The Overture

I'm not much of a diary/journal type person, but lately I've been inclined to write stuff down, so here I go diving into my new medium. I'm a classical musician studying here in London having a wonderful time since September '06, but also having some growing pains and culture shock and drama. I'm not very into self summaries, if so inclined people will figure me out as I go along. In my blog I want to talk about everything (I'm ambitious, I know). Specific interests (as in send me stuff about this so I can post it!) are life in London, music and musicians (all types), sex, the environment, pub culture, family, board games, ballroom dancing, books, movies...ok I think I made my point.

For my first post I want to help Americans here who're looking for tastes of home. Having spent my own chunk of time scouring the internet in search of advice I'm going to put all I have learned in one spot, which unfortunately- isn't very much....

As Thanksgiving is coming up- The only place I've found Libby's pumpkin Pie filling is at Waitrose but apparently it also exists at Selfridges (of which there is only one in London... on Oxford Street). Pie tins are another challenge all together! I had to buy a premade crust just to get the pie tin! Waitrose also stocks Skippy Peanut Butter, as no doubt you've found Brit Peanut Butter is NOT the same. If you're inclined for some Mexican, its something alien to the British, but Waitrose does have most of the stuff you might need. If you live not in Central London, you'll have noticed a million little shops, similar in what they carry to a 7-11 with fruit and veg. Don't avoid them, they're wonderful! They carry nice things for much much cheaper than a supermarket-mostly. As yet, I have been unable to find American mac and cheese here, but thats easy enough to make of course. Nachos are another thing the Brits don't really understand, but a few pubs do have some decent ones, like The Globe across from Baker street station.

I'll add to this list as I learn more or people remind what I forgot to write about... toodle-pip for now!