7.46

Have I mentioned that I'm living in a mansion?

Well, ok... I'm living on a street that used to be the site of this beautiful thing:

Unfortunately it was razed by fire in the late 19th century, and upon its ashes was constructed Northumberland Avenue -- then, enter me, stage right! I'm actually living in an early 20th century hotel that was recently converted by LSE into dorms, leaving us with teenie tiny shoebox rooms, but lots of lovely crown molding and one hell of a spiral staircase!

Though we live in singles, each cluster of 10 or 15 rooms shares a kitchen. My room neighbors the kitchen (strategic), and I find myself in there quite often -- brewing tea, smothering Nutella over everything I eat, sauteing porcini mushrooms... the usual. More times than not, someone else is around, working on their laptops, chatting in the sitting area, or cooking up some delicious curry paneer.

Luckily for me, my "flatmates" are awesome. I'm the only American, and I wouldn't change a thing -- I'm constantly learning about Canadian politics, French cheese, German beer, and the proper balance of spice in dhal. They're a properly hilarious bunch, too.

Last week was Julien's 23rd birthday, so Sudhanshu seized the moment of having all of us together, whipping out his fancy camera to capture the festivities...which of course promptly degraded into silliness:

Felix, Swati, Taylor, me!, Stuti, Julien, Dhan, Tressie

Throwing what actually neither of us knows :)

Felix: I can't flex and smile at the same time!! Me: died of laughter

At the end of long (dark, rainy, cold) days here in London, this kitchen (Room 7.46) is the bright, bustling home I look forward to coming home to. Thanks, team :)