chawton house

Day 4 was one of my favorites. It is hard to choose just one but I think it was also a favorite of my sister's. To be able to have a memorable day with her already secures a place at the top.

When deciding beforehand of what I wanted to do while in England, Jane Austen sites were a must. I also wanted to do something my sister had not done before and Chawton House fit both categories. If you are a fellow Jane Austen fan Chawton House is a MUST! This is the house where she lived the last eight years of her life with her mother and also her sister Cassandra. Many of her works were also published while living in this house like Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park and Emma. The house is easily accessible and located just outside of Alton.

The day began with us riding the tube to Waterloo Station and from there hopping on a train which took us straight to Alton. The train ride only took about an hour. I do need to mention that once we set foot in Waterloo Station, it felt strangely familiar...like I had seen it before. Then I realized it was from the most recent Jason Bourne film, The Bourne Ultimatum. If you remember, there is a scene in the movie where Jason Bourne is running from a sniper and he is weaving in and out of people in Waterloo Station. Yes, it is sad I remembered that. But it was fun at the same time to know Matt Damon had been there!! I just realized that comment made the whole situation even more pitiful. ;)

From Alton we took a taxi straight to Chawton House, which we had pre-arranged. It was about a 6 minute drive and there we were, in Jane Austen territory. All I could think once I stepped from the taxi was to soak the moment into my memory bank, never to be forgotten.





The original entrance to the house is at the front but now, you must enter through the side door. Before entering the house itself, there is a pay desk and a shop where you purchase your tickets. Then a learning centre just around the corner which shows a short, 15 minute video on the life of Jane Austen and gives more history of her time at Chawton House. Here are some pictures of the back garden, the area by the learning centre, and then the entrance to the museum:







Upon entering the house, you are whisked back in time and see things as they were in the early 1800's. There is the dining parlour with Jane's writing desk in the corner; the drawing room where an exact replica of the piano forte that Jane would've used every morning to practice her piano; the vestibule; the reading room and then upstairs is the bedroom Jane and her sister Cassandra shared. Mrs. Austen's bedroom is also upstairs and now displays family memorabilia.







I hope you have seen the movie Becoming Jane. It is one of my top favorites. On display in this next room they have two of the costumes worn in the movie by Anne Hathaway and James McAvoy. The sign said to not touch and it took everything within my being to not touch the green jacket!!


In the hallway was a letter from Cassandra written three days after Jane's death to their niece, Fanny Knight. Also in the hallway was Jane Austen's will, penned by her.


Just outside of the house was the kitchen:

Also, a bakehouse where Jane's donkey carriage is kept. Chawton House was more than memorable...it was an experience beyond description. We definitely worked up an appetite during our self-guided tour and there is a perfect little pub across the way where I had my first British fish and chips.

We then ventured to a park nearby. There was a sign saying Jane used to walk on a trail there all the time. So of course we had to take the walk. My nephew (can you guess?) challenged me to a foot race, again. I won...again. ;) I just couldn't get enough of the scenery. It was just beautiful and I knew why Jane liked to take walks so much. Who wouldn't when you are surrounded in such a breathtaking countryside??









Good thing there were swings to entertain the chitlins:

Back on the train, with my two new bookmarks (one leather, one with a picture of Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy), I felt completely fulfilled from spending the day with Jane Austen's things and being there with my sister. The weather even complied! It held off from raining until we got back on the train to London. I couldn't help but wonder what it would've been like to live at that time, to wear those dresses and be worried about my social standing. Would I be an accomplished pianist? Would I have pursued interests of my own or ones others marked for me? After mulling over and analyzing all the pros and cons of living in simpler times, I realized I like my independence too much and am grateful I am able to enjoy all the comforts of now. The irony of it is I wouldn't have been able to take this kind of a trip if I lived back then. Discuss! ;)
Oxford installment is next!

westminster

As I am going through my pictures, I realize I may have to do day 3 and 4 in seperate posts. SO many pictures to show. Instead of this being an uber-post, lets document day 3 here and then I will get started on day 4.

Day 3 was Valentine's day. My cute niece and nephew each made me a Valentine. My sister also gave me a box of Lindt chocolates. Yum! Though I missed being with the husband, he had given me the best Valentine's gift ever: my trip. So I made it a point to enjoy every single minute. We decided to venture out and walk around Westminster Abbey. I will not get sick of seeing Big Ben. The whole of Westminster Abbey was awesome. We then headed towards Trafalgar Square. On the way we saw the royal horse guards and had to snap pictures there.






One thing that was very entertaining was watching the dirty looks the Royal Guard gave the tourists when they walked over and touched his horse, all in the name of a picture. Really?!!?? Do you really have to annoy the Royal Guard? Really??? There is a sign, right next to the horse, that says "BEWARE" and to stay back. Besides, he does have a royal job and for you to disturb him in that, while he is on a giant horse, may not be the best idea. Then again, for entertainment purposes, it was fun to count how many dirty looks the Royal Guard gave in a matter of minutes.
Once we made it to Trafalgar Square, I couldn't ignore my nephew's pleas to climb on the lions. It looks easy to climb them but it is actually higher than one might think. Plus, there are LOADS of other people there with the same idea. We waited over 15 minutes just to get a picture of us from the front of the lions. There was a group of foreign students who were sure to take their sweet time and get their money's worth. I'm not complaining. I just wish others would be courteous while on vacation. It blows me away how rude and annoying visitors to another country can be. Not just in England but in other places I have traveled. I am honestly flabbergasted by the audacity of foreigners who feel it is their right to take over, no matter the custom. I will step off my soap box now...






Next stop: The National Gallery. I had to get my fill of fine art. I have to admit, living in St. Petersburg we were spoiled in that we got to see many amazing pieces of art, for free, while we lived there. We were practically swimming in art! But I am always excited for more. The National Gallery happens to hold one of my most favorite pieces of art: Sunflowers by Vincent Van Gogh. I was most looking forward to seeing that but I had no idea I would also clasp my eyes on my other favorite piece of art: The Japanese Footbridge by Claude Monet.


We walked in to greet a sea of people who also were out to enjoy art. We finally made our way through the crowds and there it was...Sunflowers, staring me in the face. I was surprised by how emotional I got. Again, how can one describe seeing THE REAL THING for the first time? They also had on display other Van Gogh paintings, which was wonderful. Once I'd had my fill, I turned to face Monet. It was too much. I actually shed a tear. Through all this, my sister was having an experience of her own. My niece decided to stick the curved handle of her Hello Kitty umbrella in her mouth. As you can guess it got stuck and my sister didn't know she had done this until she looked down to see wide-eyes and an umbrella sticking out of Fia's mouth. Once the umbrella was dislodged, my sister decided it best to wait outside while I filled my art canteen. We did giggle about it afterwards.
These pictures were taken just outside the National Gallery. I also need to mention that I was the kids' gum dispenser while there. I am a gum fanatic so there is always an ample supply in my purse. One of the pictures here is me giving Fia a piece, promptly followed by her swallowing it and asking for another.



Our last stop of the day was Buckingham Palace. It was fun to see. Definitely no action happening...I was hoping for a peek of the Queen. But the building itself is great to look at.






Every chance he got, my nephew liked to challenge me to a foot race. My sister captured this one while running down the steps of this monument by Buckingham Palace. It was always fun to win. ;) After Buckingham Palace, we headed towards the tube station. It began to pour rain, as if we didn't expect that. So we were happy to get back to their flat and out of the rain. On a side note, I didn't mind the rain at all. It was a nice change from the snow and cold. I didn't like being wet all the time though. That did get old. I don't think I thawed out from England until I'd been home for a week. But I would do it all again in a heartbeat.
Up next: Chawton House!!

nell-o jigglers

I am always making new playlists for my iPod. When I'm working out I want something that is going to move me. I have noticed others who, like me, are on the lookout for something new to motivate them while running or walking. So I thought I would share my current and newest playlist. Maybe it will help you in your workouts or give you some ideas to create your own playlist.
Disclaimer: I realize this isn't the best music to be listening to but I do not want you to assume that it defines me. Not everyone will like my music choices but again, it is more for the beat that I'm going for.

Nell-O Jigglers: Playlist 1

"In My Head" by Jason Derulo

"Imma Be" by Black Eyed Peas

"Hard" by Rihanna

"Marchin' On" by OneRepublic

"Crazy Possessive" by Kaci Battaglia

"Rude Boy" by Rihanna

"Tik Tok" by Kesha

"Womanizer" by Britney Spears

"If U Seek Amy" by Britney Spears

"Shark in the Water" by V.V. Brown

"L.O.V.E." by V.V. Brown

"That's Not My Name" by The Ting Tings

"Halo" by Beyonce

"Release Me" Nick Skitz version

"Money Honey" by Lady Gaga

(COOL DOWN)

"Everything" by Michael Buble

"My Wish" by Rascal Flatts

"The Planets Bend Between Us" by Snow Patrol

mind the gap

Can you tell I'm still trying to catch up with normal life? It has taken me a week to get another post on here. But before I get started into my travelogue, I do need to add an addendum to my last post. Yes, there are those who really do want to read about my travels. It is so exciting to go on a trip and the first thing you want to do is tell everyone about it. So to encapsulate all of that excitement is rough.

Okay. Here we go. Days 1 & 2:

As I came through the clouds and took in my first view of England, the song that came on my iPod was "I Only Have Eyes For You" by The Flamingos. I couldn't have timed it better. I'm sure everyone thought I was a nutter from the way I acted on the plane and then while riding on the tube to London from the airport. Sorry to be cliche but I was like a kid in a candy store. I was trying to get a full view of everything by looking out the windows in front of me and behind me. I couldn't get enough of the green and the rooftops and the clustered houses built, as it seems, right on top of one another. Also the architecture and the accent. I doubt I will ever get sick of hearing a British accent.

My sister's flat happens to be next to Hugh Grant's office. There have been some Hugh sightings and I was really hoping I would be lucky enough to get one. Unfortunately, I saw a lot of his car but no floppy-haired, blue-eyed Brit. :(


I went to bed early that first night (7:30pm) and woke early the next morning to meet up with one of the most wonderful families ever. I was a nanny in NJ ten years ago and this family now lives in London. It was a sweet reunion and I'm so grateful to them for allowing me into their home and being a part of their lives. They are absolute gems. They took me to breakfast, walked me around their part of London and pointed out some homes that house famous people (i.e. Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale, Jamie Oliver). I even got my first cab ride with them.






They live up by the famous Abbey Road and Abbey Road studios. They also showed me where Paul McCartney lives. I really could have climbed the fence and walked into his house. But my conscience got the better of me and I realized I wanted to actually enjoy the rest of my trip instead of spending it in a British jail. Plus I'm not that crazy. ;)





Kerri, the mom, showed me where St. James House, where Prince Charles lives and took me to the mall of Buckingham Palace. That is where we said our goodbyes and hoped it would not be ten more years before seeing each other again. I then ventured off on my own.




I got my first view of Big Ben, which literally took my breath away. How can one describe seeing a famous landmark for so long in books and movies, and then to come upon it while out and about? I then hopped on the tube and made my way to the Tower of London. I went on the Beefeater tour and could not believe I was standing on a site that had been there since 1077 A.D. The history there was remarkable and I also got to see the Crown Jewels.






The Queen also has a residence at the Tower of London thus a guard was standing watch. I also fell in love with the blue doors. The Queens residence had these bright, aqua blue doors. It was beautiful; the Tudor style home and these bright blue doors. But there were other residences, around town, that had blue doors. I absolutely loved it! Even Paul McCartney's home had blue: his fence out front is a dark navy blue. I came home with the intention to paint our front door blue but the husband was not on the same thought process as I was. ;)


After an absolute full and historical day, I headed back to my sister's flat. I want to point out that my sister and her husband do not own a car. My best companion was the Oyster card. I was very impressed with the public transportation there. For the most part, it was a seamless transition from one line to the other on the tube, or from bus to bus. Plus, riding the tube brought back many memories of riding the metro when we were in St. Petersburg. In fact, it all smells the same. The smell alone opened the flood-gates and the memories came rushing in. At times I had to remind myself I wasn't back in Russia. It was a trip! I have ridden the subways in NYC and also D.C. but it just isn't the same. Also, I will be sure to point out in my travelogue, of the time when I was in a car in London and the traffic that swelled around us.
Soon to come, days 3 & 4!!

three things

Yes, the rumors are true. I am back. I didn't stay in England, though I was tempted. Of course the trip was amazing and perfect. I can honestly say I enjoyed every single minute. Since being home, I have been able to really process my trip/experiences and I realized there are three things I have come to learn:

1. No one really cares to hear about your trip. Many have said to me, "I can't wait to hear about your trip!" But then when we are face-to-face, no inquiry is made. I have decided this is just a conversation piece used to make one seem interested. They are just merely being polite. I'm not offended. It is just odd to even say it without any intention behind it. I mean really?? Just don't even say it. Though I think hearing about something rather than experiencing it first-hand does make a difference.
2. It takes a minimum of 2 weeks to catch-up with "normal" life. It really does. Promise.
3. My arms felt very empty. I am so used to freely giving hugs and loves to my chitlins daily, that my arms started to have withdrawals. It was such a new feeling for me...not being able to just walk up and squeeze my kids. I guess I could've filled that void with hugs for my sister and friends but it's just not the same. Plus they would've thought I was losing it.

One good reason about having a blog? I can jot down all my thoughts and experiences from my trip and no glazed eyes or looks of boredom will be staring back at me. Though I feel bad for your computer screen and the looks it will get. Not sure it will ever want to talk to you about my trip again. Gees.

Pictures and travelogue to come. Keep the shouts of excitement to a minimum please.

:p

favorite children's books

Need a good Valentine's read??

Pick up this cute and loveable story. Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch tells a sad but all too often true tale of a man who lives alone, eats alone, doesn't laugh, doesn't do much out of the ordinary. Until, one day, he receives a package in the mail that absolutely makes his day. All of the sudden, his life takes a happy turn and he takes a step away from his mundane way of life. You will love this heartfelt story from beginning to end!

not a mundane monday

Dancing Kids 2 from Nells Bells on Vimeo.

u.k.

In anticipation for my trip to Mother England (did you catch my hint in the Bright Star post??), I have been having fun checking out all the cool places I get to go and all the cool sights. With so much history in one little country, I will definitely not be able to see and do it all in one trip. But here are a few highlights I am looking forward to, as well as seeing family and friends:

• Abbey Road/Abbey Road Studios
• Churchill War Museum
• Tate Modern, National Gallery, Tate Britain
• Trafalgar Square
• Harrods
• Buckingham Palace
• Oxford
• J.M. Barrie's house
• Sherlock Holmes Museum

While in Oxford, my friends are going to take me here:

It is a beautiful palace and also the birthplace of Winston Churchill. The town it is located in is very Cotswold-ish, very old school. Then my sis and I will be going here: This is the house where Jane Austen lived with her sister and mother, for the last eight years of her life. She is also buried in the church nearby. I get so giddy just thinking about this! How much I have loved her novels and to think I get to actually see where she lived; walk the same sidewalks; see the same sights. Overjoyed barely describes what I will exhibit while there.

I may also have to look Christian Bale up because I am sure he will be very disappointed if I come all the way to England and not even stop by for a visit. ;) Also, I am much looking forward to eating real fish and chips, walking the streets of London and catching a show on the West End. I couldn't do all of this in just my normal walking shoes either. I realized I would need something sturdy, warm and comfortable for my trek. So here is my favorite purchase of the year, thus far:

Would you believe these are Merrell's? Super comfy, warm and chic. I have been having fun wearing them around here to break them in. I love how tall they are and great I look in them. I can easily wear them with jeans or with a great skirt.

Now, in terms of packing, I am definitely in for a challenge...

snl weekly

I know I am still playing catch up with my SNL. Will Ferrell hosted the season finale back in May. He is always a welcome sight on that stage. Kristen Wiig and Will Ferrell together are an explosive combination. So I was more than thrilled to see Kristen reprise her roll as one of the Finger Lake sister sensation act. She also did this when James Franco hosted but this one, I thought, was much funnier.



Another highlight from Will Ferrell hosting was the Jeopardy skit and also his opening as George W. Bush with Dick Cheney. If you haven't seen his one man show called W. then you are missing out. He was even nominated for a Tony. All this because of his incredible ability to channel Bush. Enjoy.