Portraits of Sherlock and Indian Food

On Friday I had all three of those experiences mentioned in my title.

First:

The Sherlock Holmes Museum

The third floor of the museum features fake people portrayed as famous characters from Sherlock stories. Someone thought that was a good idea, and so they went for it.

Watson's like whaa?

Moriarty is up to no good I think.

Oh look real person.

With our photo ops complete, souvenirs purchased, and me getting my Sherlock fix, we moved on to our next stop of the day.

The National Portrait Gallery 

The Queen in her majestic desert of emptiness

I thought the portrait gallery was a great collection. I was confused and I thought Princess Kate and everyone's portrait was going to be there but I checked all over the contemporary section, so maybe next time. I did find Jane Austen's itty bitty portrait.

Next we went to a stationary store and ended up trying Humingbird Bakery that was nearby on our way to an Indian restaurant out in the middle of nowhere (Vauxhall) called Hot Stuff. I had the best tikka masala. (It was my first tikka masala so what it was really good).

I'm of little words tonight but I thought I'd share some photos from this weekend in an attempt to blog a lot if not everyday before I leave in 12 DAYS.

-M

Tea Time

On Tuesday this week I finally was able to go for a proper tea. 

Now check out this property:

Hey Kensington Palace!
We tried going to the Orangery but it was all closed off in preparation for Will & Kate's big housewarming party that night.
So we headed for a place that I had read about in the newspaper on the tube Soho's Secret Tea Room.
It was so lovely! It was perfect for us. It's above a pub, and to get to it to you into the pub and follow them behind the counter and up a flight of stairs to the tea room. We ordered afternoon tea and enjoyed chamomile, peppermint, and rose tea and two stacks of scones, cakes, cupcakes and sandwiches. I was so full and it was all so delightful.

Our little tea steeping timer

It was right after this photo that I realized I had a saucer.

Tuesday night I got to meet up with my dear high school friend Ella who just moved to London last month! She is in a new musical improv group called Excursions and completely and totally rocks it. I went to her show and experienced the true Camden pub life. I'm so proud of her, she really is one of the coolest people (persons?) I know.

 Flashback!

Today was also great. Camden Market with Drew (and Ella), Bananaman, and my very first pair of Doc Martens.

Love you London!

Last Week

Blog, I know I've neglected you.
But to make it up to you, I have some good stories.
London does not cease to disappoint! How can one place have so much to do, so much to see, so much to eat, all of the day?
This week was so jam packed, at one point I had to pack a peanut butter and jam sandwich because I had no time to eat dinner.
Here are some highlights.

First, here are two familiar sites when I leave my flat each day.

Kilburn Park Tube station and this gorgeous Gothic-Revival church on the corner.

Last week won so far for Best Entertainment Week. 

Monday night, I went ice skating outside the science museum with my friends and for Thai food at Thai Break afterwards.

Wednesday night I scored a half price, 5th row seat to Matilda. This show is so brilliant in every way. I also managed to sit by and talk to a professional actor who is currently in Showstoppers- an improv musical. 

Jane and I

 It just so happens that we were planning on going to it anyways. We loved it so much we are going back tomorrow!

Last week was also jam packed with school stuff. We made it to the Tate Britain which I ended up adoring. I was able to see many of the paintings and sculptures that we studied in class which is an experience like no other. 

A renovation was just complete and this magnificent staircase has reopened after almost 100 years of being closed off to the public. 

My friend Morgan stopped in London for a few days on her way home from study abroad in Paris. WE managed to pack a lot into her weekend here! Not pictured is our fish and chips at a swanky pub near Green Park station and the Ritz, King's Cross station, and our time being in the audience for a taping of Nick Grimshaw's show Sweat the Small Stuff on BBC Three.

Saturday we made it to Speedy's Cafe, where they film/filmed Sherlock:

 Portobello Market:

Thanks to Morgs for these pics xo

 Morgan's Dr. Who 50th Anniversary experience:

and my very first English Premier League football game:

Andi, Marinda, Susannah, Me, and Drew

 Last week was a good one I'd say! One of the best. Now I'm on Thanksgiving break this week and I'm not quite sure what to do with all of this free time. Today I managed to shop for a little bit, miss all of the matinees, visit Hatchard's bookstore, eat food, and do a microscopic amount of homework.

Tomorrow I'm having Thanksgiving dinner with my friends who are still in London this week and not travelling around and my professor and her family. I might be able to squeeze in a movie before the Showstoppers show tomorrow night.

London is busy, London is fine. London is blah blah blah no more rhymes I love it.

-MM