BritGalInTheCity

Bookshops - don't you just love 'em!

I could spend hours in them (and frequently have done). Its about as dangerous for me as Prada is to Carrie Bradshaw! Have just spent god knows how long in Borders in Santana Row, San Jose. Disturbingly, on the 3 for 2 non-fiction counter I'd actually read 5 (yes count them - 5!) books. That never happens - is the USA behind England? Will have to investigate further back in NY next week methinks....

Actually went in to buy this month's Conde Naste Traveller - there's a whole section on Baha - v interesting, but more interesting is the feature on Brooklyn! All v favourable - can't wait to get back to New York and try out some of the areas - can't believe I haven't even been to prospect park yet! Note to self - try and spend less time in Manhattan and get out more (especially with Boy living in Williamsburg!)

Was in Los Angeles last week and then spent the weekend driving from there to San Jose. Took in Santa Barbara, Cambria, Morro Bay, Santa Cruz and Hearst castle on the way. The latter being an amazing place - really beautiful and a very moving story of its origins. Kind of went into a daydream by the Greek styled pool about having my wedding there. How cool would that be? We could all swim afterwards (me in the most fancy white swimming costume you can imagine, of course) and eat grapes and swan about like the movie stars who used to frequent it - it even has its own cinema for evenings in!. Was a great weekend (despite being with the boss and his wife all the way!). Am now in San Jose till wed and then San Francisco till fri when I go back to New York (can't wait to see my boy - have missed him! :-)

Currently have an amazing room at the Valencia at Santana Row - is Japanese in style and has lots of dark wood in the room and a chocolate fur throw thing on the bed. Tried the outdoor pool and really warm jacuzzi - was like a bath - it was great!

posted by NewbieMum @ 9:30 PM 0 comments

The weekend - in London style dahling

Had The Boy over in London! Was great. Dragged him around a bit too much though - we walked for miles (jetlag? pah!). Was legitimised as total London-gal when randomly walking through Covent Garden and my name is called out! Turns out G works nearby and was having after work drinks. Would have been rude not to show the boy how drinking (and smoking inside buildings!) works in London :-)

Think he was just pleased to rest his legs (and work on his arm muscles instead ;-)

posted by NewbieMum @ 6:24 PM 0 comments

Ug

So....have been back in the UK less than 24 hours and already I've got hayfever (allergies to you US peeps). Had forgotten how awful this time of year can be sometimes (and expensive with all the drugs needed to keep it at bay!)

Having said that though I've spent the afternoon going through my (mountains of) post on the balcony in the sunshine! Nearly got burnt it was so hot. Just what I needed to re-bond with London again

Actually speaking of which I was nearly bowled over on my way home from Heathrow last night when someone actually initiated a conversation with me on the tube! That never happens in London unless its the last train home and everyone is pissed! Turns out there was another explanation for this guy - he was Australian! Still we had a very nice conversation all the way to his stop and made me feel like maybe there's hope for a more friendly, less stiff London yet (even if it has to start with the behaviour of foreigners first!)

posted by NewbieMum @ 4:49 PM 0 comments