top ten.

i have returned from my excursion in france, and am back in cuter-than-words-can-describe notting hill with carolynn. i will post later about my adventures in paris, dijon and vimy ridge... but for now i am going to celebrate the great things about londontown and hanging out with carolynn.

1. carolynn is the queen of baking. apparently her roomate sarah is too. so, there are always beautiful aromas coming from the kitchen! lucky me.

2. the local haunt. carolynn loves lattes almost as much as i do! she doesn't have internet at home so we have been frequenting this little cafe down the street from her flat to steal their internet. we also treat ourselves to a latte. mmm. lattes and e-mail in comfy couches. a perfect start to the day!

3. her HUGE bed. anyone who has spent any time with me knows that i am the messiest sleeper ever. carolynn has graciously let me share her bed and it is SO comfortable! i just sink into it at night. thanks for putting up with me caro. hope i haven't been kicking you too much.

4. shopping, shopping, shopping. there is something about the european shopping experience that differs from north america. it is sexy, high fashion and trendy. i love it! too bad i am rock-bottom-poor. i did, however, window shop along kensington high street... and did eventually succomb to buying a little sundress for the weddings i will be attending this summer. now i guess i will have to find the shoes to match!

5. london pubs. carolynn has been working hard during the days, and i have been off exploring the hidden corners of london on my own. today i found myself at blackfriar's pub for lunch, one of the oldest pubs in london. this hilarious italian couple sat next to me, and by the end of lunch i had an invitation to bologna for my whole family! and, i had also been hired as an english teacher for the man. i practically couldn't get away at the end of lunch! the quaint, intimate atmosphere of english pubs always leads to meeting interesting characters. love it.

6. portobello market. this is the market of all markets. friday mornings are bustling with vendors selling cheese, baked goods, clothes, antiques, fish... everything under the sun.

7. the travel bookshop. no, i haven't run into hugh grant. but yes, there really is a travel bookshop in notting hill! and i am in love with it. seriously - a WHOLE shop full of books about travelling. i could have bought the whole store! my list of future destinations keeps getting longer and longer...

8. hidden gardens. in notting hill, there are several secret gardens that are only accessible through the backyards of people that live on that block. they are large, well-kept green spaces with swings, benches, gardens and even abandoned tennis courts! it is unbelievably romantic and very 18th century.

9. london walks. this original walking tour company is suberb! their walks are inexpensive, the perfect length of time, and bring you to little parts of london that you would never find on your own. i love it because they go beyond the surface and give funny anecdotes and weave in historical connections. i highly recommend trying a london walk if you are ever in london.

10. hanging out with care. you never realize how much you miss someone until you see them again! carolynn is truly one of the loveliest people in my life and it has been so great to spend some quality time with her. now we just need to plan a whole 454 house reunion. erin, katie, you free tomorrow?