Some Firsts 8 Months In

Hello Everyone- Now that we've given you ample time to read Dan and Jim's guest blogs, I thought I'd write a quick note.

I want to thank Dan and Jim for their great posts and kind words. We, too, thoroughly enjoyed their visit and were very lonely after they left.

In addition to everything you read, we managed to experience three "London Firsts" while they were here and I thought I'd share them with you. We did the following things for the first time in London:
Bowling
Dancing
Attempting to place a bet

We went bowling at the Trocadero Mall in Piccadilly- Jim won by a landslide and a good time was had by all- see?



Dancing was a bit of an accident. We thought we were meeting some friends for a birthday party at Soho Bar Saturday night. When we arrived, I was surprised. It was a great little hip-hop club, but it didn't seem like our friend's kind of place. Oh well- I loved it! We danced and had a few drinks waiting for them to arrive from their 80's Boat Party. After an hour or so, we realized they were around the corner at Bar Soho- who knew there was a Bar Soho AND a Soho Bar? But we loved Soho Bar and will definitely be returning for some dancing.

Finally, we tried to place a bet on a football game. John and I have been very curious about the betting parlours that dominate the high street, but were too nervous to enter. That was until Dan arrived and encouraged John. So, on our way to watch the game at a pub, we walked into a parlour. Dan and John went straight to the counter while Jim and I stood off to the side trying not to look lost. In the end, they couldn't bet on the game because it wasn't televised. But now we know how to do it. Uh-oh! Oh- for those of you paying attention- yes, that means we went to a pub to watch a game that wasn't televised. But we still had a good time at the pub. Dan and Jim got to see our favorite pub and we played Deal or No Deal - the Arcade Game. Good times!

I am heading home to PA Friday for Flo's wedding, so I'll be out of touch for a while. Cross your fingers for nice weather and stay tuned for John's blog on the festival we went to on Sunday with Myke and Drew.

The Queen's Address

Hello all, it’s Jim. (Oh yeah, HM the Queen says hi, too.) All right, so perhaps I have not posted in a timely fashion while touring London and Nice. For those of you who have been here, it’s easy to understand how distracting this place can be (the consumption of large amounts of alcohol notwithstanding).

First of all, I may not be the Queen; however, after staying with John and Jamie, I truly feel like royalty. Our visit to London would never have been the same without them. Their hospitality is beyond gracious and Dan and I are eternally grateful.

Ok, off we go to Nice, France via British Airways. (That’s a whole other blog we don’t have time for.) All I can say about Nice: unbelievable. But what makes a vacation is the company you keep (we love you John and Jamie!). And in a foreign country, that company should collectively be able to compile 3 or 4 vital phrases in French such as, “May I purchase some wine?”, “May I purchase some bread?”, “May I purchase some cheese?”, and “May I purchase more wine?” We did quite well (thanks John!).

A lazy day on the beach with warm tropical sun, crystal blue waters (pictures do the water no justice…it is BLUE), and an acceptable quota of Speedos made the day enchanting. Laying (lying?…whatever…where’s the corkscrew?) on the rocks was quite interesting for those of us used to sand. Afternoon naps would prepare us for dinner. Strolls along quaint streets resulted in devilish delights to tickle the taste buds.

Memorable moments (those not washed down by cheap wine) include: a long worthwhile walk up some very steep stairs and then another set and yet another to gardens and Henri Matisse, a tableside magician who had the skills of Job (from US television series Arrested Development), a tipsy run through Nice to find fireworks (and a bathroom), insanely expensive drinks at a Holiday Inn, a pleasant check in (English speaking!) hostess at the hotel, and sitting on a bed playing rounds of Hearts while having rounds of wine. We now know the difference between a bottles of wine that cost 2 Euro and 5 Euro (and each increment between). But after the third bottle of wine, it really stopped mattering. You do the math.

We did our best to tour, visit and even exist in the French culture. Warning to travelers…go ahead, try to speak French using your high school or college class, just don’t be offended when they correct your pronunciation or they just flip to English. Now, many would say that they hated hearing their beautiful language ripped to shreds by an American accent, however, (in happy Jim land) I like to believe that they want to practice their English and much as we want to practice our French.

I loved Nice, France. And honestly, it surprised me. I was excited when it was planned but had some reservations: language, culture, etc. Prices are very reasonable, people are generally friendly or at the very least, civil. Dare to go off the beaten path. Our best discoveries are when we took an adventure. So put Nice on your travel list. I think it gives you a taste of French culture in a beautiful setting. (Who needs some big tower?)

Alright, on to London.

We stayed at the Ramsburg B & B. Accommodations were impeccable. While London can be expensive, the Ramsburg’s have a way to give you all of London on a budget. Jamie is a walking A to Zed of information. Jamie should have a job as a docent to all of London.

Our first night was recovering from flights and France. We enjoyed a night of Mario Party where you can be the Dreamstar! The next day was our day to visit a pub (although they were NOT airing the Arsenal game…which Jamie deemed a crime). And then it was off to a delicious dinner at Dial, serving tasty bits before our visit to the theater. We howled at the American humor of the show “Avenue Q”, I highly recommend it no matter where you are. The only way to describe it is take “Rent”, smash it together with an adult Sesame Street, and give it the humor of Jon Stewart’s Daily Show.

After the show, we found our way to Soho. Now, I was confused because I though Soho was the name of the area of town. And apparently it was, but it was also the name of the bar where we were trying to meet Jamie’s friends. And it was very chic. We had a good time for while, but then we realized, there was another Bar Soho up the street. Lots of people dressed up from ‘80s (on purpose). It was interesting to see London’s interpretation of 80’s.

Sunday was a day of recovery, needless to say. Some Mario Party, a little football, lots of tele. Okay, on a side note, there are some fascinating things on the tele over here. I thought the “exchange rate” of money was interesting, the “exchange rate” of tv programs is just as interesting. Be sure to compare common shows when you are here.

All right, then the typical tourist stuff begins on Monday. And carries through Tuesday and Wednesday. I guess you can pretty much figure what we saw on the bus tour on Monday. The bus tour was the best deal, be sure to take it and take advantage of it. And the National Gallery is a freebie and a must do. Instead of spending the 14 pounds you would spend to go up in the London Eye, use it on a companion guide to the National Gallery (it’s a souvenir!). Our “ghosts of London” walking tour was okay, but we got to know our tour guide very well and it made for a special memory. Thanks Barry!

Tuesday, Dan and I jumped a train to Windsor Castle (the weekend home of the Queen). It was amazing, especially in August because parts of the castle are only open during August. Now, perhaps I was being presumptuous to bring a suitcase…but it was obvious to me that the State Apartments were not in use. Whatever. And they say those “Qtip” guards are not supposed to break character…who knew they actually guarded things…(that’s okay, they didn’t catch the pea sized rock I took from the pathway!)
We returned home to an incredible meal prepared by Jamie of stuffed peppers.

Wednesday was a tour of the globe, and the Tate Museum. Once again, the free things win. The Tate Museum was stunning. Spend 17 pounds you’d waste elsewhere and get another companion book.

So now, here I sit. Telling you everything we did. But words do no justice to the experience. Make sure to get here if you haven’t. And if you have been here but neglected to go to the art museums, then you need to return. Truly, London is expensive. But it can be cheap and wonderful if you are smart. The most magical moments were sitting and eating homemade sandwiches in Trafalgar Square, having coffee and walking the South Bank, standing in front of any artist you could possibly name and being face to face with their masterpiece.
To share this moment with my love, and my friends has been a life changing experience. To make light of it would be a disservice. The lesson I’ve learned is that sometimes the best things in life are free: friendship, love, art and history. Everything else is just fluff. All you really need is a guidebook, a sense of adventure, and a couple great people. Their names are John and Jamie. We love you.

Clapham, the Final Frontier

This will be the first of a (hoped for) series of blogs chronicalling the ongoing adventures of the Starship Ramsburg. This week's Guest Stars: Dan & Jim.

The scene opens on our guest stars sitting for an hour in a 100 degree plane in our nation's capital. A baby a few rows up, naked but for a bulging diaper, shrieks as if possessed by Old Scratch himself. The flight attendants pass tiny cups containing what passes for a sip of water to a parched, sweaty and now pacing crowd, while the"last of the luggage is loaded on board". Through our sweat and pierced eardrums, we quietly thank the 23 extremists and their little plot to blow us up for delaying our departure.

Once in the air, everything goes smoothly, save a slightly cramped seat, and the fact that our guest stars discover far too late that the alcohol on Virgin Atlantic flights is free. Estimated sleep: 90 minutes.

Switching now to first person, we eventually arrived in London to the waiting hugs of Jamie and a long tube ride back to Clapham and the luxurious Ramsburg garden flat. I (Dan) take an impromptu nap while Jamie and Jim shop online for and pick Jamie's shoes for Flo's wedding. Did you read that Flo? Jamie has shoes! Fabulous ones at that.

Jamie's delicious curry and several gin & tonics and scotches later, bed comes, a brief time before our 3am taxi to the airport for our trip to Nice. Estimated sleep: 120 minutes.

We will leave our heros here for the moment, leaving you wondering, what of their trip to Nice??? Will John play Craps at a ritzy French Riviera casino? Will Jamie find French baby clothes for her soon to arrive (or already arrived???) cousin? Will Dan & Jim be able to tell the difference between the French and Homosexuals? Tune in tomorrow to find out.

Not to spoil the next chapter, but I want to get this in here before anyone else gets to make the joke (like that London France Underpants nonsense), Nice... was Nice. More to come.

You wanna put some shrimp on the barby?

John here.

The weather has turned decidedly English- it's a good thing we're going to Nice with Jim and Dan!

Friday Jamie and I rented The Dukes of Hazzard. I laughed my ass off. It's stupid, but fun.

On Saturday we watched Drew play softball on her company team. We met up with Myke just in time to catch the last game. Drew's softball league caps games at one hour which makes sense for tournaments; however, the resulting rules dealing with the last inning are also decidedly English. All I know is that they were winning until the Ump called the game, which means they lost because the other team got 2 automatic runs. I think Cricket is simpler by comparison. We also had the fun of taking a local overland train for the first time - the tournament was by the Barnes Bridge station for those of you keeping track.

We had drinks at a pub along the Thames and played outdoor Jenga. Outdoor Jenga is Jenga made out of larger blocks and played by drunk people. Very entertaining. Also entertaining was the Thames tidal flooding trapping us at the pub (OH NO, THE HORROR) for an extra hour. The water came right up near the door of the pub and some cars needed to be moved to higher ground to avoid being swamped. There were signs warning of this event, but we didn't connect flooding with the tide. Live and learn. I dipped my finger in the Thames. It did not burn off, so one up on the Schuylkill.

Today we found a good Mexican place in Clapham! We also learned that my Bob's Big Boy Piggy Bank purchased at the original Bob's Big Boy in Burbank California holds approximately 35 pounds worth of small denomination coins.

Off to sleep - you'll next hear from us after the French Riviera- I'll let you know if I end up breaking Le Chiffre's bank at the Baccarat table! If you don't get it, it's ok - Google Le Chiffre.

I Need Your Help

As Flo's wedding quickly approaches, I find myself needing advice on a few things. Normally, I would just ask Flo. But, seeing as it's her wedding, I don't want to bother her with mundane details. So, I'm going to bother all of you. I need advice on two things: shoes and deodorant.

No! Don't stop reading! This is very important and if you have any knowledge of shoes and/or deodorant, I need your help!

1- Shoes- The wedding is in the beginning of September in her parents' backyard. The backyard bit means I can't wear thin heels. I refuse to wear flats, so I'm in search of a platform or thick heel. The dress is very simple. It is a black strapless dress from JCrew. (You can see it by clicking HERE.) I will also be wearing a black satin sash around my waist and a pearl necklace and earrings. Since the dress is so simple, I feel like the shoes need to be a little fancier. But most platforms or thick heels are too casual or they don't come in black or they don't come in my size. Long story short- I am having a hell of a time finding a pair of shoes. So, I would appreciate any advice you can give me from what style you think would look best to where I might be able to find them. I was trying not to order them online because of fitting issues, but at this point- I'll try anything.

2- Deodorant- This is a question for the ladies. Has anyone found a CLEAR deodorant that actually works and is actually clear? I have tried many and been failed every time, so I thought instead of buying another ten brands willy nilly- I'd ask around. Anyone?

Thank you in advance for your help.

Oh- if you'd like to see Caitie's pictures from their visit, click HERE. A lot of them are similar to the ones I've already posted, BUT there are also photos of their romantic day trip to Paris AND
our week in Devon, which are definitely worth seeing- for the murder mystery night alone.

The Best News Ever

My brother is out of Iraq and on his way home! Thank you to everyone who kept him in your thoughts and prayers. I can't begin to tell you how relieved I am and how grateful I will be to hear his voice.

Another Taste of Summer

Hello there- is it still unbearably hot in the good ole US of A? Well, London had a perfectly timed resurgence of summer this weekend. We went to Fruitstock on Saturday. Fruitstock was a free music festival in Regent's Park. It was a bit overwhelming at first, because John and I were the first of our group to arrive. That meant we were in charge of finding our spot. The problem was that there were a BILLION people walking around and it was hard to look for ground space. Luckily- we arrived just before those people all decided to sit down, so we managed to claim a nice sized spot for the day. The group slowly filtered in and we enjoyed a perfectly sunny day in the park with free music and a few bottles of wine.

At 8pm, Arrested Development came onstage. Yes- that Arrested Development. No- I didn't know they were still around either, but they are. Anyway- Drew and I decided we needed to be closer to the stage. So, she led the way and somehow managed to get us a few "rows" back! I was very impressed- although I felt a bit guilty about moving in front of all those people, so I apologized and told everyone who would listen that I was too short and she was moving me up front so I could see better- and most of them felt sorry for me! After the show, we followed some friends to a pub just outside the park (well, we got a bit lost in the park and walked in circles for a while, but we did eventually find it.) A good time was had by all!

Yesterday we vegged around most of the day and then went to see a Fringe show in the evening. It was a series of four one-acts focusing on the Floods of 1953. Apparently- hundreds of people died in these floods and thousands lost their homes, but there is barely any mention of them in history books, etc. because it was such a failure of the government that they've gone to great lengths to help people forget they happened. So, this theatre company spent months researching and workshopping and arrived at four plays relating to these floods. Some of them were better than others, but I admire their intentions. And the space is fantastic! The location is a bit sketchy and not easy for us to get to (it took an hour by tube and bus and walking) but the space is big and it appeared to be flexible. I will definitely be making an effort to direct something there before I leave.

Let me leave you with some wonderful news---my brother is scheduled to leave Iraq this week! Please keep him in your prayers or thoughts as he makes his journey home. Thank you.

Has the end come already?

They all warned me. "In London," they said, "it gets really hot for about three weeks and that's summer." The entire time we had visitors, the weather was amazing. It was HOT HOT HOT and I got a great tan! BUT as of Monday, it has been cloudy with fall-like temperatures. I'm talking hoodie weather, which I love, but not in August! Is this the end? Has summer really passed me by? Or will we get a resurgence of beautiful weather in time for Dan and Jim's visit? And if summer really is gone, how long will it be before the temperature in the tube goes below 100? Stay tuned to find out...

In other news- I volunteered at The Globe last night and it was the first time it rained while I was working a performance. When it rains, we have to wear these STUPID plastic bags called "macs" so that our placards that say "Shakespeare's Globe" on one side and "Steward" on the other don't get wet. I have been told if you get your placard wet, you might as well just go home because you'll never hear the end of it from the Steward Captain- she's a bit obsessive.

Side note- the show was The Comedy of Errors and it was very funny (maybe a little too campy, but I'm not a fan of the whole mistaken identity genre, so I was happy with the camp.) The director, Christopher Luscombe, made great use of the space and the columns, which hasn't been the norm this season.