Travel | London Weekend 2014: Getting There

When given the opportunity to visit your best friend in London, you take it.
Whether it's for one month, or one day, you take it.

I've only been to Europe once, and that was to visit my family in the Azores islands off the coast of Portugal. So technically, I've never been to Europe. Ive been begging my parents to take me since I was about eleven. I just loved history and culture, and I was longing to experience it first-hand. More recently, the music scene and fashion culture in London called to me and I felt a strong connection to the city even though I've only seen it through pictures and movie screens.

This semester, my best friend since diapers is studying at the University of Richmond in London. We were texting via Viber (an app) when she said ,"you should come visit". I knew she was only saying it, figuring that I wouldn't or couldn't ever actually come visit. I stared at my phone and thought, maybe this is something I could do. I frantically began searching travel sites to find the cheapest flight, and glanced at the openings on my planner. I was blessed with no Tuesday or Wednesday classes this semester, and I realized that Columbus Day falls on a Monday, leaving a 5 day chunk of time wide open. I managed to find a flight for a fairly reasonable sum (mind you, this trip would potentially be two weeks away).

Can I manage this? Is this actually happening? Am I casually booking a weekend trip to London right now? These were all of the questions running through my head.

Two Fridays later, there I was, standing at my front door suitcase in hand waiting to be picked up for the airport.

I'm no stranger to flying, this wasn't my first rodeo. I grabbed myself a cheeky little PSL from Starbucks (typical), and patiently waited at my gate. The international section of Logan was a whole new world for me, it was so exciting to hear a multitude of different languages being spoken around me. "Flight VS011 to London, Heathrow now boarding"; this was it, it all seemed so real now. As I stepped onto the plane, I wasn't sure exactly what to expect, but it wasn't this. This was the largest plane I've ever been on, there was even a bar onboard; A BAR ONBOARD. Each seat had a personal TV which showed TV series'(Game of Thrones included), FREE movies, albums, and you could even play games. Like, is this heaven?
I was even served meals onboard, which I thought was the best thing ever as I've never gotten a meal (or in this case, three) on a plane before.

I arrived at Heathrow around 9:00 in the morning, I slept 90% of the plane ride, but I was still exhausted. I quickly sped through customs to find my best friend there to pick me up;
in that moment; I couldn't have been happier.

Walking Around Gloucester, MA

In my family, Summer Sundays are meant for local adventures. Whether that entails trying out a new restaurant, or walking around a city we've never visited. Recently I took a trip to Gloucester, MA; a quaint, seaside town known for it's fishing and boating industries (The Perfect Storm, anyone?)

We decided to take a little day trip to have lunch and walk around the beach area. We also couldn't resist stopping in at local record stores, book stores, and for some ice cream!

Of course, I forgot to bring a camera, but I did get some snaps of the water area!

ONE DIRECTION!!! (8/7/14-8/9/14)

As soon as One Direction announced the Where We Are Tour dates last year, I knew I had to make an appearance. I guess I never really knew how much I loved them until I saw them live. And let me tell you; the Thursday night concert was so amazing, it turned into an obsession. I've been to a lot of concerts in my day, and boy bands are no exception (I've seen N*SYNC and the Backstreet Boys countless times). But not even the greats could rival the 1D boys. They put on a SHOW, and I can't remember the last time I've had so much fun at a concert. 

The boys were fantastic, they sounded great, the show was incredible, and they (of course) looked delicious. I loved them so much in fact, that my best friend and I decided to buy floor tickets to the Saturday night show as well! I'm 99.9% sure Liam Payne winked at me *swoon*. No shame in my game. I'm a 20 year old who still has a serious boy band obsession. 

Now let's talk about 5SOS... I hadn't heard too much about them, but sometime in the beginning of the year I heard "She Looks So Perfect" and I fell absolutely in love. Sure they're young, and they still have some growing up to do, but I 100% believe they are going to be huge. They co-write music with All Time Low, a band I loved in middle school (which makes them that much better) AND play all of their own instruments AND all have great voices. I mean...really?! That still exists?! Plus they're also absolutely adorable, which helps. 

Hey Ashton Irwin, I'm available ;)

Happy (Fifth?) of July!

I've been meaning to get a post up for quite a number of days, but this weekend has taken busy to a whole new level. Cookouts, fireworks, family and friends consumed my time and I'm 110% okay with that.

Living in New England has it's ups, and it has it's downs. Weather would most definitely be on the downside of things. You couldn't predict the weather here even if it hit you between the eyes (literally). Unfortunately, everyone's 4th of July plans were cancelled or postponed on Friday due to hurricane Arthur. While I didn't have the most exciting of holidays, I was able to spend some quality family time, which took the edge off of my severe cabin fever.

American Flag Scarf: Charlotte Russe
Dress: Paper Crane
American Flag Bikini: Amazon
Lace Crochet Socks: Urban Outfitters
White Converse High-Tops

Our family friend's annual clamboil had to be postponed until Saturday, which thankfully turned out to be the most beautiful day; around 81 and sunny with NO humidity (rare for this time of year). We had some coney island hotdogs, pulled pork, and some sangria (almost all-American). After a day of full bellies and fun, we went down to Battleship Cove and watched our city's firework display and so concludes our perfect 5th of July.

The Boathouse | Dining

If it's outdoors, it's for me. That's basically my mantra.

If I ever get the option of eating a meal outside, I'll take it. 

Today is my Vavó (grandmother, in Portuguese)'s birthday, and also, my half birthday! We decided to celebrate along with my mother and my great aunt with an amazing lunch at one of my favorite waterfront dining establishments, The Boathouse.

Located in the small town of Tiverton, RI, The Boathouse is home to some of the freshest local seafood in the area.

For starters, we decided on the Lobster Fritters; think a southwestern chipotle style clam-cake. As always, they were incredibly delicious. They were so delicious, in fact, nobody could wait for me to take a picture before delving in (sorry!)

As for our main courses, we all decided on the fish tacos; can you tell we're related?! They were amazing, to say the least. The fish was a light corn-battered cod, so flaky and perfectly cooked. The cod sat atop a mango salsa packed with fresh cilantro and crumbled queso fresco. They were wrapped in tiny flour tortillas and drizzled with fresh avocado. I'm not usually one for side dishes, but the saffron rice customary to the dish was so delicious I couldn't help myself!

And for the most important part of the meal, the dessert, we decided on a grasshopper pie. A fudgy browny topped with a delicate peppermint chip gelato and served with a peppermint creme on the side; needless to say this was the perfect ending to a perfect lunch.

If my photos look less-than-perfect, it could be due to the fact that I broke my Canon point-and-shoot yesterday and all of these photos were taken on my iPhone 5. Mehhhhhhh.

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