Picking up again on my “Year in Review” series for 2019. April started with a trip to London. I tried some new things, as well as enjoyed some time at home.

London, UK

At the beginning of the month, I took a work trip to London — my first time there!

  • While walking from afternoon tea, I stumbled upon the School of Life!
  • Charcuterie at Hicce.
  • Costa Coffee before the first day of sessions.
  • I was here.
  • St. Pancras, which I was staying a block away from.
  • King's Cross Station, also a block from where I stayed.
  • Wall of Dunny figures and other cool things at a hotel bar.
  • Took a quiet break for pretty Gin & Tonics.
  • Sorbet at Ruby Violet.
  • WordCamp London
  • Enjoying a couple of pints at The Barrowboy and Banker.

I took a personal day at the end of my trip to explore London on my own, and visit museums! I took a LOT of photos of the exhibits so I could remember them, but I won't share them all here — you can see them in my full trip album.

  • Breakfast at Dishoom. Bacon naan, masala beans, and chai was a perfect breakfast
  • I was very excited to go to Tate Modern!
  • The only photo I took of myself at the Tate!
  • Found the good coffee at Alchemy.
  • I made a beeline for the Martin Parr exihbit at the National Portrait Gallery!

My friend Sarah happened to be in London at the same time, so we met up for dinner at The Botanist!

I then explore a little more on my own, walking around Covent Garden, then made my way to the London Cocktail Club. I happened to be there during happy hour, so they gave me two of the cocktail I ordered (a white negroni).

  • Covent Garden
  • London Cocktail Club
  • White Negronis at LCC

I had to leave early the next morning for my flight home, so I made my way back to my hotel. But before calling it a night, I had to stop by Platform 9-3/4 one more time to take a crucial photo.

  • St. Pancras at night
  • High nerdery (and Hufflepuff pride!)

Early the next morning, I walked through a practically empty tube station to make my way back to Paddington Station. Of course, I had to say hello to my friend before hopping on the train back to the airport.

  • A very empty Paddington Station
  • Paddington bench
  • Selfie with Paddington

Modular Synth Class

In a quest to try something new, decided to take a beginning class on modular synths at The Synth Library. It was an interesting experience, but I'm not sure if continuing with it as a hobby fits into my lifestyle and schedule right now.

Dining Out

We went to Yonder multiple times, as it had recently opened (and I was a Kickstarter backer)! In April, we also tried Radar for brunch (which we enjoyed), The Garrison for happy hour, SuperDeluxe for a casual dinner, and Eem for some delicious Thai BBQ and tiki cocktails.

  • Drinks at Yonder.
  • Full meal at Yonder.
  • Short Bloody Mary at Radar.
  • Happy Hour at The Garrison.
  • SuperDeluxe
  • Iceberg salad at Yonder
  • Pretty drinks at Eem.

Cooking

Because of travel and general busy-ness, I didn't cook a whole lot in April. I wanted to use up some offerings from our meat CSA, so I cooked some leg of lamb and steaks later in the month.

  • Warm mushroom salad, lamb w/ gravy
  • Steak and Brussels — one of our favorite meals

Miscellaneous

Other photos from April without much context:

  • Chicken wings and the “Game of Thrones” finale
  • Playing pinball at Wedgehead
  • Taking a hike in Forest Park
  • Hike scenery
  • Our overgrown garden before I started cleaning it up
  • Attended a live show of the podcast “Terrible, Thanks for Asking”
  • Saying hello to Zanni of ZZZ Ranch