Americans in London

Well, as they say, when it rains it pours. Although here, generally speaking, it was a beautiful June, save for the flash downpour here and there. Good thing, too, because June was a busy month for us in terms of hanging out with American friends and family (which describes most of our friends and family, however we unfortunately don't do a lot of hanging out with most of them these days...

My friend Jocelin from Unilever and her boyfriend John moved here at the end of last year, and they live about 3 blocks from us. It's been great having them to share stories regarding what's great and what's just plain ridiculous about living here. What's more, they have a garden (read: backyard); a fine place to hang out and enjoy some sunny afternoons and evenings! So, when we need an American fix (or, really, some friends to hang out with) we give these guys a call. It goes both ways, too, but this being summer (or so they tell me), their place is more conducive to summer activities, like grilling and drinking Pimm's!

Jason grilling

Jocelin making Pimm's

So, lucky for John & Jocelin, we haven't had to rely on them entirely for Yankee accents these past few weeks. First, Jason's Dad and Kathi paid us a brief 5-day visit, during which we again took advantage of visitors to become tourists ourselves. We visited Westminster Abbey (whose chapels read like a soap opera of royalty), Greenwich (and the prime meridian! how cool!) and Shakespeare's Globe Theater for an evening performance of As You Like It, which even from the balcony on the side was very enjoyable! So, that makes 2 parental visits from abroad in 2 months - phew!

Jason & Doug enjoying a picnic in Greenwich Park

Then about 5 days later, our friend Jill showed up on our doorstep early Sunday morning. Fortunately this was planned. Jill was passing through on her way to a week in St. Petersburg with another friend, and spent Sunday with us. She was a real trooper pushing through the jetlag, and so we spent the afternoon in town - first going to a Spanish wine & tapas event (Tapas Fantasticas!) and then checking out Spitalfields market and walking to the Thames before heading back to give Jill the Asda (i.e. Wal-Mart UK) experience and making some really tasty quesadillas + guac for dinner.

Jess & Jill enjoying Rioja at Tapas Fantasticas

Jason strikes a pose at Spitalfields much to the shopkeeper's chagrin

And last but not least, last Friday Jason & his mom took off for Bordeaux, but I stuck around til Saturday to visit with Jill who was passing through again, and Stern friends Monica & Hayle. Hayle had been working at Wimbledon, which is about 10 minutes from where I live. To close the loop, John & Jocelin joined for pre-dinner wine & cheese (bubbly Pinot Noir -- Hal have you ever had this!?) at my place, and then the other 4 of us went out for an authentic English evening of Indian food followed by Pimm's.

The gang's all here! Jocelin, John, Jill & Monica, chez Willey

Hayle & Jill starring in their very own Pimm's promotion

Who can be homesick when home comes to you!?

(Don't forget to check out the 2 new albums featuring our visitors! Links at right!)