It’s Raining in London Town
Decided to pop into London to see the sights. However it rained, and rained. A warming curry was called for, so headed over to Brick Lane (where else?)
Not much evidence of Christmas down here, but the graffiti’s good
Brick Lane is lined with exotic little shops and restaurants. The smells are wonderful
At the end are the bagel bakeries, selling wonderful Jewish breads and of course…
Salt beef. I thought I was back in New York for a moment
After our curry, we fancied some ice cream
Benets of Brick Lane did the trick. Luscious recipes. My favourite being Bakewell tart ice cream. They also served home-made cakes to tempt us
These were somehow resisted. Out into the dark streets looking for some sparkle
There are shops selling hand-made everything here in Spitalfields
Some of the models have over done the dieting I thought.
As we moved nearer to the City the windows became more elegant, then the rain came
And we all hurried to get to the railway station
The Gherkin turned on its lights
And soon we were warm and cosy and fast asleep.
Happy Christmas!
Corn Jungle
During an afternoon walk we found ourselves directed through the middle of a corn jungle. It was as high as an elephants eye. The cobs were ready. Many were over. Most were unexpectedly colourful.
A Market in Cusco Peru
The markets in Peru are packed full of fresh produce. No fussing about shapes and sizes. Everything is fresh and organic.
This produce comes straight from the fields.
Black corn is used for a drink which is refreshing and non alcoholic.
Peru has hundreds of varieties of potatoes. These little golden ones looked delicious
Pumpkins go into their stews and curries and are sweet and tasty
Would have loved to have access to a kitchen out there so I could buy some of this produce and cooked up something delicious
This lady was peeling pots of potatoes. Would have enjoyed a chat with her about what she was planning to do with them……..
Rainy Thursday
1. What to do on a rainy Thursday evening in the middle of January?
Answer: go to the pictures with your lovely daughter and see a feel-good girly film, like this one
2. I love Meryl Streep, she just goes on and on. A recent delight is about Julia Child where she becomes the character. It’s stunning. I forgot this was Streep, and believed I was watching Julia Child the real person! Voice and all.
3. And the food!!
par example:
4. Another helping? Try this perhaps…..take your pick
5. Oh go on then, let’s see……….I’ll have a plateful of this……….
Yummmmm!
Eat, Eat, and More Eat
I love this place! Today is market day, so; it’s time to sample everything that’s offered.
- That was breakfast. Little cakes filled with lemony filling and almond crust topping. Washed down with Italian coffee made a delicious taster. Then came the pastries filled with ricotta cheese and chocolate chips. The lovely Italian girl who made it for us was very chatty and wanted to hear about the UK. I love the atmosphere here, so relaxed, people are talking and eating. The shop keepers are amused by us, you can tell.
- The market is buzzing with fruit and veg stalls, all of which are grown in California and bursting with flavour. The oranges and satsumas are glorious and we are offered samples of four types of pears, all perfectly ripe and juicy.
3. The Golden Gate Bridge was shrouded in mist and looked surreal, that, I understand is very typical in the morning. By the time it cleared and the sun shone, the battery went in my camera. I rather like the misty look:
4. There are many dogs around, some wearing coats, and all seem very loved and cared for. I saw my first labradoodle………Sweet!
5. Now for making plans for tomorrow, a very good thing to be doing. Oh and we have just ordered ice cream and coffee room service, just about got room for it. Phew!!!
Happy New Year!!!
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Waking up to the sound of the trolley car trundling up the hill, ringing it’s bells. People pack themselves on and hang out of the sides looking for views of the bay down the hill. I love the first morning of a holiday, waking up in a delicious hotel bed with unfamilair sounds. I also love the USA. People are friendly.
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Walk for ages, looking for somewhere suitable for brunch. Found Capurro’s where we were not disappointed. below is the scumptious meal I devoured; crab benedict with hash browns and sour dough bread. I never normally eat without regard to the calories, fat and sugar content of what I am eating, but on holiday I do. It is delightful to eat with gay abandon. This is what I have done all day long!
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Explore Fisherman’s Warf…………many many tourists, some recovering from last night’s celebrations, others enjoying the tourist traps. A whole string of crab eateries, boiling the poor devils while you wait. Bread bowls of crab or clam chowder are enjoyed sitting on the front. It’s overcast but mild. Everyone is out.
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Union Square is in full swing. Sales are on and many of my favourite shops are there. Old navy, Gap, Victoria’s Secret, Williams Sonoma, Macy’s and many many more. Enjoy the delights of these shops all big, bright and spacious with friendly staff, wondering how we are today. All wishing us happy new year. I feel comfortable here. People are ice skating in Union Square. The palm trees are decorated with pretty white lights. There is soft rain, but no one seems bothered.
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Chill out in Borders Book Store where we have tea and coffee cake while reading luxury magazines and people watching. Back to hotel room for unpacking shopping and trying on our purchases. Lovely day.
- San Francisco Brunch
