The truth about vegetables

7 days into our new life, we're still trying desperately to bat off jet lag, and acclimatize to the weather. The walk, however short, to the office, is a sweltering one. Heat. It really wraps around you like a blanket the minute you step into the open air.

Food. I never thought I'd say this, but I miss the food in London, very much. The food here, quick, excellent, readily available, cheap - but how is it that we can walk into a mall that has more eateries than all the rest of the shops combined together, comb the building and walk out, lamenting that 'there is nothing to eat!'  We morosely chewed on chicken rice from across the road (as good, and fat as it was) and nodded in agreement that we needed our kitchen really soon.

Earthy roots and bulbs ...

Colours of nature...

Maltby street - how i've missed you!!!

I hadn't realised what it was that was missing from my diet but at the team lunch today, my eyes turned their attention to a list that is otherwise ALWAYS disregarded - the salad. Trying not to be poncy, my mind tried to say 'burger and chips, burger and chips' but my moment of joy came as I chomped happily on my raw greens and blue cheese. Did I think I'd find so much satisfaction in a plate of leaves? I never thought I'd live to see this day.

PS: The Bank, please stop marinating your avocados in whatever you are steeping them in, it tastes awful.

-::-

A trip to the wet market is on the cards very soon. And although this photo was taken in the Barcelona market in Summer of 2011, I reminisce little of this market other than the abundance of jamon and cheese. As for Fruit - the tropics kicks backside, lah.

29.02.2012 - the day everything changed

As many of would know, life has been abit of a whirlwind since the beginning of 2012. 2012, a remarkable year thus far, with an abundance of events and anecdotes in life (both large and small), to be very thankful for.

After struggling to manage a long distance relationship for 6 long years, commuting first 10,000km twice a year, then 500km once a month for the last 5 years, I am happy to announce that we are finally pressing the pause button on this commute. This also means that we have had to make a move from cities that we both love, to begin, what I hope will be a new life together.

So just before I get too comfortable in my new passenger's seat, I decided to dig up some fond memories of farewells and endearing moments of this place that's helped me grow up, and of the city I've grown to love.

The final 7 days

Ba Shan in Soho - just about my favourite place for Chinese, when I arrived for my 'last supper', the serving lady asked me for the first time if  I had been to Ba Shan before. I laughed and joked with her about how i've been frequenting the joint for the last few years but I'm being asked this question ironically, on my last night in London. There is never a dull moment in this place.

And if anyone can tell me why the flags and banners with slogans from Maos have arabic inscriptions and what they say, your next dinner at Ba Shan is on me.

"C" for Coven and City Caphe

A 24 hour trip to Haarlam to witness a beautiful ceremony in a glasshouse by the lake.

Two failed attempts on a work day, but finally, a little peak into the eccentric Lucien Freud at the National Portrait Gallery.

The Big Easter Egg Hunt in Covent Garden this year, happily toppling over outside Kate Spade.

The beautiful Osseau region of the Pyrenees - of Osseau Iraty fame (to me at least).

Gourette - Skiing and beautiful huskies snoozing about after a morning of dog sledding duties.

Chinese New Year is always good fun with friends in London but nothing beats the smell of burning incense in the humid air, the sound of crickets and the whirring fan, the familiar sounds of metal spoons clinking against thickly scratched glass mugs, why hello, Singapore.

Into the future

Sometimes when you look out of the sky, you marvel at the beauty of nature-- big strokes of rich and princely colors cross the skies on an evening like this, teasing and beckoning me to my love in the castles of the kings. I drag a heavy suitcase of worldly possessions hurriedly down the stairs of montparnasse and skip onto the bullet train to a new beginning. On Friday 27 Jan 2012, we got pacsed.

Autumn in Kensington Palace, an evening of fashion and fairy tales

WHAT DO PRINCESSES DREAM OF?

The Candle's burnt out long before the legend ever will.

 

Kensington Gardens November 2011

The last two months have been a bit of a whirlwind and there are lots of bits bubbling here and there, and having had to move out of my flat, relying on the kindness of friends who are putting me up in their lovely home in Clapham, I really couldn't ask for me - and thus the lack of updates. I digress.

Last autumn we visited the Kensington Palace for the 'Enchanted Palace' installation. 

A beautifully crafted view of the royal residence, bringing to life the history of royals who have inhabited Kensington Palace.

Each room was themed, each representing a princess who lived, and died, often of a tragic death. It was a quest and a little adventure to guess which princess the room was designed for.

 Brilliant lighting by Chris Levine

A dress for a rebellious princess 

 The room of lost children

Peter, the Wild Boy 

the room of dancing princesses

Magical. Exquisite. Whimsical. Mysterious.

 

17 December 2011 -- last day at the breakfast club

This time of year

Cologne 9 December 2011

At Christmas I no more desire a rose

Than wish a snow in May's new-fangled mirth;

But like of each thing that in season grows.

~~~ Love's Labours Lost

Goodbye N1!