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Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Back in the good ole' US of A

And I'm back. Wow, did that semester fly by or what? As everyone said it would, April 26th came before I even had time to blink and now I'm back in America and already missing London. As most will agree, my time abroad was filled with some of the best, most memorable moments of my life so far and on top of that London could have not been a more perfect place to study. Every day I would wake up unaware of what I would learn and explore. London was full with infinite possibilities and adventure. The culture, weather, food, and people were like non other and I could not be any more fortunate to have been able to study there. I am so thankful that I will have these memories that will last a lifetime. For now though, here's to an amazing summer back in New England!

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

London Pop-up Culture

If I leave London with one bit of knowledge to share about this utterly incredible city it that pop-ups are rampant and sweeping across every borough from North to South, East to West.
From restaurant pop-ups to fashion, music and art pop-ups this city literally has it all.
I've also learned, after discovering these pop-ups, that most everyone in the states has a narrow-minded stereotype (sorry folks, but it's true) of the kind and quality of food London has to offer.
Let me tell you though, some of the best food I have ever eaten in my life (not including my mother or grandmothers' cooking of course) has come from restaurants and pop-up food locations in London. No lie folks.
Not only do I love restaurant pop-up locations in particular as I consider myself a foodie, but the fashion and arts pop-ups are just as incredible and creative.
Some of my favorite parts about the pop-up scheme is the fact that these locations are clearly well thought out projects.
When I go out to dine for example (and make the decision to spend my hard earned money) I want to genuinely enjoy every bit of my dining experience. I have come to appreciate the pop-up schemes and locations that feature such well thought out out concepts from the food to the decor to every other last detail.
These pop-up locations must work to make the most out of the few months that they have in their London space.
What I also appreciate about the pop-up scheme here in London is how it exhibits the innovative minds that a city like London can cultivate. I have, no doubt about it, been so extremely lucky to have been able to study and discover such an amazing city like London.
London is truly an epicenter for pop-up schemes and I think this will be one of the things that I will miss most about what this city has brought to my life everyday (yes I am guilty of spending way too much time online finding pop-ups). I am constantly exploring more and more pop-ups across London. Here are just a few places that I have come across and have either visited or will be visiting within the next few weeks before my time here in London comes to a close (for now at least, who knows maybe I'll return to London to do some more pop-up exploration).
The Study- A pop-up laboratory for brands and companies to utilize the space for weeks at a time
Flat Iron- A pop-up food spot made permanent after much found success last summer, oh and they only serve flat iron steak... get it?
When Mac Met Cheese- have yet to go here, but no worries, already scheduled in for next week...