Archive for the ‘London living’ Category

Of Queens and Kings

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010

Today I finally became a British citizen! Went to Camden council to affirm my allegiance to the Queen and pledge my loyalty to the UK. I was presented with my certificate by the Mayor of the Borough of Camden. - I didn’t even know that boroughs had mayors! He was dressed in a fancy, old-fashioned fur-trimmed red cape with heavy gold chains along the front. I could barely suppress a smile, especially since he was slightly podgy, with a crew-cut hairstyle and somewhat hesitant speech - totally at odds with his grandiose costume and fancy title!

I also went to a Kings of Leon concert in Hyde Park. My first ‘real’ concert (my only other experience was with Pink Martini at the Round House) and an open-air one too! (Tick! for another thing on my Thngs-to-do-before-I-die list) I wasn’t really familiar with the songs so couldn’t really be swept up in the moment as much as other fans. Although I still tried to push myself as much to the front of the stage as possible, like a true groupie - and I managed to come as close as 5-6 rows from the stage at one point! Most of the time though, I was people-watching and being alternately amused and aghast by concert-humanity.

To top up an excellent day, my X-pole got delivered today! I had started pole-dancing classes (although I’m still Level 1, and an under-performing student at that!) and had bought a pole to do conditioning and practice the spins at home. I started pole to strengthen my arms for climbing, but it’s funny how it has taken on a life of its own! :)

Snowstorm

Monday, February 2nd, 2009

I feel stalked by bad and dramatic weather conditions! First, Klaus, the worst storm in France since 1999, now the heaviest snow in South-East England for 18 years .

Was on the plane for 4 hours in T5 this morning after an overnight flight from Dubai, and finally made my way back into London at around noon, more than 5 hours after the scheduled arrival time of 6.20am. Worked from home.

Pictures from the BBC (follow the link) and myself (see below)

Snowy street

Snowy street

Snow fall

Snow fall

Snow-covered cars

Snow-covered cars

Snow-covered car

Snow-covered car

Snow-covered car

Snow-covered car

Icicle

Icicle

Available parking spot

Available parking spot

Snow falling on icy street

Snow falling on icy street

Winter wonderland

Winter wonderland

The path home

The path home

Will recount traumatic stories of Dubai another day.