Today was a beautiful day in London. As I’ve alluded to earlier in the day, the weather was very sunny, with a great blue sky — the first actual sights of the sky that I’ve seen since the beginning of the trip here, actually.
Today, I… met a friendly Londoner, over a deliciousbrunch and spent some time exploring the city, getting new recommendations for things do see and do along the way.
We went to a popular Indian restaurant called Dishoom. The inside of the place looked like a French bistrot, with European waiters, and exciting traditional Indian food. And a wonderful Egg-Roll Naan and an even better Dirty Chai (we both had several of those.)
After a lovely conversation, and two full stomachs, we walked all the way towards the iconic landmarks that are St Paul’s cathedral and Covent Garden. We left around the Seven Dials area, and I took the opportunity to grab a cup of coffee at Monmouth, one of my favorite places in the city.
On my friend’s recommendation, and before the day’s next appointment, I went for a long walk in Regent’s Park, arguably one of London’s best and biggest parks. It is located slightly to the north of the center of the city, while still being considered a part of the center.
My next meeting has been kind of a long-time bucket list item: visiting Monocle’s headquarters. In this case, I’m lucky enough to share a friend in common with Daniel Giacopelli, who runs The Entrepreneurs’ podcast. I’ve been listening to him for years, and through our mutual connection, we started following one another online.
Today, I not only got to meet Daniel, but he was also kind enough to give me a tour of the studio, a behind the scenes look at the office and the upcoming issue, as well as a small gift, and more London recommendations.
It’s hard to put into words how incredibly excited I was to visit Monocle HQ and finally meet Daniel afk, as well as how grateful I am for the opportunity and the conversation. Totally fanboy moment.
To wrap up the day, I went to the BFI IMAX again. This time for the newly-released Lego Batman movie. It was funny, as hysterical as the original, and very meta too. And obviously, as a big fan of both Michael Cera and (even more) Will Arnett, I could only have a great time watching this animated movie.
Finally, before ending the day in my hotel room I needed some food. Being alone I brought my laptop with me to get started on this very blog post. However, despite being a Monday night, the staff found a way to forget my order, and it took a literal hour to get my (delicious) veggie burger. To compensate, they served me another pint, on the house. It confirmed my theory from earlier in the trip, that my transition to a vegetarian diet has contributed to my decreased alcohol-tolerance. That second pint was enough to get me quite tipsy.
Tomorrow, I’m gonna need to pack, check out of this hotel, checking in to another one in Hyde Park / Kensington, and hopefully spend some time in museums at least.
Over the weekend, I took some much deserved time to catch up with my friends living in England.
It began with a day-trip to Brighton during which I finally caught up with my great friend Nat, and finally got introduced to her boyfriend Joe. The three of us met at Brighton station, and went out for brunch in a new Café called VH. In Hove, actually.
After a walk in town, running a couple of errands and re-discovering some of my favorite shops, streets, and the infamous Brighton Laines/Lane/North Lane, we headed back to their lovely little flat for some tea.
Finally, I met up with Natalie & Joe again for dinner. A delicious Indian curry, another walk in Town, more cocktails and it was time to head back.
From the moment I left the station to the time I left the city, I felt happy, at home, and yet also conflicted about being back: it felt like I had both been gone for 5 years, and at the same time it felt like I had never left.
Then came Sunday, and with it another lovely brunch with my friend Ben, whom I’ve known from Twitter for the past 3 years or so, but had never had the chance to physically meet until today.
Ben took me out to Kua ‘Aina, a Hawaiian-themed Burger Joint. The food was glorious, and so were the alcoholic milkshakes (Coconut + Malibu and Peanut Butter and Bourbon), as well as the Sweet Potato Fries and Halloumi & Red Peppers vegetarian burger.
From there, we explored some of London’s most iconic streets and shops, from the wonderful Moleskine store to Fortnum & Mason, walking around Trafalgar Square, and really experiencing the core center attractions of London.
We ended the day out back on the South Bank, over Ramen. From there, I went to see Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, at the BFI IMAX, the UK’s biggest screen. It was glorious!
Somewhere in those 1,200 or so pages was the most effective answer I’ve found so far to BUT HOW: instead of subtracting bad things, add good things.
Or: When bad things cannot be subtracted, protect the good things and turn to them as things to do thinking about and focusing on when you need a break from the bad things.
Stoya’s back to blogging, which is GREAT NEWS. In this series of articles, she talks about how online comments can affect you, no matter what you say, feel, or how strong you can be.
And beyond this, she shares her solution to fighting the bad: with some good! Love this idea!
Once I got up, the morning shower helped me kickstart the day: it began with a solid two hours-worth of focused work across my various client projects.
I left the hotel just before noon, to go out for my daily adventure: in that case, exploring the infamous Shoreditch district! Imagine that: after having lived in the U.K. for 5 years and having taken just as many trips to London, I was yet to explore this hip neighborhood.
I knew I’d love it of course, and rightfully so: with the creative energy and newly-founded brands and businesses being all in the same place, it all contributes to a feeling of overwhelming inspiration.
Despite the freezing single degree temperature, I definitely appreciated walking around, entering concept stores such as GoodHood, Cafes such as AllPress and Brooklyn, and even enjoyed a wonderful lunch at Cook Dialy, in the Boxpark complex!
Later on in the afternoon, I came back to the hotel for a quick pit stop: recharging the batteries of my devices and my own body, as well as knocking down some more work.
It was the late afternoon/early evening when I went out again, this time for a beer with my friend Arnaud, at Zendesk’s European Headquarters, and then headed to Camden, to see Bloc Party play at the incredible Roundhouse! I’ve booked my tickets just 2 days earlier, on my first night in London.
There is something incredible, almost magical about Kele’s voice, Charlie’s guitar, this music and this venue!
Another great day full of adventures, with more to come tomorrow!
Feeling incredibly grateful to have spent the day with my friend Frit for my birthday! We really took our time in a freezing 2 degrees Celsius, to explore London’s South Bank!
Sadly I ended the night alone in my hotel, first at he restaurant, then working on my laptop at the bar, and finally back at the hotel room.
But the outpouring of birthday messages and Charity Water donations throughout the day made it worth it!
That’s why this Steve Harvey episode is so upsetting. He speaks openly about issues facing the black community, he is a man of God, and he has a huge platform to speak from. Unfortunately, he’s also the type of guy who orders Krug champagne for himself and Cook’s for every one else. For his own personal profit, he’s willing to perpetuate the emasculation of Asian men regardless of how hypocritical it is. He isn’t the only one doing this in 2017, but as I told myself on New Year’s, I’m not drinking anymore of this Cook’s they’re trying to pour, and neither should you.
A controversy dating from a few weeks back, but still worthy of attention. At the same time when Steve Harvey was under fire for meeting with Trump, there came a point where he found the time to comment on the masculinity of Asian men — or, in his eyes, lack thereof.
The response above was published in the Times, and written by Eddie Huang, fan-favorite restauranteur, TV show host, and Guardian of the Culture. (Yes, he’s like the person I wish was my older brother or cousin.)
Oh how I’ve missed the U.K.: much more than I thought.
Staying in Kensington tonight. Went to the popular and highly recommended Khan’s Restaurant, and ate a delicious Vegetarian Thalis before heading to the movies.
"It’s a problem that too many Silicon Valley CEOs “are from South Asia or from Asia”."
It shouldn’t surprise anyone that the quote above comes from Pupeteer in Chief Stephen “Palpatine” Bannon. In 2017, that mindset has to go. No more tolerance for bigotry.
Syd’s band The Internet released an amazing album in 2015: “Ego Death”. A sexy r’n’b album with a soul-infused jazzy vibe. Her debut album as a solo artist is an incredibly sexy LP. Talking about her rise to indie fame, success, and flirting with women, the artist formerly known as Syd Tha Kid conveys such a great sexy vibe in this album.
It’s been great to see Big Sean’s evolution from the “punchline”/joker rapper out of Kanye’s G.O.O.D. Music imprint, and onto a more mature style. For what it’s worth, I actually bought an iTunes copy of his second album, the one that was rumored to have sold barely any copies — I’ve been a long time fan.
On I Decided his fourth release, Sean Anderson is realer and seemingly more self-aware than he’s ever been. In this so-called “concept album” he grasps where he stands in the rap world, what he’s been through so far, and schemes for a more honest future. I’m going to listen to this album a few more times, but it’s definitely one of the better ones he’s put out!
Sampha is a genius lyricism with an incredible voice and sensibility. His album was highly anticipated by both professional critics from the industry, and myself, as a fan of the guy. This album is rather peaceful, alternative, mellow, and great all around, I don’t know what else to say except please give it a listen.
