We’ve been in our flat for just over three weeks now. All is going well, except for my war with our landlords (it’s not that interesting of a war, but if anyone cares for a play-by-play, text me, I am happy to oblige).
Our Building. 
View from the balcony.
Notting Hill is quite “posh.” It is probably a lot like living in Pac Heights, but a little hipper. There are antique markets about every other day, where you can buy all kinds of treasures. The neighborhood is full of boutiques, pubs, and a fabulous market/restaurant/home goods store, Daylesford, that is supplied entirely with food from its own farm.
There are a lot of families in the neighborhood, so lots of school kids dressed in their little uniforms with straw hats, which is adorable. Here’s an idea of what the neighborhood looks like.
Kids in cute uniforms. 
And we are really close to Hyde Park (below), and Holland Park. Both beautiful.
Victoria and Kensington Palace. 
Another fun neighborhood feature is the luxury cars parked on the street. I get a lot of amusement out of the person who purchases an Aston Martin — like the one below which lives outside our flat — but not a parking space.
Favorite thing about the neighborhood so far – the kitties! There are so many! I love seeing them roaming around. I have one special cat friend who lives across the street. He likes to sit in a pot, and when he has time, chase squirrels.
Favorite. 
Cats refuse to be photogenic. 
Not happy with Dan. 
Favorite. Managing garbage day.
We are settling in nicely. Dan got hooked-up with a great incubator, so is going to the office everyday. I’m rowing with a really fun group of women, working on finishing up my horticulture classes, and doing a lot of cooking for us. Plus managing my herb garden and geranium collection. Important job.
Alice has discovered she prefers napping in the comfy pink chair in our bedroom above all other spots, and that she would like to be carried up the five flights of stairs to our flat.
London in the summer is full of fun. On Tuesday night, we went to A Midsummer Night’s Dream in our garden. There were probably 150 people in attendance for the outdoor performance. It was such a nice event to attend. We got lucky to get in, as tickets were sold out, and we thought we would have to watch through our bedroom window.
We’ve got a busy couple weeks coming up that I’m really excited for. Wimbledon gets going on Monday — finally time for strawberries and cream, and Pimms! Next weekend is Royal Henley, which I need a fancy hat for. I’m headed to Paris for a few days of adventure with Dr. CJ. Dan’s mom is coming to visit. And then . . . I’m racing in a 4+ at Masters Henley! I’m so excited about racing on such a renowned course. Can hardly contain myself.
Unemployed and Traveling 