the vineyard // the castle & thai square // mayfair pizza co // brick lane

You know what guys…I'm not going to lie to you. Last week was pretty shitty. Despite of beautiful weather in London, I was feeling really homesick and just down in the dumps. I think the stress of the last couple of months (both personally and professionally) caught up with me.

Sunday started off great! I went to a pub lunch at the Hollywood Arms near Earl's Court. I had a Pimm's cocktail and a yummy roast chicken. Afterwards, Alex and I went for a walk through South Ken and Chelsea. It was a gorgeous day so everyone in London was out and about. There was a big Rugby game on and every pub was full. But Alex and I managed to get into the Cadogan Arms (on Kings Road) and had a drink there. Then we kept walking down to Duke of York Square and stopped off at Comptoir Libanais. We had a little hummus and some snacks (plus a little rose). We decided we were starving and went to Angel to grab Nando's. I think it's pretty clear I just ate and drank my way through the day.

On Monday I went back to Bootcamp Pilates in Parson's Green with Kirsten. Then I came back home to relax and cook dinner I knew it was going to be a long week ahead at work.

After work on Tuesday I made my way to Highbury and Islington to meet up with Alex at a pub called The Vineyard. We had a glass of £3.65 prosecco (say what!) and then we walked to Ali's flat for our weekly Bachelor night. We ordered Papa John's, pigged out on pizza/Dorito's/crispy M&M's and drank wine. I haven't seen the finale yet - we are saving it for next week - so don't tell me who won! I have been avoiding People.com so I don't find out.

I went on a course with Kirsten Wednesday morning in a neighborhood called Upton Park. It's in far east London and it's home to West Ham stadium. It was a pretty rough area…just run down and dirty but I guess I am spoiled by the beauty of my West Hampstead (where I live) and Chelsea (where I work)! After our morning course, we made our way back to work. It was another gorgeous day and we were lucky to get to join our students for their weekly horse riding lesson. After work, I made my way to New Bond Street and St Christopher's Place. The weather was perfect and I love walking around this area. Adam and I grabbed a bite to eat at Cote Brasserie and a Ben's cookie then I made my way back home to relax for the rest of the night.

Thursday was the best day of the week (weather wise) and after work, Alex came to meet me at school for a walk down the Chelsea Embankment and through Battersea park. Ali and Natalie were at The Castle pub in Angel having drinks on the roof terrace so we went to join them. We had a couple drinks, a few laughs, then we decided we were all starving and Thai food was the only thing that could satisfy us! We went to Thai Square on Upper Street. The food was so good and (even better) it's wasn't expensive. I was exhausted throughout dinner and had train troubles on the way home. It was one of those nights where I couldn't help but want to cry. At this point it had been a really long and exhausting week and I knew that my Friday was going to be crazy busy at work. So I had a pout, got over it and decided that Friday was going to be a good day!

the highlight of my week - my diploma came!

I woke up Friday morning with a positive attitude. I made it through the workday (despite a few bumps here and there) and by 5:00 I was ready to go back to my flat and do nothing. Clearly it had been a very busy week! I made a nice dinner for myself, watched a couple episodes of Game of Thrones, and went to bed. It was just what I needed.

Saturday morning started slow and relaxed. Then I went to New Bond Street to meet Jennifer for a girly lunch. She found a review last week for a restaurant called Mayfair Pizza Co and we were dying to try the Nutella Calzone. It was AMAZING. We went for a stroll to Fortnum and Mason and then through Piccadilly Market.

We hopped on the train and made our way to South West London. I made my way to Chelsea and met with Mel and Catherine at The Phene for a couple drinks.

Ciara joined us and then we all went to Hoxton to an Irish pub called Howl at the Moon. There was the Six Nations Rugby on and the atmosphere in the pub was so great! Everyone there was Irish (with the exception of me, Alex, and James!) and they went absolutely nuts when Ireland won! They were screaming and singing and chest bumping. I loved it!

trying to fit in with the irish crowd

me trying to fit in with the irish crowd!

pulling up a seat at the bar…don't mind if i do

cheap as chips

After we left the pub, Alex, James, Adam and I made our way to Brick Lane for an authentic curry. I hadn't been but it's been on my list of things to do in London since moving here almost two years ago! So it was about time I finally saw what it was all about. Brick Lane is essentially a street with Indian restaurants on both sides. These men stand on the street and do everything they can to get you inside their particular restaurant. We ended up going into the first one (named Sheba) when the guy offered us 25% off and a free round of drinks! We ate tons and it was damn good. Best part was that it only cost £15 a person. 

So like a lot of my weeks since moving here, it was difficult. It definitely had some bumps along the way. But like they always say…you win some and you lose some. In the end, I was a winner just for making it through another week in this incredible city. I couldn't have done it without my friends. 

xx

K