before Christmas, she also moved into a new flat, attended a conference with her new employer and tried her best to partake in a few holiday festivities (mulled wine anyone?).

Amidst all the holiday hubbub, how can one shop for seasonal styles, get a hair cut, grab a hot bevy or seek cultural enlightenment???

With a stroke of multitasking genius, the woman went to 10 Gales, a vintage store/coffee bar/hair salon/art gallery. Before long, she was off and on with her day as she emerged from 10 Gales with a newly designed coiff, a simmering coco, a pre-loved necklace and a nod to the 10 Gales curator.

Rejoice, O modern woman, in thy time-sensitive glory!

The Miserable Ones

My primal self did not want to see Les Misérables. My artistic self even feared that this production would be a chore to watch. After all, it was about the French Revolution and based on Victor Hugo's 1862 French novel... Yawn. However, I felt that I should go despite my hesitations. So here's what happened:


Enter Shaftsbury Theatre.
Dim the lights.
Draw the curtain.
Enter France 1815...

I DREAMED A DREAM (song from Les Mis)
There was a time when men were kind
When their voices were soft
And their words inviting
There was a time when love was blind
And the world was a song
And the song was exciting
There was a time
Then it all went wrong

My heart softened while watching this journey of redemption. It's clear to see that if only we weren't seeking greatness, we are all capable of such greatness. For anyone who has wanted to reach just a little further, let this story find its way to you.

You're Not Stuck In Traffic, You Are Traffic

What a great billboard, right? Although, perhaps not the first thing you want to see while you're gridlocked in the city.

Here's another great display of English signage...

Gags to Gala

In preparation for my office Christmas party, I was mandated to find (1) a funny secret-Santa gift and (2) a fancy frock (they take their office parties very seriously in London). However, I don't leave the office until 5:30pm and since most shops close during the weekday at 6pm or 7pm... I soon found myself in a single shop tasked with finding both gag gift and party dress. Most stores that boast both of these items tend to be less than tasteful, but I lucked out because I was in a shop called, "JOY". 

The store lauds itself as a delightful collection of unique women’s and men’s clothing and accessories, plus an eclectic mix of fun and quirky gifts.

I walked out with a dress, a mug that read "Office Bitch" on the base and was never once mistaken for a lady of the night. Now that's classy!

Crackin' Ribs

This weekend I went to the Victoria and Albert Art Museum. Not only was the collection expansive, but it was incredibly interactive. The structure was such that each exhibit was followed by a reflection lounge. In this space, visitors can learn more about specific artists, artistic styles and historical references and even touch replicas of period costumes and jewels. There are also drawing rooms setup for inspired visitors to sketch or leave notes to communicate their gallery experience. 

I personally took a liking to the corset & crinoline.

Did You Just Say Tampon?

Raunchiest pick-up line I've heard to date: I'd love to be a tampon and just sit inside of you.

Stones

In London, it's common to measure ones weight in stones. Here's the conversion:

1 STONE = 14 POUNDS

Now, I weigh 8 stones. And as far as I can see, this is a great practice to adopt over the holidays because weight in pounds is a bit too exact. With stones, I can overindulge. This system allows for so much variation within each weight class, I could eat my way through the holidays without ever gaining a stone!

Did I mention that much of the UK is overweight?

Nibbling on my toe?

A big craze in London for the moment is the Garra Rufa pedicure. Like with most pedicures, your foot is massaged, cleaned and exfoliated. However, the task is not completed by a little Korean woman, but rather a type of fish that feeds on dead skin - Garra Rufa.

Born and bred in the scummy underbelly of Turkish spas, this practice is banned in many parts of the world including most of Canada.

Submerging your feet into a pool of slithering fish anxiously awaiting the feast that is your flesh - that gives me the heebie-jeebie's!