Another Warm weekend planned for Spain

It just occured to me that I havent posted anything of substance since our Oviedo trip last summer. We went for Emily's birthday and this coming weekend we will be celebrating mine in Madrid. Really looking forward to seeing Emily and Alfonso again and being back in the warmth of Spain.

Birthdays are a great annual time to reflect on the years experiences. So much has happended this year.

Chiswick - Our New Home

SO yet another Blog post focused on moving. Hopefully the last one for a while as I think we have finally found a space of our own to settle for a bit. Its amazing to look back on the last 3 years here in London and realize we have bounced around 5 times before finding our fit. We are so glad to be back in Chiswick. Before the Hanger Lane closet (See a liveable space for two ) we had an 8 month house sit just 2 blocks from our new place. It was a gorgeous 3 bedroom that made our wallets cry. It never really felt like home. After much flat hunting during the haze that was the lead up to the US visit we found our perfect fit.

Oviedo: the Asturian Experience

I am writing this entry in the library of a 100 year old villa in  Limanes, Oviedo in front of a picturesque view of the Asturian country side.

Its 8:30 pm, still plenty of sun and dinner wont be a thought for another hour. Siestas are just finishing up (one of my favorite parts of Spain) and our fun filled weekend is coming to a close.

We have fit so much life into these last few days.

Thursday

We were greeted from our surprisingly comfortable Rynair flight by Emily and Alfonso. Taking a detour on the drive home to stop for a drink and pinchos (snacks) by the beach.

PICTURE


Stumbling through Spanish 101 greetings we met Teresa and Antonio, Alfonso's parents. Then off to Tierra Astur for Asturian Sidra (Cider) and dinner. After a few glasses of Sidra it was time for the bag pipes and dinner to start. We stood at these long communal tables and drank sidra and wine as  plates of meat and cheese were devoured. The couple from Madrid standing across from us let us in on a buffet secret:the key was to leave the bread so there is enough room for each entree. We managed to try everything even dessert. It was all so good. The photos on Flickr correlates to the number of ciders consumed by the photographer. It was a good time.

Friday

Spent most of the morning in bed VERY hung over which Teresa thought was hilarious as she is a nurse and has had her share of fun. Teresa knew just how to satisfy a hangover: AquaArius (Gatorade) and paella in the garden which we felt mucho mejor (much better).

Saturday

Emilys Birthday !!! Alfonso had a surprise planned, Emily guessed either Horse, Boat, or Horses in a Boat.
After 2 hours driving we stopped part way up a mountain in front of

A liveable space for Two

We have been in Hanger Lane for a few weeks now and finally have a bit of liveable space. Our flat is 2.5m x 3m (8ft x 10ft) approximately but we have managed to make a cozy nest for ourselves. As our wardrobe was unnecessarily massive we managed to trade one of our upstairs neighbors for a smaller one. He got more closet space and we have walking room, a win win. It was good to sort out the rarely used clothes that hide in the back of the wardrobe anyway. Sadly, it did not lead to a dream world of magic (for all you Narnia fans). Most are now in the local clothing recycling box. (see Ode to the Chilean jacket.)

It helps having the loft finished  as well (check out Flickr). Raising the bed 1.5 m (5 ft, just slouching height) really utilizes the volume of the room as there isnt much floor area . So much more space in fact, we had to hit IKEA for a new KLOBO sofa.

Steven the "tool man" Taylor has been busy building this loft for the last two weeks. After 400 screws, £250 of timber,  10 High Load barring brackets, and hours of planning and sawing the bed is lofted. He is still planning a few "mods" to add stability. It is stable enough to sleep in for the time being.

 When we have a bit of time in July Steven will start planning a desk for my up coming fall semester. The summer is going too fast, thinking about classes already.

At least we have a bit of travelling to look forward to. For now its tools down as we are packing our bags for a weekend in Brighton. It will be a well deserved break from the city.

Put a Bird on It

So I was in a Paperchase stationary store (always dangerous place to be with money to spend) yesterday and found the most amazing card wallet. The impulse buyer deep inside shouted "YOU NEED THIS WALLET" and with the birds who could resist. Here in London it is useful to have a separate wallet for your Oyster card.

I just thought this was too hilarious not to share.

To truely appreciate this in all its glory there is a bit of background that you need to know.

Portlandia is a comedy sketch series exploring "everday" life in Portland Oregon. "Its where young people go to retire"
When in town, my culturally savvy sister in law, Emily, introduced us to Portlandia with this clip.

 

The best part is, I dont think Paperchase collaborated with the series. It was an independent venture in marketing. "Need to sell more wallets, Put a bird on it"

Work in Progress (The Loft)

As we have been graced with such cozy accommodation we are lofting our bed. Originally the plan was to have one of the chippies (carpenters) from work build our masterpiece. However, his expertise are expensive even at half his usual wage. So since we didn't want to spend a months rent (£650=$1070) we are off to Wickes.
Its a good thing it is literally across the street. Google maps says 4 mins walk, but its an eternity when walking all this lumber.

Google Sketchup drawing

Since its the long weekend ( Spring Bank Holiday weekend) its the perfect opportunity to get this thing built. All the plans and sketches are complete all thats left to do is to pick up the tools

Flickr Loft Construction Photos

Moving Day

So its official: Saturday is move in day.

Everything is packed up (basically) and ready to go.With the help of a few guys from work we will be transporting all our worldly possessions in one van load to our new home. Its strange to think how we came over here with only two suitcases each and now have a van load of (useful) stuff.

I look forward to having to live a more organized and minimalistic lifestyle in our 13 x 10 ft studio.
Consider it: