Rino and Beth's UK Adventure: 02/01/2007

Wednesday, February 28, 2007

After getting off the tube at Embankment this morning, instead of walking left (as I do every morning to go to my office), I went right and was caught by the sun coming out through the clouds... It was a great moment that made me remember where I was. One of my friends had told me that every now and then, you get really busy... and you should take some time, to "stop and smell the roses." Well, I did not smell any roses... but took a nice shot with my camera phone.

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

I can now say I played golf in the UK - twice last week, I played. Once at a work function - It was called Urban Golf (i.e. video golf) http://www.urbangolf.co.uk/

And then on Sunday, I went with a buddy to a real course (well, 9 hole par 3 real). http://www.clgc.co.uk/main/index.php?content=home_page
Despite the muddy greens, we had a good time.

Word of the day:

"Nicked"

To steal - Someone nicked my stapler (I just heard someone say that)

Saturday, February 24, 2007

Tonight we're off to the opera: La Boheme
http://www.eno.org/whats-on/whats-on.php?id=117

Word of the day:

"Maths"

It's the same as math, except people say, "He does not know his maths."
Strange

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

If you celebrate Ash Wednesday in the UK, this is what you hear... all day:

"Hey mate, you've got rubbish on ya fooohh-heiid"

Sunday, February 18, 2007

Dinner party

We hosted a dinner party on Saturday night... in honor of Brad and Jill who are moving to NYC. There were 10 of us in total. Hard to believe, but our micro sized refrigerator and stove were able to feed all of us.

Today we went to Trafalgar and Leceister Squares to see the Chinese New Year celebrations. There were definitely more people than dragons - But Happy Year of the Boar!

All of us well stuffed

Chinese lanterns in front of Mr. Ben

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Happy Valentine's Day! Spread the love...

Monday, February 12, 2007

Lisboa

Another city checked off the list. This past weekend we went with our friends, Brad and Jill to Lisbon, Portugal. Our hotel was well situated in the center of the city - close to everything. Great spot Jill, who again, planned the bulk of the trip.

The things we'll remember about Lisbon are:
- Port wine... we've been missing out
- Pastries - EVERYWHERE - People pack into bakeries and eat them standing up... Hey, Amsterdam has what it's known for in its cafes... Lisbon has pastries
- Trolly/trams
- Snow in the UK - 60 degrees in Lisbon
- Fresh fish - Even I tried some
- A Ginjinha - A sour cherry brandy that Brad and I sampled

Lower part of the Baixa near the sea

Trolleys

The main road in the center of the Baixa area - this was built after an earthquake in 1755

Windy! Standing on an overlook of the city - Golden Gate's sister in the distance

Bap

The "pastry" culture - People jammed inside to eat something flaky

Sintra- town about one hour away from Lisbon

Woof

Not far from the most Western part of Europe

We'll never tell you where we had these

About the enjoy some Ginjinha

Sunday, February 04, 2007

London weekend

We went to a "dinner party" at the HUGE flat of our American friends, Andrew and Kelly this past Friday night. Note for us... if we ever host a dinner party, NO RED WINE!!! It stains!

On Saturday I went with some of the "blokes" from the office to a Football match. We started the day at a proper English pub at mid-day (that's noon) for some English Breakfast and pints. We then saw Fulham vs. Newcastle United. This was my third Fulham game... and this time, they won! (2-1) http://www.fulhamfc.com

Last night we met Ted and Geo, who just landed in London yesterday morning. http://www.tedandgeo.blogspot.com/ Welcome!

Today we took a walk along the river... we had thoughts of walking all the way to Westminster but the cold wind got the best of us.