UK Living

Well, hello friends and loved ones, I'm currently sitting in an establishment across a busy street and the lovely canal that passes right by. Strange to think it has been nearly two weeks already since I've been on my journey so far, the first having spent in London, and the second, here, in the East Midlands, between the farms and the nearby cities. In London, I visited a few of the "must-sees", experiencing Buckingham Palace, the Camden Market on a week day and during its full fledged weekend. The Camden Market is a lovely place to find interesting things, from jewelry, to old cameras, clothes (some made from hemp), artwork, to name a few, and some old found photographs. I also visited the London Eye and strolled along South Bank, browsing their delicious street food market, while listening to buskers and standing in the wind of the River Thames. I've seen people organizing gambling games along the Waterloo bridge getting busted by a lady with a badge and have done my fair share of people watching. People would stop the traffic to get photographs of themselves while crossing the famous Abbey Road, often dissatisfied with the photo and trying again for at least another dozen times. Oxford and Regent street were filled with two kinds of people, both very obviously different from one another, tourists, and the wealthy. Burberry, one of the stores, among many others sharing its recognition lined the streets. Dare I say how much it cost for an article in Anthropologie? I've also become quite familiar with the tube system by now, as I'd hop on and off throughout the week. Towards the end of my stay, I've had the pleasantry of trying two different kinds of whiskey, which, to my surprise, I really enjoyed. I've also had the lovely company of a ginger cat who would sleep from night until morning by my side, until he'd wake me up with gentle pats on my cheek. After saying goodbye to my friends, I made way to the bus station and onto my next destination I went.

Whilst in my next destination, I've visited the city centre, not another five minutes walking distance. In the local town, I've found an abundance of secondhand stores providing really cheap clothing, and one in particular, selling old cameras, newspapers from the Queen's Coronation, magazines from the war, old typewriters (some of which I considered taking back with me), a slide projector, an old tape recorder and other time-travelling devices. Throughout the week, I've traveled to Nottingham, and have seen Nottingham Castle and the underground man-made caves leading from the castle, which was really interesting to learn that Nottingham is filled with these. The following day, I visited Wollaton Hall, a very beautiful place, and part of the set of the latest Batman film, while I also had the chance to spend a couple of hours deer watching in the surrounding park on a foggy afternoon. I nearly got stranded at the Park, as my cab would not arrive, and slowly people dispersed as nightfall approached. Fortunately, a very kind man and his elderly mum offered to give me a lift to my bus stop. First hitch-ride, check. We have been graced with the warm sunshine for the past couple of days, where I used that opportunity to actually do some exercises around the park and sit meditatively in a grassy field. Recently, I've had the great chance to meet some wonderful people through the friend I'm staying with, meeting all sorts of characters, and witnessing the pub life. I'm just about to iron my clothes for the first time in my life, and start packing as I leave for the next place within the next few days.

Lots of love

E

Summer

I finally finished my three year program in professional photography, so I'll be posting my final semester's portfolio here soon!  For now, I'm working (for most of the summer) in order to prepare for my travels in the Fall.  Keep a close eye for further updates. Also, I recently launched my website in May -- go and have a look! www.emilybeauchamp.com