(Found this in my drafts from 3 weeks ago, so I'm just publishing it as-is)
It's hard to believe how new and unfamiliar London felt two weeks ago. I'll never forget the relief of Courtney and Tom meeting me at the tube station after a rough flight/stressful trip into the city. As we walked to our flats the streets felt so new and impressive and intimidating—it's interesting and kind of sad that we get used to things so quickly and allow them to become mundane.
It's hard to believe how new and unfamiliar London felt two weeks ago. I'll never forget the relief of Courtney and Tom meeting me at the tube station after a rough flight/stressful trip into the city. As we walked to our flats the streets felt so new and impressive and intimidating—it's interesting and kind of sad that we get used to things so quickly and allow them to become mundane.
regretting not bringing a hoodie to europe
glad that I raved about that cheese pastry the other day because the chef came out and gave me the recipetrying to not be this sick so I can go to the cliffs of Dover tomorrow!
in awe of romeo+juliet and the frankenstein ballet we saw this week
sad that last week tonight isn't available in the UK—it's his HOMELAND for crying out loud
still trying to decide if digestives are even good
still waking up at 4AM every night
still so happy to be here!
LEADING LADIES: a new series I feel like writing about ladies I love, whether they are in front of or behind the camera
I've been feeling kind of under the weather this week so I took some R&R time for myself and watched a few movies, some new (to me), some old (favorites), all wonderful.
I like to think it's no secret to the people who really know me that I have a soft spot in my heart for 1990s legal thrillers. The Pelican Brief is easily my favorite of all the glorious John Grisham adaptations of the 90s. What a time to be alive! Watching it always feels like curling up by the fire with a cup of tea and a cozy blanket and my favorite book. Darby Shaw is easily one of my favorite (and personally I think underrated) of Jules' performances over the years. It still holds up every time I watch it. She and Denzel make the perfect tag team.
A new-to-me film I finally had the chance to watch was The Whistleblower. It's been on my list for a while and I was so blown away by Rachel Weisz's powerhouse performance. She is incredible. That's all I have to say because Rachel says it all.
Image Sources: Darby Shaw in The Pelican Brief, Rachel Weisz in The Whistleblower
Yashica-Mat 124g
Portra 400
British Museum
London, England
April 2016
—Lemony Snicket
I came across the following quote yesterday and it's so beautiful and complete that I feel I have nothing to add to it.
—Vincent Van Gogh
I wish that I had written down the name of the artist who did these charcoal sketches at the British Museum. I might just have to go back to find out.
I'm putting this image I made with that quote because to me they feel related. I don't know how to explain it, I just feel it, so I'm doing it.
British Museum
London, England
April 2016
I love London.
We've been here a little over a week and I still can't believe it!
It's so different than New York or Philadelphia and there are certain things that I will miss so much when I leave in June. I'll miss how quiet it is. I'll never forget riding the tube all the way from Heathrow during morning rush hour. The car was packed but you could hear a pin drop. Way to go, UK! Everyone calls me "love" and it's my favorite thing. "Excuse me, love" "of course, love" "thank you, love". The school uniforms with Madeline hats will never not be wonderful. Secretly listening to the Hamilton soundtrack on the tube will never not be funny.
It's amazing to be in a place with such a long history—walking by the V&A every day and seeing damage from the blitz is sobering and lends perspective. The quiet nature of this city lends itself to observation and people-watching is especially interesting to me. I've brought my Yashica-Mat 124g and photographing people is my favorite part so far.
I think the best moment of this trip so far was sitting next to a man on the tube as he rocked and shhh'ed his brand new baby. It was so sweet to see and I was sad when they got off.
I'm never coming home!
xx
lauren
Yashica 124g
Portra 400
South Kensington
