Good Bye London...Hello Nice

The 5 days I had in London flew by!  Upon arrival I was welcomed by all my wonderful friends like I had never been gone!  I really don't know how to explain the feeling I get back in this place...the best I can do in words is... just like home.  If I could combine San Diego and London together into one place I would be in the perfect location!  The first 2 nights I spent with Belinda, Michael and the boys.  Rudi had a new obsession...Curious George.  All he wanted to do was sit on the sofa and watch it.  He would look up at me with his sweet little face and say "Watch it...Curious George (which came out sounding more like Kiss George)"  How can you say no to that?  Once the movie began he patted the seat on the sofa next to me and said "Watch with me...Come on then"  So precious.  It's crazy how much he has changed and grown in just a few short weeks.  I headed out during the day to a few of my favorite spots, Hampton Palace, The Tower, and My

Secret Garden

 local relaxing spot the pub at Kew Inn.  I found that at each spot I saw something new that I hadn't found before.  One of my favorite new finds was this small opening in the tall hedges surrounding the gardens at Hampton Palace.  It made me feel like I was peering into some sort of secret garden that no one knew about but me.  It was really such a nice little spot to be.
That evening after spending the day in the sunshine at Hampton Palace I joined my friends Helly, Helly's boyfriend Will and Lauren for another night of some amazing beer at the The Pigs Ear Cellar Pub.  Such a great time....Love this place!
The next 3 days were spent at Lauren's house.  The first night was spent having dinner in a quaint pub near her house and just chatting and catching up.
Saturday I got a amazing treat that I was not expecting and might be the most amazing thing that I have gotten to do since I got here.  I got a personal tour of one of the tailor shops on Savile Row.  One of Belinda's friends has a good friend who is a apprentice tailor at one of the shops.  She also is one of the only women tailors on the row.  It was so amazing.  I was overcome with joy and envy all in the same breath.  Being in the cutting room and the design room surrounded by all the sketches and fabrics....samples and vintage pieces reconfirmed that I truly love designing.  As I was talking to the tailor it was like we were speaking the same language about our passion.  A passion that can't be explained in words but only felt by someone who has the same passion.  It is so rare to find another woman who loves menswear and tailoring.  I feel lucky to have met her and get to see that someone can make the dream happen.
Saturday evening Lauren, Toby and I ended up at a random pub watching a football match.  This was an experience I am so glad I got to have also.  All types of people smashed into this little pub...seriously smashed...we couldn't even walk through to get to the bar.  We ended up sitting outside with some serious Chelsea fans.  I figured it was best to just join in with them since I really didn't have a true loyalty to either team.  There was a lot of chanting, yelling and madness in the best way possible!  To all the guys back home who wanted me to go to an actual match....I didn't quite make it but this was definitely the next best thing.  Hope that will do for now!
I headed out on Monday morning with my huge suitcase to the train station on my way to Gatwick airport to fly to Nice, France.  I had worked out my route so that I could avoid stairs since my suitcase weighs almost as much as me....this plan was foiled on my first stop when the lift was out of order.  Luckily a kind gentleman picked it up like it was a small hand bag and carried it up the stairs.   I raced to make my connecting train and arrived at the airport with plenty of time to spare.  The flight was great and crossing the border into France was the easiest one yet.  I am not sure if the woman stamping my passport even looked at me....Apparently getting into the UK is the only place that will give you any issues.   Sandrine (the mom in the family I am staying with for 10 days) met me at the airport and we drove back to their wonderful apartment.  Side note...it's raining here today.  I met her husband and adorable son and just hung out for the evening.  They are so kind and welcoming.  A big thanks to my san diego friend for connecting me with these lovely people.
As I am been sitting here on my first day in Nice I have been going through the full range of emotions.  I started the day out so overwhelmed and a bit petrified of being here.  I don't think I really fully thought through what to expect here.  I'm nervous about not knowing the language and figuring out my way around.  To ease some of this I spent the day just researching everything about the area and how I can just take some baby steps into exploring this place.  I again had to fight off the feelings of guilt today of not just jumping in and staying inside all day but I let go of it quickly and am ready to explore a bit tomorrow....stay tuned for more Nice!