A very delicious dinner. Thank you Nigel Slater from the BBC cooking show. And a big thank you to Benny for cooking. Here is the recipe.
October 25, 2011
October 23, 2011
This weekend summed up why I love London, there is always something to do and discover. The weather was perfect, not too cold and the sun was out. The only thing we planned this weekend was to sleep in and go to Portobello Road markets on Saturday. After yet another weekend of tube upgrades we walked a really long way to the markets. It was easy to find the markets because of the queue of people along all the streets. I seriously don't know why anyone would want to live near those markets. There was hundreds of people squished in every space. We went to at least four places before we could find somewhere to eat lunch. We really didn't enjoy the crowds so we didn't really explore the markets too much. We would like to go again during the week which are apparently less busy.
Ben had seen some tents being erected in a park close to his work at Russell Square. We decided to risk it and catch the tube to see what was on. I was hoping that it wasn't a religious cult festival. We were lucky and found Russell Square was hosting a local community fair with book sellers, art and craft area, music and a few food stalls. It was a lovely event. I purchased a really cute bag with a tipsy badger on it by artist/illustrator Sophie Parker. Have a look at all her other goodies. My new bag.
After leaving the market we were on the hunt for a pub that was playing the Liverpool game. We were in the business district and it was incredibly hard. We went to at least six pubs and we had no luck. We instead went to a cute pub down a little lane way. It is quite weird to see how people act with central heating. It was quite warm in the pub and I took off my brand new lovely wonderful, beautiful coat and Ben took his jumper off. Now the Brits that sat beside us sat in their big parkers and scarves. I really don't understand how people don't keel over from heat exhaustion. It is the same on the tube. People give me weird looks every day as I take off my layers for the tube ride. Maybe by the time we leave we will convert to the way of the Brits.
Last night we went to dinner at a really nice Japanese place and had nice food. On the way home we witnessed a few things that were quite funny. First thing, older man dressed in women's clothing in a wheel chair. The very kind tube people pushed him onto the tube. Now for all those who have ever been on the tube the train drivers always say unusual things, the tube is always held for signaling errors now this is a first for us. A tube can't leave the station because the driver is missing. For at least 10 minutes the tube was held at the station with the man dressed as a women waiting in the train with the other passengers while the tube staff were trying to find the driver. Our train eventually turned up so we don't know if the driver ever turned back up. This is just one of the unusual stories that we have collected from the tube. I could actually start a blog just about the tube.
Today was quiet with a traditional roast lunch with Cam and Benny at the local pub while watching the football on TV. It was a nice relaxing weekend. A weekend that didn't look to exciting but ended up being really nice.
Now I have been meaning to to post picture of the pretty Putney Bridge near our place. The bridge is about 10 minute walk from our flat. Each day I walk across it to get to the tube. Only about 5 weeks until Em and Sam arrive and we can show them all the things in our new little world. We are really excited.
Ben had seen some tents being erected in a park close to his work at Russell Square. We decided to risk it and catch the tube to see what was on. I was hoping that it wasn't a religious cult festival. We were lucky and found Russell Square was hosting a local community fair with book sellers, art and craft area, music and a few food stalls. It was a lovely event. I purchased a really cute bag with a tipsy badger on it by artist/illustrator Sophie Parker. Have a look at all her other goodies. My new bag.
After leaving the market we were on the hunt for a pub that was playing the Liverpool game. We were in the business district and it was incredibly hard. We went to at least six pubs and we had no luck. We instead went to a cute pub down a little lane way. It is quite weird to see how people act with central heating. It was quite warm in the pub and I took off my brand new lovely wonderful, beautiful coat and Ben took his jumper off. Now the Brits that sat beside us sat in their big parkers and scarves. I really don't understand how people don't keel over from heat exhaustion. It is the same on the tube. People give me weird looks every day as I take off my layers for the tube ride. Maybe by the time we leave we will convert to the way of the Brits.
Last night we went to dinner at a really nice Japanese place and had nice food. On the way home we witnessed a few things that were quite funny. First thing, older man dressed in women's clothing in a wheel chair. The very kind tube people pushed him onto the tube. Now for all those who have ever been on the tube the train drivers always say unusual things, the tube is always held for signaling errors now this is a first for us. A tube can't leave the station because the driver is missing. For at least 10 minutes the tube was held at the station with the man dressed as a women waiting in the train with the other passengers while the tube staff were trying to find the driver. Our train eventually turned up so we don't know if the driver ever turned back up. This is just one of the unusual stories that we have collected from the tube. I could actually start a blog just about the tube.
Today was quiet with a traditional roast lunch with Cam and Benny at the local pub while watching the football on TV. It was a nice relaxing weekend. A weekend that didn't look to exciting but ended up being really nice.
Now I have been meaning to to post picture of the pretty Putney Bridge near our place. The bridge is about 10 minute walk from our flat. Each day I walk across it to get to the tube. Only about 5 weeks until Em and Sam arrive and we can show them all the things in our new little world. We are really excited.
October 18, 2011
A manic week filled with dinners in Brick Lane
Last week can be summed up in one word - manic. I was working on a major tender at work and managed to squeeze in two dinners in Brick Lane. It was our first adventure to Brick Lane which is famous for its line of Indian restaurants. Each restaurant has a man outside bartering with the people that walk past trying to offer you the best deal. On Tuesday night we went with Loic and Kristine and had a nice feast. On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday I had to work late. On Friday night after a late night at work we ventured again to barter with more men in Brick Lane. We went for dinner with about 15 people and went for cocktails after. We some how by sheer luck just made the last tube for the night at 12:50.
Saturday was a big drama. All tubes and overland trains were not leaving Putney. We were offered rail replacement buses instead of trains. It took me two and half hours to get to a eyebrow wax appointment which only took 10 minutes. Later that afternoon I went to get my hair cut by a guy from my work's wife. He is from New Zealand and she is from Japan. They treated me to a great lunch and a nice haircut. Ben spent the day intently watching soccer and the rugby world cup.
Sunday Ben got up really early to watch the Australia and NZ game. Unfortunately with the Australia loosing the anticipated celebration didn't eventuate. Ben and I spent the afternoon instead in search for winter jackets and boots. I successfully found some boots and a jacket. It is supposed to reach the low ten degrees by Friday. It is definitely getting colder. We have even turned the heater on for the first time.
This week it is going to hopefully filled with less hours at work and to see Benny just a little bit more.
Saturday was a big drama. All tubes and overland trains were not leaving Putney. We were offered rail replacement buses instead of trains. It took me two and half hours to get to a eyebrow wax appointment which only took 10 minutes. Later that afternoon I went to get my hair cut by a guy from my work's wife. He is from New Zealand and she is from Japan. They treated me to a great lunch and a nice haircut. Ben spent the day intently watching soccer and the rugby world cup.
Sunday Ben got up really early to watch the Australia and NZ game. Unfortunately with the Australia loosing the anticipated celebration didn't eventuate. Ben and I spent the afternoon instead in search for winter jackets and boots. I successfully found some boots and a jacket. It is supposed to reach the low ten degrees by Friday. It is definitely getting colder. We have even turned the heater on for the first time.
This week it is going to hopefully filled with less hours at work and to see Benny just a little bit more.
October 09, 2011
So cold
Ok, this week we started with 29.9 degrees and by Tuesday it was 16 and by the end of the week I had a jacket, scarf and a few layers. My poor little body was so confused. Ben started considering whether he may need a jacket soon. This week was very busy at work, and I had a cold so it wasn't the most fun week. So a quiet weekend was in order.
Friday night, Ben and I tried another local restaurant. We went to an Indian restaurant that has been operating for the past 35 years. It was quite delicious. Saturday morning Ben was up early watching rugby and I had a call from Sarah Mc. I'm starting to think there must be something pretty important on in the rugby world. Sarah called at the best time just as the second game of rugby was about to start. Once the rugby was over we ventured to some art viewings. We bought a lovely screen print from a lovely older lady who had such an amazing house and a cute art studio out the back of her home. It is so deceiving on how big some of the homes are as they look so tiny from the street. I also bought a cute little tea light candle holder made out of pottery as well. It is nice to start collecting a few things to make our flat feel like home. Ben keeps reminding me that we are not here forever and I can't ship too much home. After going to a few openings we went to our local coffee shop and luckily found a seat. Saturday night we went out for cheap and cheerful dinner before going to the movies.
Today, Ben was up again really early. I think it was 6:00 that he was up to watch Australia versus South Africa. Ben says he was standing up for the last ten minutes as it was nail biting. I am sorry I missed it but sleep was calling me. After the game some of our friends came round for a cooked breakfast and to watch the Argentina/NZ game. What we have noticed since moving here is that they don't have bakeries like Baker's Delight. If you want bakery goods you generally go to the local supermarket. We came across one yesterday so I was down at the bakers right on 8 when it opened to buy some fresh bread. Most shops here are chains. It is a shame that they don't really have a lot of independent stores. I have been whining a lot about how I am not really loving the shopping over here. Everyone pretty much wears the same brands, Zara, H&M and Top Shop. You can walk round the office or down the street and you can name where the clothes have been bought from. When I come home at the end of February I am going to go crazy in the shops. I've been working at my job now for about 2 months and I have seen three people wearing the same outfits. It is crazy. A no one seems to care or be embarrassed about it.
This afternoon we went for a walk to Fulham Palace. It was so pretty to walk along the river and through the grounds of the palace. The sun had finally come out and it wasn't too chilly. We walked through all the leaves that are starting to fall off the trees and sat on the grass with all the other people trying to make the most of this weather before it gets too cold to sit outside at all. I've noticed that since the weather has started to cool down, Pimms are being removed off the drinks menu. It won't be long until mulled wine will be the drink of choice.
So the weekend is nearly over, so sad. Tonight Benny and I booked a weekend away in Iceland to see the Northern Lights in late November. We are so excited.
Friday night, Ben and I tried another local restaurant. We went to an Indian restaurant that has been operating for the past 35 years. It was quite delicious. Saturday morning Ben was up early watching rugby and I had a call from Sarah Mc. I'm starting to think there must be something pretty important on in the rugby world. Sarah called at the best time just as the second game of rugby was about to start. Once the rugby was over we ventured to some art viewings. We bought a lovely screen print from a lovely older lady who had such an amazing house and a cute art studio out the back of her home. It is so deceiving on how big some of the homes are as they look so tiny from the street. I also bought a cute little tea light candle holder made out of pottery as well. It is nice to start collecting a few things to make our flat feel like home. Ben keeps reminding me that we are not here forever and I can't ship too much home. After going to a few openings we went to our local coffee shop and luckily found a seat. Saturday night we went out for cheap and cheerful dinner before going to the movies.
Today, Ben was up again really early. I think it was 6:00 that he was up to watch Australia versus South Africa. Ben says he was standing up for the last ten minutes as it was nail biting. I am sorry I missed it but sleep was calling me. After the game some of our friends came round for a cooked breakfast and to watch the Argentina/NZ game. What we have noticed since moving here is that they don't have bakeries like Baker's Delight. If you want bakery goods you generally go to the local supermarket. We came across one yesterday so I was down at the bakers right on 8 when it opened to buy some fresh bread. Most shops here are chains. It is a shame that they don't really have a lot of independent stores. I have been whining a lot about how I am not really loving the shopping over here. Everyone pretty much wears the same brands, Zara, H&M and Top Shop. You can walk round the office or down the street and you can name where the clothes have been bought from. When I come home at the end of February I am going to go crazy in the shops. I've been working at my job now for about 2 months and I have seen three people wearing the same outfits. It is crazy. A no one seems to care or be embarrassed about it.
This afternoon we went for a walk to Fulham Palace. It was so pretty to walk along the river and through the grounds of the palace. The sun had finally come out and it wasn't too chilly. We walked through all the leaves that are starting to fall off the trees and sat on the grass with all the other people trying to make the most of this weather before it gets too cold to sit outside at all. I've noticed that since the weather has started to cool down, Pimms are being removed off the drinks menu. It won't be long until mulled wine will be the drink of choice.
So the weekend is nearly over, so sad. Tonight Benny and I booked a weekend away in Iceland to see the Northern Lights in late November. We are so excited.
October 03, 2011
Sunshine, so much sunshine
Last week was like summer had just arrived. After thinking I would never pull out my summer clothes again this year I dragged them out again for a wonderful week of weather. The legs were shaved and the toenails painted to enjoy the temperatures. I spent lunch in Hyde Park for two days straight. The week before I was wearing jacket and boots to work. The weather was a hot topic in the news. On Saturday they informed us that it was the hottest day since 1985, it reached 29.9 degrees. It was incredible. Unfortunately the tubes were disgustingly hot and jammed packed with stinking people. They haven't heard or even considered air-conditioning.
On Thursday night I meet up with Melissa while Benny was strutting his stuff on the football field. I went to a great bar on top of a building in the centre of London. The sun was out so it was very busy. Other than the expensive prices the view and atmosphere was great.
On Friday night Ben met me after work and we went to a Spanish restaurant across the river from our place. A friend from work recommended it and he wasn't wrong. It is only a 20 minute stroll from home. The food was gorgeous. We had anchovies for entree, they were so meaty. For main we had quail and chorizo paella. If anyone visits us we will be taking you there.
On Saturday Ben had the experience of seeing an old man in a pub wearing no shirt while he was trying to watch the Liverpool game. As soon as the temperature is over 25 degrees the shirts come off and the ladies take their tops off and lie in their bras. Hyde Park was filled with people sun tanning in their underwear and a few even were wearing their togs. Liverpool luckily won so Ben was in a very happy mood.
On Saturday afternoon we went to Stuart and Josie's place some people we met a week ago at some drinks. They live up the road so we could walk there. The nine of us there were treated to an amazing dinner, it looked like a Donna Hay photoshoot with candles and beautifully presented food. I just wish I had my camera. We sat in the sunshine and watched the sun go down as we drank and ate beautiful food. One of the items was a roast sweet potato salad with chilli, as summer is coming I can highly recommend. We met some great people there, one who was actually a few years ahead of me at Somerville. In British tradition we finished the night with brandy, whisky and port. It was lovely to be able to walk home and not have to wait for a taxi or tube.
On Sunday we got up to another sunny day. Ben got up early and watched the rugby. We decided to get shopping out of the way as shops have weird hours on Sunday and tend to close before you know it. This weekend and next we have an art exhibition throughout homes in the Putney area. Artists open their homes and display their art and you can buy it. Luckily for me there was an open home in our street so I went for a slight detour and bought a nice vase and coffee cup for under ten pounds, a bargain. Ben and I are going to have a look at the other open homes this weekend. After the shopping was done we jumped on a bus to Richmond where there is a famous park. The park is huge and filled with deer. It feels like you are somewhere other than London as the landscape is so different. We lay down on our brand new picnic rug and ate lunch. My pictures don't do it much justice. We heard from a friend that the deers are runting at the moment which explains why we heard quite unusual noises. I recommend you have a look at this link of a photographer in the area who has taken some amazing shots. More photos..
Sunday was finished with a drink at our new favourite pub The Coat and Badge in Putney with some friends.
On Thursday night I meet up with Melissa while Benny was strutting his stuff on the football field. I went to a great bar on top of a building in the centre of London. The sun was out so it was very busy. Other than the expensive prices the view and atmosphere was great.
On Friday night Ben met me after work and we went to a Spanish restaurant across the river from our place. A friend from work recommended it and he wasn't wrong. It is only a 20 minute stroll from home. The food was gorgeous. We had anchovies for entree, they were so meaty. For main we had quail and chorizo paella. If anyone visits us we will be taking you there.
On Saturday Ben had the experience of seeing an old man in a pub wearing no shirt while he was trying to watch the Liverpool game. As soon as the temperature is over 25 degrees the shirts come off and the ladies take their tops off and lie in their bras. Hyde Park was filled with people sun tanning in their underwear and a few even were wearing their togs. Liverpool luckily won so Ben was in a very happy mood.
On Saturday afternoon we went to Stuart and Josie's place some people we met a week ago at some drinks. They live up the road so we could walk there. The nine of us there were treated to an amazing dinner, it looked like a Donna Hay photoshoot with candles and beautifully presented food. I just wish I had my camera. We sat in the sunshine and watched the sun go down as we drank and ate beautiful food. One of the items was a roast sweet potato salad with chilli, as summer is coming I can highly recommend. We met some great people there, one who was actually a few years ahead of me at Somerville. In British tradition we finished the night with brandy, whisky and port. It was lovely to be able to walk home and not have to wait for a taxi or tube.
On Sunday we got up to another sunny day. Ben got up early and watched the rugby. We decided to get shopping out of the way as shops have weird hours on Sunday and tend to close before you know it. This weekend and next we have an art exhibition throughout homes in the Putney area. Artists open their homes and display their art and you can buy it. Luckily for me there was an open home in our street so I went for a slight detour and bought a nice vase and coffee cup for under ten pounds, a bargain. Ben and I are going to have a look at the other open homes this weekend. After the shopping was done we jumped on a bus to Richmond where there is a famous park. The park is huge and filled with deer. It feels like you are somewhere other than London as the landscape is so different. We lay down on our brand new picnic rug and ate lunch. My pictures don't do it much justice. We heard from a friend that the deers are runting at the moment which explains why we heard quite unusual noises. I recommend you have a look at this link of a photographer in the area who has taken some amazing shots. More photos..
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| You can just see the deer |
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