11/52

“If you’re curious, London’s an amazing place.” ― David Bailey

Once in a while I have an uneventful week. As much as I try to avoid this, I can’t. The grey skies make my head spin and my bed becomes the comfiest thing in existence. But this isn’t a complaint; cloudy days are my favourite for photography. I despise shadows unless they’re being used for artistic reasons.

The beginning of the week was rather beautiful, the sun was out in full force and you could walk around in short sleeves. I wandered through St. James park where I fell in love with a black swan that I wish I could have kept.

I was excited to attend the Insurgent world premiere only to find it a bit of a let down. The only guests in attendance were Veronica Roth, Shailene Woodley and Theo James whom I have previously met in Toronto. For a world premiere, not simply the UK premiere it was a shame that no one else felt the need to show up. This was the first time I wish I hadn’t waited in line all day just to be given a shitty spot around the red carpet.

All things aside, iced milk tea is delicious.

Love Always,
xo Melissa

10/52

“When a (wo)man is tired of London, (s)he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.” ― Samuel Johnson

Happy International Women’s Day! (Just imagine I posted this on Sunday like I should’ve)

This past week has been one of the most fun-filled since arriving in London. I came across a little piece of home in the heart of the city at Maple Leaf bar, drank a flat white from the famous Monmouth Coffee Company and found myself Slytherin off to Hogwarts at Platform 9 3/4.

It started with exploring Covent Gardens at BB Bakery and having the best afternoon tea experience I have had thus far. Everything from the little British sandwiches, to the decor was phenomenal. Tea has easily become my favourite delicacy since moving here. If it didn’t cost money I would be at a new salon each day until I’ve tried them all.

As Spring begins I have begun to see flowers blooming and birds chirping. This week I took a stroll through Hyde Park where I can’t wait to sit and read once it gets even nicer outside. The weather has been absolutely beautiful lately. I’d say I’m so glad winter’s over but I really have nothing to complain about compared to my friends and family back home.

For weeks I had been told that I had to have breakfast at Cereal Killer Cafe in Shoreditch where they have a wide selection of cereals (well, obviously). I decided to indulge myself with one of their cocktails, The Lion King which consisted of Lion, Coco Caramel Shreddies, Mars Mix and Caramel Milk. I have a slight Disney obsession so the choice was a no brainer. It was DELICIOUS! Don’t even get me started. If you come to London you must go, but give yourself some time because there will definitely be a line out the door that can easily take 30+ minutes.

This past weekend Cahoots, a 1940s-themed bar opened in Soho and I, along with a friend, went Saturday night. The disused Kingly Court underground station fills your ears with wonderful jazz and swing music. It’s a wonderful atmosphere and its workers stick to a character.

Love Always,
xo Melissa

9/52

“I think it’s cool that London Fashion Week is about young designers trying wacky things.” ― Alexa Chung

Originally this was going to be combined with 10/52 (this week’s blog post) because of its small quantity but I enjoy the look of the separate posts much more.

I’m aware that everyone likes to make jokes about how I don’t seem to have class… ever, but this entire week consisted of me writing an essay on how the time-space distanciation is a key feature of late modernity. Sounds exciting, right?

Tuesday my professor took us to see the work of Guy Bourdin: Image Maker at the Somerset House. Bourdin, an amazing and influential fashion photographer has created hundreds of gorgeous pieces. His images are compelling and do so without exoticism.

Once I was finally finished, I had the opportunity to experience the beauty and brilliance of London Fashion Week. I attended a catwalk show which featured four different trends including Hyper Florals, Shimmer & Shine, Make It Monochrome and That Seventies Show. Everything I’ve previously learned about catwalks has come from watching the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show on television; seeing one in person was thrilling (although these models weren’t having as much fun as the angels do).

I, along with 3 other girls, have planned an 11 day trip through Dublin, Barcelona, Venice and Florence at the beginning of April. We’ve already begun discussing what we’ll be doing each day of our travels and I am so so so so so excited for this! I’m not going to give anything away as there will be a post all about it when the time finally comes. But until then…

Love Always,
xo Melissa

8/52

“In spite of everything, I still believe people are really good at heart.” ― Anne Frank

Travelling to Amsterdam was more than just a cultural experience, it was a reminder of our past.

Walking through the Anne Frank Huis is incredibly moving, thought-provoking and most of all, overwhelming. Although it’s only the remnants of an event in time, the pain lays fresh. No one wants to think something like the Holocaust could happen again but it could. That is the reality we live in; the unknown.

When I was younger, probably around the fifth grade, I read The Diary of a Young Girl. This was followed by a sea of other stories including Gabi’s Dresser and Hanna’s Suitcase―but what about all of the others? Six million Jews (and five million non-Jews) were murdered by Hitler, yet not all of their stories are being told. The Diary of Anne Frank is just one story out of millions that should never be forgotten. For those unaware, Anne’s diary was written while she and 7 others hid in ‘The Secret Annex’ during the Nazi occupation in the Netherlands. After an anonymous tip was given to the German police, officers stormed the building arresting all of its occupants. Unfortunately Anne never made it back home; she died of typhus in Bergen-Belsen, a concentration camp, a few weeks before it was liberated. Her father, Otto Frank, the only one of the group who survived, had her diary published in 1947. For a more in-depth telling, please go here.

There are so many words that have consumed my mind, if only they could find a way to my fingers.

We also took time to visit Hollandsche Schouwburg, the National Holocaust Memorial and Joods Historisch Museum, the Jewish Historical Museum.

Aside from the more serious aspects of the trip, there were many moments full of free spirit. I had my first experience of a coffee shop in the Netherlands. And yes, I’m still giggling about it…

All our food experiences were to die for; I have absolutely no complaints. Amsterdam vlaamse frites are available from little take-away stores all around the city and are so good. They are french fries served in paper cones, covered in the condiments of your choice. I chose special ketchup which was a mix of ketchup and mayonnaise. We were also told that about the world famous pancakes from The Pancake Bakery. Now I generally don’t like breakfast-type foods, but it was phenomenal. I ordered the Brazilian, a pancake with walnut ice cream, mocha sauce, Amaretto, almonds and whipped cream. I know you’re dreaming about it right now.

Of course we did some of the basic tourist attractions including a canal cruise and taking pictures with the I amsterdam letters. I do have to admit that we didn’t rent any bikes but I am seriously surprised with how many people truly ride around the city. I mean, I’m too lazy to walk around the block.

I am thankful for the opportunity to travel to such a beautiful location that I had only dreamed of in the past. Every day the sun was shining, leading us on an adventure that will never be forgotten.

Love Always,
xo Melissa

7/52

“She didn’t really know London, only lived in it.” ― Ruth Rendell

Many, many exciting things have happened, especially this week and I love that you’re all here to be a part of this journey alongside me.

Earlier in the week, my friend Sarah and I attended the official launch for Taylor Swift’s wax figure at Madame Tussauds. I had won a contest which allowed us to join 7 other people at this private event. In other words, I am now famous because my picture has been plastered all over the internet. Make sure to check out this video of myself, and others at the unveiling. It’s only on display here in London for two weeks until it moves to its new home in Orlando, Florida. I was secretly hoping that Taylor was going to show up herself, and because the wax figure was so realistic, I kept expecting her to start dancing with us. I was slightly disappointed when she stayed in place. But at least I got to meet the queen and my future royal family.. 😉

Thursday night was the UK premiere of 50 Shades of Grey. I finally got to see Jamie Dornan in the flesh. I’ve been in love with him ever since he appeared on my television screen as I watched Once Upon a Time. I remember my mom telling me “he’s the one playing Christian Grey.” It was at that moment I knew I was going to see the movie, even without reading the trilogy. I know there’s been a lot of negative energy surrounding this film because it romanticizes an abusive relationship but I made a personal choice to see it anyway. Everyone should be allowed to make their own decision on what they want to do. We cannot censor everything in the media, but people do need to be educated if they can’t see how toxic this love affair is. All I know is if you are getting relationship advice from 50 Shades of Grey, the problem is not the book. Honestly, the film was bad all on its own. The only reason to even go in the first place is to see Jamie Dornan’s ass and to hear him say, “because i’m 50 shades of fucked up.” That is basically it. But my friend Matt gave it a 4/5 rating and I’m still slightly curious about that (you can read his review here).

I haven’t had the energy to leave my room, let alone my bed, since the UNBELIEVABLE night I just had. This Valentine’s Day I went to G-A-Y to see both Nick Jonas and Kelly Clarkson perform. We had this planned since the day it was announced and just hoped that we’d have no problem getting inside (apparently they don’t like “fangirls” in their club). I had never seen either one of them in concert before so I was beyond excited when we made it passed security. I got to relive my childhood through the music. I mean, when Nick decided to do a throwback and sang SOS I’m pretty sure I sent out my own SOS signal.. I wish I were kidding.

My first photographic assignment for University was submitted today and I plan to share some actual pictures with you all very soon!

Tomorrow my adventure continues as I jet off to Amsterdam…

Love Always,
xo Melissa

6/52

“By seeing London, I have seen as much of life as the world can show.” ― Samuel Johnson

I am not sure if every human being knows this but at Abbey Road there’s a crossing cam that live streams every day, all day. It’s a way to laugh at tourists from afar as they all walk across the street recreating the famous Beatles photo. I, too, joined in on the fun. And by that I don’t mean sitting on my computer watching others; I strutted across Abbey Road like it was my runway. As I was there all I could think about was the scene from The Parent Trap where Annie and her mom, Elizabeth, walk across the street themselves. In other words, Here Comes the Sun was playing in my head the entire time. I enjoyed doing this a little too much; it was definitely my favourite thing to do in London.

Now I know nothing about Sherlock Holmes (except that I was supposed to read The Hound and the Baskervilles for my Pop Literature class in first year) but I do live near Baker Street Station and the museum dedicated to him. Two friends and I decided to go there after class. Yes, I do actually have class sometimes. Anyway, the place itself was a lot smaller than I imagined. It was interesting but I probably should have watched a movie before going.

One of the things I was looking forward to was seeing all of the graffiti on and around Brick Lane. We had the opportunity to observe some artists putting their work up as we walked around. It was completely fascinating. The Brick Lane Market has an incredible selection of vintage pieces, handmade crafts and fresh food.

This week I also won a contest to go to the launch of Taylor Swift’s new wax figure at Madame Tussauds London, where it will stay for two weeks before flying off to its new home in Orlando.

Now, this may be the saddest thing I’ve done since being here. I jokingly downloaded JSwipe to find some nice Jewish Boys in the area because sometimes my mother likes to remind me that I’m single, even if I’ve chosen to be that way. When you find a match on the app, a little animation pops up of someone being lifted and tossed up on a chair as it reads “Mazel Tov!” I think it’s hilarious. However, there are no prospects. Sorry mom!

Love Always,
Melissa xo

Upcoming (in tomorrow’s blog):
– Taylor Swift’s Wax Figure Launch @ Madame Tussauds
– Saatchi Gallery & Tate Modern [Class/Photography Projects]
– 50 Shades of Grey Premiere & Movie
– Valentine’s Day w/ Nick Jonas & Kelly Clarkson

5/52

“London is on the whole the most possible form of life.” ― Henry James

I am absolutely delighted to announce that I will be travelling to Amsterdam (with Jane) on February 16th. This is my first planned trip outside of London and I am ready for the adventure to begin. I’ve dreamt of being able to step inside the Anne Frank Huis for years and in just over a week I’ll have done just that. If there was one place I needed to go while on exchange, this is it. Nothing is more important to me than my history. Never again.

This week I found myself walking around an unfamiliar city attempting to find Nick Jonas. Around noon, Lex and I made our way over to ITV Studios where Nick was being interviewed on the television show Loose Women (I have no idea why anyone would choose that for their name). Successful in our first endeavour, we decided to test our luck by attempting to find where his private listening party was taking place that evening. Unfortunately, he snuck out the back exit, but a day of star-gazing can never be considered a waste. This is something deeply misunderstood to most. Even if you don’t see or meet who you had hoped, you just got to spend the entire day with your best friends doing something you love.

A favourite past time of mine is being reunited with my friends who are also across the pond. Like Hannah (also from Camp George), who’s been busy travelling but finally made some time to grace me with her presence. Love youuuuuuu!

Although it seems like I’m not attending any University classes since I’ve been here, I swear that I am. In Photographing The City: London we do just that; this week we met up at the Royal Festival Hall. I walked along the river around the London Eye and Big Ben. To anyone who saw the photographs I posted from my stroll you probably wouldn’t have realized that I wasn’t just being a tourist in that moment.

Saturday evening we held our own mini ‘girls night’ at Walkabout which you should never, never, never go to unless it’s student night. It was old men (literal grandpas) and us. Definitely not my scene. I don’t like clubs in general but throw in a bunch of creeps and I’m out.

Aside from that, I would also like to take a moment to wish a happy birthday to my mom, who is just everything to me and everything I am and whom I love so much! ❤

Love Always
xo Melissa

Ps. Thank you to Taylor for being my lovely editor 🙂

 

4/52

“As a foreigner in London, I like that there are so many other foreigners.”  – David Sedaris

I am never leaving London. That’s it, i’ve decided.

I love the adventure, the freedom, the ability to experience something for myself.

This past week my good friend Steve (who works for Collider) invited me to join him at the Mortdecai Press Conference. I got to see the unbelievably talented Johnny Depp who, if you didn’t know, “owns a fucking island.” Paul Bettany’s words, not mine. Afterwards, we made our way to a very interesting pub, of which the name slips my mind. Bless the lovely strangers who sat beside (a women from South Africa and two men from Italy) that kept buying us drinks all night long. I could hardly walk in a straight line by the end.

On Wednesday I met up with the lovely Jane, who I haven’t seen since I went up to Camp George last summer for Visitor’s Day. As we walked through Camden Market we discussed the possibility of travelling together in the near future. I am delighted to say that we have our first trip booked but you’ll have to wait until Sunday to find out all the details. Wednesday evening a group of us living in residence decided to make our way to Walkabout, a club for Wicked Student Nights. I think we spent more time in line than inside but it was more then I usually do on a Wednesday.. I’m just thankful that I’ve finally made friends because I have already watched all of Orange is the New Black on Netflix (I know, I have a sickness, you don’t have to tell me).

On Saturday, after 4 years, I finally got to meet my friend Lex whom I previously only knew from Twitter. We had never been in the same place at the same time until now. Together we went on the Warner Brothers Studio Tour to see The Making of Harry Potter, where I got to act like the 10 year old I really am inside. I rode a broomstick through the streets of London until I was told to get off because it was only a green screen. Unfortunately for me I am a muggle. However, I was reunited with one of my loves, butter beer (it tastes better in Florida).

Many exciting things have occurred since that I look forward to writing about on Sunday. Although this post is late it only includes things that occurred in week 4, sorry!

Love Always,
Melissa xo

3/52

“Yes, London. You know, fish, chips, cup o tea, bad food, worse weather, Mary-fucking-Poppins. London!” – Dennis Farina

This past week was the first where I was once again forced to sit in a classroom. I do realize that University is the reason why I’m in England but somehow I never imagined myself in a lecture hall. But it is definitely more pleasant listening to a British accent speak on and on. On top of that my Photographing The City: London professor has already told me that I’m going to “flourish in this module.” We’ll also be going to London Fashion Week. Not too shabby, not too shabby at all.

A highlight of mine, was getting to the Tate Modern where you get a beautiful view of the South Bank from the balcony. Some of my favourite pieces were The Pikes by Annette Messager, Lingotto by Mario Merz and Godret Stone by Seung-Taek Lee.

Aside from that I managed to “sneak” into the Tower of London with an American tour group (please don’t get me deported). Okay, I didn’t really sneak in.. I have the ticket to prove it, I swear!  The most entertaining part was watching the guys hound the guard attempting to make him laugh. We all know how that ended. I just don’t understand how they’re able to keep a straight face. I can hardly keep a straight face when I’m attempting to look badass in a photograph.

Things to be crossed off the list:
– Big Ben
– Borough Market
– Drinking a Flat White Latte

I also could not avoid making my way to M&M’s World at Leicester Square (it was the nickname my dad gave me growing up after all.. miss you). And don’t worry, i’ll clean my room before you come visit. Scouts honour!

This is completely random but a bunch of us study abroad students realized that we’ll be in London when the new baby is born. This means we’ll be getting a National Holiday and will be drinking on the streets outside Buckingham Palace to celebrate the birth of he or she. Probably one of the most exciting things I’ve found out. Now I’m scared to travel elsewhere in April.

Anyway, I feel as though there’s more to say but my brain has turned to mush. If any of you want to know more or have specific questions feel free to holler by leaving a comment below.

Love Always,
xo Melissa

2/52

“I hate London when it’s not raining.”  – Groucho Marx

As you walk around the city the only thing on your mind is at least it’s not snowing. I’d take the rain any day, as I am. It is however, hard to resist looking at the temperature back home and smiling to oneself. In the end there is no place I’d rather be than here.

This week consisted of many things including my favourite thus far, the Tower Bridge (and no it’s not falling down). I figured that being a tourist location people would realize that when I asked for directions to London bridge they would realize what I meant but they didn’t.. And let me tell you, the “real” London Bridge is as exciting as watching grass grow. Do not make the same mistake.

On my way back I decided to stop by Buckingham Palace and was disappointed to see the guards not wearing red jackets, but grey. Of course this is what they wear during wet or cold weather but it wasn’t what I expected. At least i’m here as the seasons change. You can’t come to London without seeing the soldiers in their red uniforms.

The following night the exchange students were invited on a boat cruise where the most exciting part was singing London Bridge (Oh Snap) by Fergie as we made our way through the waters.

I have become obsessed with Orelia since the moment I first stepped into Top Shop. Forgetting my favourite necklaces at home and falling in love with new jewellery does not create the best combination.. oh well!

My newest friend Julia, and I, made our way to Saatchi Gallery to see the Post Pop: East Meets West installation. Right next door is Gallery Mess, a small café where we had afternoon tea which includes a “selection of British sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream, jam, strawberry cream cupcake, chocolate tart and a macaroon with a selection of Tea Palace’s finest..” I’m beginning to feel British already.

After searching online for things to do at night in London I came across the Southbank Centre Winter Festival were we specifically went to see Intrude by Amanda Parer.  Unfortunately it wasn’t as exciting as we thought. The giant, lit, blown-up bunnies seemed squished in the confines of the small building. On the website, the photograph makes it appear like they would be free outdoors.

School begins this week, and although it’s the reason i’m here, I don’t want it to start.

Until next time..

Love Always,
Melissa xo