May 18th: Getting accumulated in Scotland PT.1

Rise and shine Miss Operetta! Your in Glasgow and it's time to see the town, and get some food and drams. Me and Cara took care of some errands in the city centre.

She showed and explained to me the history, architecture, and art design in this town that looks very megalithic in my opinion.

First, we began our journey at the Pot Still: http://www.thepotstill.co.uk/default.htm , which is situated near theater's and loads of international restaurants.

It has been established since 1835 to a wine/spirits merchant then the McColl family took over in 1867 until 1981!


As of today, John Waterson has ownership and offers hundreds of whiskies to delight your sense's.

I really like this place. I will definitely return to this lovely whisky pub!

Next, we headed over to Ubiquitous Chip: http://www.ubiquitouschip.co.uk/ , which has been established since 1971. The Chip is a Scottish style restaurant that has more to offer than most places I've seen in the UK.

The Chip uses locally sourced food, has 32 wines by the glass, and can suit the dining style needs to almost any patron.

Ubiquitous has a Wee Bar, Corner Bar, Large Bar, brasserie, general dining room, mezzanine, and a roof top to dine and drink.

This place is just gorgeous. I love the brick walls, the greenery caressing the walls, and the cobble stone floors in the courtyard.

For some reason, I enjoy dining and drinking in the Mezzanine.

Me, Cara, and her friends Iain and Jon had a flavorsome lunch in the "mezzy", or how I also like to pronounce it: mezzzzza---kneeeeee-nah.

Last on our adventure for the day was the Ben Nevis bar: http://bit.ly/lcpT8i . This west Highlands inspired bar is designed in natural decor and offers almost 200 whiskies.

This is a nice bar to get a good meal, hear some folk music and for heavens sake, get a darn good dram!

To be continued.........

Carmen Operetta

Photo Credits:

#1pix: Ubiquitous Chip (UK)

#2 pix:The Pot Still (UK)

May 17th: Landing in the UK!

The connecting flight from Heathrow to Glasgow was a short 1 hour trip. It was a pleasant woman sitting next to me in the window seat chatting a bit as the brilliant flight attendant gave me several complimentary whiskies.

Next thing I knew I was loading up my baggage cart and catching the bus in to the West End to meet my lovely friend Cara.

She showed me around her neighborhood, but it was one place that stood out the most among the rest, Solly's: http://bit.ly/kNk2q6. This is an African/Caribbean hair, hygiene,produce, fresh fish shop all-in-one!

I can honestly say that I have never experienced a place like this ever in my life! You can get a new wig/hair extensions, a whole fish, fresh spinach, and skin bleaching cream all at the same store!

SOLLY's has reinvented the phrase for the urban community, "One Stop Shop"! I absolutely love it!!!

Later on after my hunger got the best of me and Cara, we decided to get dinner down the road at Stravaigin: http://www.stravaigin.com/ , which means the "wanderer" loosely in Gaelic: http://bit.ly/mb8YvJ . The Haggis with neeps and tatties was yummy and the drams soothed my weary jet lag'ish soul.

Back at her lovely Kelvinbridge flat I got a chance to chat with her brother and other flat mate, Ali until I couldn't bare to keep my lids open.

As I drifted away into my slumberous mode, I was thinking about how this day has finally come to virtue.

I finally felt like the mark I have always wanted to place is beginning to take form. The courage it took to leave it all behind for the unknown didn't seem to be all that scary anymore.

I understood with certainty that this is what I was suppose to be doing with my career. This journey is fueled with a intense drive and conviction that I have now placed in high gear.

I am ready to take off and win the race!

Next thing I knew, my lids dropped shut and my body was in it's natural periodic suspension of consciousness.

Sweet Dreams,

Carmen Operetta

Transportation Info:

BUCHANAN BUS STATION: http://www.spt.co.uk/bus/bbs/

May 16th: The journey to the UK! PT.2

Here I am sitting on the plane with reality dancing and prancing all over my nerves. The 747 was taking off into the clouds and I felt like I swallowed a generous dose of pride.

As the plane reached it's flying altitude, I began to think about how "the sky's the limit". A sense of delight and self esteem came out of nowhere. That feeling propelled me mentally to a place of pure elation! I couldn't wait to hit the streets of Glasgow!

In a split second, I learned that your soul can tune you into a greater part of your core. Shake those nerves out of you and rise you up to the platform that is needed for your special and important moment in life.

All of a sudden I became very sleepy. I woke up to the last 30 minutes of the flight and raced out of the plane. I couldn't wait to set my feet on the UK land.

It was the next day in the wee hours of the morning.

I dashed through Heathrow airport to catch my connecting flight. I smiled and chatted up everyone in the security line. I made several babies smile and giggle with my tickled joy.

Customs stamped my passport! I said to myself in a low voice with a big fat grin,"Ha-he they don't know what they just let into the Kingdom"!!!

I hopped down the escalator and stood next to the gate.

For the next 30 minutes I gazed over the people, but not concentrating on one particular person. I just stood there entertaining the thoughts and possibilities of what and where I'll be 1 year from that point.

Ding ding! The gates are open and I ran onto the plane like a thorough bred going after 1st place at the Kentucky Derby!

Day 1 complete. Day 2......to be continued

Carmen Operetta

May 16th: The journey to the UK!

Jeezum! I didn't think I was going to get everything accomplished before my flight! I can't believe it took me all the way to the very last day to sort out the majority of everything needed for this big move!

There it was 630 pm and getting ready for my car service arrival. I was filled with so many emotions. My mental reactions of the unknown was in such a state of felicity mixed with massive apprehension!

I couldn't believe that this day was here and I was on my way to Scotland! I have doubted myself and lack the confidence needed for such a striking attempt in the past, but I am proud of myself for over coming this hurdle.

Just to think about how many butterflies was in my stomach as the car grew near the British Airways "Departure" gate. I wanted to tell my driver to take me back home!

Desperately for just a few flashes of seconds I wanted to jump back in that sedan and go back to that Harlem apartment and hide in a big blanket telling myself "That was just a dream Carmen".

Well I am glad I didn't, because I felt such a HUGE accomplishment all of a sudden as I entered the baggage check in line. My sisters and my parents called together on the same line to congratulate me and tell me how proud they was for me.

I held back my tears as they cheered me on through the phone. They told me how much they love and support me.

After I hung up the phone, I told myself "Right...let's go Carmen...your strong and you can do this"!! At that point, I knew it was no turning back!!!!!!!!!

Day 1...to be continued

Carmen Operetta

England's Finest:Colin Appiah+Simon Ford at 1534!!!

Photo credit:
http://bit.ly/hMvYBS

Here we go again ladies and gents. Mr. Colin Appiah and Mr. Simon Ford are coming to the 1534 Lounge tomorrow, April 20th from 8pm-12am!

The gentlemen will be recreating or should I say reconstructing the finest cocktails from the 1990's London era. Are you thirsty yet? Well get yourselves in alignment, while these premier mixologist will show you the way to libational heaven.

It's not to be missed and I can't explain to you how much this evening with the Englishmen in New York City will satisfy all of your savoury senses.

See you there,

Carmen Operetta

1534 Info:

20 Prince St
(between Elizabeth St & Mott St)
New York, NY 10012

Also: The 90's British sound DJ'ing from Nick Van Tiel!

P.S. It's a British themed event. Show your love to our favorite brethren's from across the pond!!


Photo Credits:
Simon Ford: http://www.foodgps.com/qa-with-bartender-simon-ford/

Whisky Live:NYC, April 6, 2011!

RECEIVE A 10% DISCOUNT IF YOU MENTION MY CODE: CO2011
It's that time of year friends when the winter blues is washed away with the spring time sunshine! I know that smoky Islay peaty whisky kept you warm through these brutal snow drenched months (in some parts), or that Caribbean cask tantalized your senses like the beams of sunshine on your morning awakening face.

Well here is your chance to reserve your tickets to the WHISKY LIVE 2011 NYC!!!

This year Whisky Live is focusing on the education of what whisky is and the understanding of how bourbon and scotch correlates.

So come prepared to taste, get educated, and entertained on Pier 60 at the Chelsea Piers this spring in beautiful NYC with all the Master Classes, exhibits, tasting halls, the LIVE stage, and this year's featured OBAN WHISKY EXPERIENCE. You would NOT want to miss this!

Slaandjivaa,

Carmen

Photo Credits: WhiskyLive.com

For more details, check out Whisky Live's web page:

http://www.whiskylive.com/usa/21/new-york-2011

DONT FORGET TO USE MY CODE:CO2011 for a 10% discount!!!

The Cocktail Twins at FATTY JOHNSON'S!

Please join the distinct Colin Asare-Appiah and Philip Pepperdine as they create some of the most tantalizing libations at Fatty Johnson's on 1.14.11 from 7pm to 2am for your drinking pleasure.

Come share the love with friends and satisfy your senses!

Sponsored by U'Luvka vodka and St. Germain

Location: 50 Carmine Street,NYC

Web Page: http://www.fattyjohnsons.com/

See you there!

Carmen Operetta

Photot Credits:

U'Luvka and

St. Germain: google.com