I read one of Steven Johnson's books I think. Everything Bad is Good for You, or something like that. I will have to check out his new one.
It is so exciting to say we are leaving next week. I love getting into the single digit countdown.
How does Thursday Nov 18th sound for a GTG for lunch someplace? Maybe someone can suggest a place?
It is so exciting to say we are leaving next week. I love getting into the single digit countdown.
How does Thursday Nov 18th sound for a GTG for lunch someplace? Maybe someone can suggest a place?
Oh, thanks, james! That means SO can take the tube to the gym. Then we're going to the Everyman Cineman in Hampstead to see a movie and have dinner.
I'm excited for you too, ltr,(except that one day less for you to get here means one day less for me to be here). Where are you staying and how long will you be here?
I'd be up for lunch on the 18th? Anyone else?
I'm excited for you too, ltr,(except that one day less for you to get here means one day less for me to be here). Where are you staying and how long will you be here?
I'd be up for lunch on the 18th? Anyone else?
It was beautiful. I'm tempted to make that our spot for our anniversary dinner which is the night before we leave London. I'm tempted because it was so pretty but on the other hand it was big and busy and not quite the romantic dinner I was imagining. Got any suggestions for that?
We did stick around close to home today and went to Hampstead this evening to see The Kids Are Alright at the Everyman Theatre. We were early so we walked down the long street (where Waterstones is) to the end of the shopping strip and then stopped into a pub for a glass of wine before the movie. SO liked the movie more than I did (I thought it was just OK) but I really liked the charming little theatre with couches and waiters who will bring you wine and snacks. Afterwards we had a beautiful dinner at Villa Bianca. I had paparadelle with duck ragu. Yum. Oh, and there was Emma Thompson again today, sitting in the window seat of the frozen yogurt shop. I wish she'd stop stalking me.
We did stick around close to home today and went to Hampstead this evening to see The Kids Are Alright at the Everyman Theatre. We were early so we walked down the long street (where Waterstones is) to the end of the shopping strip and then stopped into a pub for a glass of wine before the movie. SO liked the movie more than I did (I thought it was just OK) but I really liked the charming little theatre with couches and waiters who will bring you wine and snacks. Afterwards we had a beautiful dinner at Villa Bianca. I had paparadelle with duck ragu. Yum. Oh, and there was Emma Thompson again today, sitting in the window seat of the frozen yogurt shop. I wish she'd stop stalking me.
These things do matter here; "pardon" is beyond the pale, as is holding your knife as if it's a pen.>>
"I eat my peas with honey,I've done it all my life.
It makes the peas taste funny, but it keeps them on the knife"
I also forgot "luncheon" and "lunch"; some judges of my acquaintance still talk about the "luncheon adjournment" - they are also the ones who refer to the lavatory when someone needs a comfort break.
this is also a generational as well as a class divide - younger judges gemerally refer to the loo and lunch.
GTG - will you PLEASE stop name-dropping!
"I eat my peas with honey,I've done it all my life.
It makes the peas taste funny, but it keeps them on the knife"
I also forgot "luncheon" and "lunch"; some judges of my acquaintance still talk about the "luncheon adjournment" - they are also the ones who refer to the lavatory when someone needs a comfort break.
this is also a generational as well as a class divide - younger judges gemerally refer to the loo and lunch.
GTG - will you PLEASE stop name-dropping!
When I visited the Chatsworth farm shop.
Well worth a visit BTW http://www.chatsworth.org/shop-eat/the-farm-shop
I noticed that the loos were marked "Lavatories". Nancy would approve.
I remember great amusement when Bill Clinton visited a university when his aides went around covering the "Toilets" signs with "Restroom", presumably so that Bill's chaste eyes wouldn't be offended.
Well worth a visit BTW http://www.chatsworth.org/shop-eat/the-farm-shop
I noticed that the loos were marked "Lavatories". Nancy would approve.
I remember great amusement when Bill Clinton visited a university when his aides went around covering the "Toilets" signs with "Restroom", presumably so that Bill's chaste eyes wouldn't be offended.
Well, no movie stars today. Bummer.
We took the bus that stops practically outside our front door all the way up to Oxford Street and it let us off at the door of Selfridge's. Neat. I didn't know I could do that. SO figured it out by cleverly standing at the post and reading the bus schedule. Man, that PhD's not wasted on him! I've always taken the tube to Oxford Street. The bus is a little slower but much more fun, especially if you ride upstairs. The purpose of the trip was to go to Marks & Spencer which is right across from Selfridges, where SO bought new black jeans. Not to be outdone, I bought new black jeans too and upped the stakes by buying a nice lace cami. SO didn't want a lace cami but he's happy for me to have one. They call them 'vests' here -- very unsexy.
The shopping trip was preceded by lunch in the food hall of Selfridges (where I had a good pie and great mashed potatoes with onion gravy) and then followed up with a glass of wine in the bar in the wine department there (I've now found at least three places in that department store where you can have a glass of wine). Sitting down the bar from us was a family of three women, grandmother, mother, and daughter, who it seems had been out shopping and were topping off the day by sharing a bottle of champagne. Now, why don't we top off our shopping trips that way at home? My sisters and I go to What a Bagel. Not that there's anything wrong with that. But still.
And that's it. Came home. Had dinner. Will now go read my book.
We took the bus that stops practically outside our front door all the way up to Oxford Street and it let us off at the door of Selfridge's. Neat. I didn't know I could do that. SO figured it out by cleverly standing at the post and reading the bus schedule. Man, that PhD's not wasted on him! I've always taken the tube to Oxford Street. The bus is a little slower but much more fun, especially if you ride upstairs. The purpose of the trip was to go to Marks & Spencer which is right across from Selfridges, where SO bought new black jeans. Not to be outdone, I bought new black jeans too and upped the stakes by buying a nice lace cami. SO didn't want a lace cami but he's happy for me to have one. They call them 'vests' here -- very unsexy.
The shopping trip was preceded by lunch in the food hall of Selfridges (where I had a good pie and great mashed potatoes with onion gravy) and then followed up with a glass of wine in the bar in the wine department there (I've now found at least three places in that department store where you can have a glass of wine). Sitting down the bar from us was a family of three women, grandmother, mother, and daughter, who it seems had been out shopping and were topping off the day by sharing a bottle of champagne. Now, why don't we top off our shopping trips that way at home? My sisters and I go to What a Bagel. Not that there's anything wrong with that. But still.
And that's it. Came home. Had dinner. Will now go read my book.
Sitting down the bar from us was a family of three women, grandmother, mother, and daughter, who it seems had been out shopping and were topping off the day by sharing a bottle of champagne. >>
sounds more like Harvey Nicks than Selfridges.
sounds more like Harvey Nicks than Selfridges.
GTG, when you do go home I hope you take with you a few British customs like champagne after shopping (LOL!) and some choice lingo.
Get a souvenir sign that says 'LOO' or 'Toilets' for your bathroom and it'll feel like you never left London...
Now I must pack as we leave for London tomorrow (via Iceland)
Get a souvenir sign that says 'LOO' or 'Toilets' for your bathroom and it'll feel like you never left London...
Now I must pack as we leave for London tomorrow (via Iceland)
sassy, we talk a lot about things we'd now like to do at home, recipes we've tried in restaurants, using the library more rather than buying books, etc. This flat is much smaller than our house, yet we haven't felt the need for more space or more of our stuff. We don't miss having a car or a TV. It's very nice to know that we can do with much less when we want to.
I think I've opened myself up to drinking wine more casually (I hardly ever do that) but you know, at home life is different. I have to go to work. My evenings are taken up with other responsibilities. Sitting around in nice bars with my SO and having a glass of wine is a rarity unless it's planned. But you're right. These are things we should remember and try to keep in our life as much as possible.
Can you tell I'm getting sad about going home?
I think I've opened myself up to drinking wine more casually (I hardly ever do that) but you know, at home life is different. I have to go to work. My evenings are taken up with other responsibilities. Sitting around in nice bars with my SO and having a glass of wine is a rarity unless it's planned. But you're right. These are things we should remember and try to keep in our life as much as possible.
Can you tell I'm getting sad about going home?
"I'm tempted because it was so pretty but on the other hand it was big and busy and not quite the romantic dinner I was imagining. Got any suggestions for that?"
I would look into this:
1. Start with pre-dinner Martinis at the bar of Duke's Hotel at St. James' Place in St. James, close to Green Park (hidden in a tiny cul-de-sac of a side street of St. James' St.
Very English - very sophisticated. They don't shake Martinis though, but legend has it that Ian Flemming used to frequent the bar and named James Bond for the location (in St. James and close to Bond St.). The Martinis are rightfully famous (and they won't serve you more than 2 per person).
http://www.campbellgrayhotels.com/du...#/dukes-london
2. Walk over to Dover St. (exiting Dukes, head left away from St. James St., turn right into the cul-de-sac and opposite The Stafford Hotel you'll see a tiny walkway between walls that will take you directly into Green Park. Head right in Green Park and you exit Green Park next to the Ritz and opposite Berkely St. - Dover St. is one to the right. It's a nicer walk than following the main roads)and have dinner at Alloro's. An upscale Italian restaurant that offers in my opinion some of the best value dinners in London - 3 courses (choose from anything on the menu for starter, first course, main course and dessert) for around GBP 35.00.
Service is very efficient and the place has a pleasant atmosphere (if admittedly a bit non-descript).
http://atozrestaurants.com/alloro/
I would look into this:
1. Start with pre-dinner Martinis at the bar of Duke's Hotel at St. James' Place in St. James, close to Green Park (hidden in a tiny cul-de-sac of a side street of St. James' St.
Very English - very sophisticated. They don't shake Martinis though, but legend has it that Ian Flemming used to frequent the bar and named James Bond for the location (in St. James and close to Bond St.). The Martinis are rightfully famous (and they won't serve you more than 2 per person).
http://www.campbellgrayhotels.com/du...#/dukes-london
2. Walk over to Dover St. (exiting Dukes, head left away from St. James St., turn right into the cul-de-sac and opposite The Stafford Hotel you'll see a tiny walkway between walls that will take you directly into Green Park. Head right in Green Park and you exit Green Park next to the Ritz and opposite Berkely St. - Dover St. is one to the right. It's a nicer walk than following the main roads)and have dinner at Alloro's. An upscale Italian restaurant that offers in my opinion some of the best value dinners in London - 3 courses (choose from anything on the menu for starter, first course, main course and dessert) for around GBP 35.00.
Service is very efficient and the place has a pleasant atmosphere (if admittedly a bit non-descript).
http://atozrestaurants.com/alloro/
Hiya landineen,
Did you have a fabulous time? I'm hoping to get to Costa Rica one day.
Today we finally got around to going to the Tate Modern. Had lunch first (very good) in the cafe (a tuna and apple sandwich for me -- an unusual combination but delicious) and then spent hours wandering around the gallery. The Gauguin show was on and we really had to make a decision about whether or not to do that but decided not to. We had limited time and wanted to see as broad a selection of art as we could, so Gauguin was a no-go. We did watch a really good 13-minute video, though, called Gauguin: In His Words. Beautiful photography and a voice-over reading selections of G's letters to various people. It was excellent. If you'd like to see it, here it is:
http://blog.tate.org.uk/?p=2283
You'd be wise to turn up the sound and use the full screen.
It had stopped raining by the time we were ready to leave so we walked over to the Oxo Tower and had a drink at their 8th floor bar which has a beautiful view. And boy, do they ever pour a hefty martini!
We finally found our Jewish dinner tonight, at Harry Regan's in St. John's Wood. We'd passed it weeks ago but didn't stop to read the menu and then I came across it online a couple of days ago. Excellent chicken noodle soup with matzo balls, OK gefilte fish, and patcha which you can never get anywhere (I'm possibly the only person in the world under the age of 106 who likes it) but not as good and garlicky as my grandma used to make it. However, the menu was good enough that we may go back some time.
Tomorrow should be interesting. We're spending the day at Broadmoor Hospital.
Did you have a fabulous time? I'm hoping to get to Costa Rica one day.
Today we finally got around to going to the Tate Modern. Had lunch first (very good) in the cafe (a tuna and apple sandwich for me -- an unusual combination but delicious) and then spent hours wandering around the gallery. The Gauguin show was on and we really had to make a decision about whether or not to do that but decided not to. We had limited time and wanted to see as broad a selection of art as we could, so Gauguin was a no-go. We did watch a really good 13-minute video, though, called Gauguin: In His Words. Beautiful photography and a voice-over reading selections of G's letters to various people. It was excellent. If you'd like to see it, here it is:
http://blog.tate.org.uk/?p=2283
You'd be wise to turn up the sound and use the full screen.
It had stopped raining by the time we were ready to leave so we walked over to the Oxo Tower and had a drink at their 8th floor bar which has a beautiful view. And boy, do they ever pour a hefty martini!
We finally found our Jewish dinner tonight, at Harry Regan's in St. John's Wood. We'd passed it weeks ago but didn't stop to read the menu and then I came across it online a couple of days ago. Excellent chicken noodle soup with matzo balls, OK gefilte fish, and patcha which you can never get anywhere (I'm possibly the only person in the world under the age of 106 who likes it) but not as good and garlicky as my grandma used to make it. However, the menu was good enough that we may go back some time.
Tomorrow should be interesting. We're spending the day at Broadmoor Hospital.
Well, if you don't hear from me again...
GTG- re going home. I am SO afraid that I'm going to be in deep depression when I have to leave Italy. And I'm not even there yet!!!
But the news is better than last time. I have new boss (who's leaving-but that is another story). He said he was behind my adventure 100%. Got the company to agree to a 90-day trip, where I will be working 4 days a week for my current company, doing what I normally do. And I will use my four weeks of vacation somewhere in there, too. Additionally, they are looking at whether or not our UK division can swing anything with me in Italy for the 2-3 years. If not, seeing what could be done to let me be an expat for that time frame. What it involves and if they can do anything for me. They sent the request on to some attorney in the company who specializes in expats and EU labor law!!! I'm trying not to be excited too much. But I am 80% sure that I will at least get to spend 3 months there. Planning mid-to-late February departure. More later!
But the news is better than last time. I have new boss (who's leaving-but that is another story). He said he was behind my adventure 100%. Got the company to agree to a 90-day trip, where I will be working 4 days a week for my current company, doing what I normally do. And I will use my four weeks of vacation somewhere in there, too. Additionally, they are looking at whether or not our UK division can swing anything with me in Italy for the 2-3 years. If not, seeing what could be done to let me be an expat for that time frame. What it involves and if they can do anything for me. They sent the request on to some attorney in the company who specializes in expats and EU labor law!!! I'm trying not to be excited too much. But I am 80% sure that I will at least get to spend 3 months there. Planning mid-to-late February departure. More later!
sarge, I'm so excited for you! I have every confidence that this is going to work out for you. And yes, you will be depressed when the time comes to go home. Better gear up for that. I've already promised myself that I'm not going to constantly talk about how much I love it here. I hate when people do that to me. But...I love it here. 
Well, they let us come home from Broadmoor. It was a very interesting day. This all started because we'd signed up for a 1 hour talk at the Wellcome Centre on forensic psychiatry. A couple of weeks later I got an email from the them saying that the psychiatrist giving the talk would prefer to do it where she worked -- Broadmoor, so it was now going to be a daytrip. They supplied coaches (two big ones which were filled to the max) and lunch. After lunch there was a short talk by the Director on the history of the hospital and then we went into the auditorium for the interview. The doctor, Gwen Adshead, was interviewed by A.C. Grayling and there were lots of opportunities for questions and answers. One man in the audience has a son in the hospital. It was really very interesting and the kind of opportunity I feel lucky to have had because it's a one off. And I can't believe the whole thing was free. I enjoyed the coach ride too -- out of London to Broadmoor through nice countryside, with the leaves turning (although nothing like at home; fall leaves are the one thing we do better).
SO is cooking at home tonight so I'm looking forward to a nice pasta dinner!
Well, they let us come home from Broadmoor. It was a very interesting day. This all started because we'd signed up for a 1 hour talk at the Wellcome Centre on forensic psychiatry. A couple of weeks later I got an email from the them saying that the psychiatrist giving the talk would prefer to do it where she worked -- Broadmoor, so it was now going to be a daytrip. They supplied coaches (two big ones which were filled to the max) and lunch. After lunch there was a short talk by the Director on the history of the hospital and then we went into the auditorium for the interview. The doctor, Gwen Adshead, was interviewed by A.C. Grayling and there were lots of opportunities for questions and answers. One man in the audience has a son in the hospital. It was really very interesting and the kind of opportunity I feel lucky to have had because it's a one off. And I can't believe the whole thing was free. I enjoyed the coach ride too -- out of London to Broadmoor through nice countryside, with the leaves turning (although nothing like at home; fall leaves are the one thing we do better).
SO is cooking at home tonight so I'm looking forward to a nice pasta dinner!
Hey, that was the 500th post!
sarge, that's great. here's hoping it happens.
GTG - 500!!! [how many are yours?....only kidding! it's a great thread].
and a visit to Broadmoor - that must be a fodor's first. you were indeed lucky to get to see inside this unique institution. AND to hear A.C. Grayling.
but you haven't answered a much more important question - did you get to see a bonfire and fireworks?
GTG - 500!!! [how many are yours?....only kidding! it's a great thread].
and a visit to Broadmoor - that must be a fodor's first. you were indeed lucky to get to see inside this unique institution. AND to hear A.C. Grayling.
but you haven't answered a much more important question - did you get to see a bonfire and fireworks?
No bonfire, no fireworks except for the few we could see from the window. We've been hearing them for two nights though. Did you go to a bonfire?
I wish we'd actually been able to go inside the hospital itself. Our talk was held in the conference centre outside the high brick walls. A.C. Grayling is a very good interviewer, very relaxed and easygoing. He keeps control of the time but lets the ideas roam, if you know what I mean. If you're interested, it seems he moderates many (maybe all) of the talks at the Wellcome Collection (www.wellcomecollection.ogr).
I wish we'd actually been able to go inside the hospital itself. Our talk was held in the conference centre outside the high brick walls. A.C. Grayling is a very good interviewer, very relaxed and easygoing. He keeps control of the time but lets the ideas roam, if you know what I mean. If you're interested, it seems he moderates many (maybe all) of the talks at the Wellcome Collection (www.wellcomecollection.ogr).
um, you know I meant dot org, right? not ogr?
ogr or org - what's an rrr between friends?
i have heard AC Grayling on radio a few times - he's very interesting.
we didn't go to a bonfire. it was wet here and the pub at the bottom of the road [actually our next-door neighbours] were having fireworks so we could watch them by standing outside the kitchen door, without getting too wet.
I found the set of lectures that you are talking about on the www.wellcomecollection.org website. they look fascinating; sadly they are all in London. but they are broadcast on the World Service, so I'll have to make a note of when they are gonig to be on. Lucky you to get on the only one which involved a day trip - how did you find out about it?
i have heard AC Grayling on radio a few times - he's very interesting.
we didn't go to a bonfire. it was wet here and the pub at the bottom of the road [actually our next-door neighbours] were having fireworks so we could watch them by standing outside the kitchen door, without getting too wet.
I found the set of lectures that you are talking about on the www.wellcomecollection.org website. they look fascinating; sadly they are all in London. but they are broadcast on the World Service, so I'll have to make a note of when they are gonig to be on. Lucky you to get on the only one which involved a day trip - how did you find out about it?
To be honest, ann, I can't remember how we found out about it. I'd certainly never heard of it before we came here. I think we were just walking by on the way to or from the British Library and something must have caught our attention. They have exhibits there and also a nice cafe and a very interesting bookstore. 'Lectures' sounds more school-ish than they actually are. The ones we've been to are quite casual and often funny. Those scientists are a wacky bunch!
There may still be some fireworks displays tomorrow night. Or there's always the Lord Mayor's Show next Saturday (procession in the morning, and fireworks at 5pm on the river; best viewpoints for the procession somewhere up the bit of Fleet St that slopes down to Ludgate Circus on the way out, and where the road slopes up from the Embankment to Blackfriars Bridge, and best viewpoint for the fireworks near the Oxo Tower).
http://www.lordmayorsshow.org/
http://www.lordmayorsshow.org/
annhig, do you live very far from London? I don't think all their events are in the evenings. The weekend ones are in the daytime, at least.
Patrick, I've been seeing posters for the Lord Mayor's Show but had absolutely no idea what it was. I've never heard of it before. I'll try to convince SO that we need to get out and see at least part of it, probably the fireworks. I guess places like the Oxo bar would be booked up, wouldn't they? It would be nice to see the fireworks from there, especially with a vodka martini in hand!
Patrick, I've been seeing posters for the Lord Mayor's Show but had absolutely no idea what it was. I've never heard of it before. I'll try to convince SO that we need to get out and see at least part of it, probably the fireworks. I guess places like the Oxo bar would be booked up, wouldn't they? It would be nice to see the fireworks from there, especially with a vodka martini in hand!
And thanks, RM -- I'm enjoying writing it. When we're home, I'll just print it all out and have an 'interactive' trip journal!
If you've been following the news back home, you'll know that Toronto has an ice cube's chance in hell in the next 4 years of ever having a 'Lord Mayors Show', so enjoy the chance you have.
GTG, the show is a combination of historic pageantry (gilded coach, liveries and uniforms) as the Lord Mayor does the ceremonial for his taking office, plus a community and commercial carnival parade (different organisations with City of London connections put in floats and bands, and some overseas visitors too for no obvious reason other than fun and colour). If the weather's OK, it's worth a look, or there's usually some TV coverage.
As for the fireworks, I've never tried to get into a bar with a view, for that obvious reason! But anywhere along that part of the river is right opposite the lunch barges, so you get a pretty good view.
http://autolycus-london.blogspot.com...yors-show.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSOFm18BGUk
As for the fireworks, I've never tried to get into a bar with a view, for that obvious reason! But anywhere along that part of the river is right opposite the lunch barges, so you get a pretty good view.
http://autolycus-london.blogspot.com...yors-show.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSOFm18BGUk
The curse of the wandering cursor - "launch" barges, of course.
Well, I thought the lunch barges sounded pretty interesting too.
Oh, mathieu, I know! I'm so concerned for my city. How could anyone vote that idiot into office?
Oh, mathieu, I know! I'm so concerned for my city. How could anyone vote that idiot into office?
GTG-The penny dropped and I finally figured out that I've passed the Wellcome Collection many times on the bus. Didn't realize they had such interesting lectures and will have to look around if/when I next visit.
Never seen the LMS but if you want to go to Oxo or any restaurant close, I'd be there early. I think the parade usually has at least one or two bands from North America-there's always an article in my local paper.
You still have a month left in London, don't think about going home yet....
Never seen the LMS but if you want to go to Oxo or any restaurant close, I'd be there early. I think the parade usually has at least one or two bands from North America-there's always an article in my local paper.
You still have a month left in London, don't think about going home yet....
annhig, do you live very far from London? I don't think all their events are in the evenings. The weekend ones are in the daytime, at least. >>
only 300 miles but it feels like 3000 sometimes, the time it takes to get there. 6 hours drive/ 5 or so on the train. I worked in London for 15 years or so, but never lived there, so you probably know more places than I do.
only 300 miles but it feels like 3000 sometimes, the time it takes to get there. 6 hours drive/ 5 or so on the train. I worked in London for 15 years or so, but never lived there, so you probably know more places than I do.
emily, I can't bear to think about it because I know that while it's 5 weeks now, those last few weeks are going to disappear in the snap of a finger. That said, I've still got a list of stuff I want to do and long walks to take.
Oh, that's too far for a casual visit then, annhig. Still, if you're here for a few days sometime, remember the Wellcome Collection.
Today we went to Highgate. We didn't do the whole walk that we'd planned because we got a late start but we walked in Highgate Woods, Muswell Hill Road, Southwood Road, South Grove, Highgate High Street, and down Swain's Lane. We walked in the cemetary for about an hour and I took lots of pictures of mossy angels. It's a beautiful old cemetary and I think this must be the prettiest time of year to be there. It smelled so beautiful because of all the fallen leaves.
After that we walked a little further down Swain's Lane but then we spotted the C11 bus which we know goes right to Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre and that's exactly where we had to be right around that time so we hopped on. The bus route was interesting -- it took us around the Royal Free Hospital and Belsize and Hampstead so now we know some other places to walk. We passed by Brasserie Gerard on Belsize. Is it good? Is it worth going back there for dinner? I notice that someone has just mentioned it (but on Kensington High Street) on another thread.
I always wait in the cafe at the leisure centre while SO is at the gym and today there were about three huge birthday parties in there so the place was full of kids about 3 to 6 years old. It was noisy but, boy, they were so cute!
After that, we stepped across the road to the movie theatre and saw Due Date with Robert Downey, Jr. (I like him a lot) and another fellow with a long Greek name. I'd never heard of him. It was much funnier and darker than I expected and we both liked it a lot -- much more than we thought we would. Do you remember "Trains, Planes and Automobiles" with Steve Martin and John Candy? Well, it's like a darker version of that. Oh, and I had popcorn in the movie theater. I was offered sweet, salty, or mixed. This is brand new to me. All our movie theatre popcorn is salty and (if you wish) "buttered" (and I used that word loosely). I chose mixed. Interesting but nothing to write home about.
Movie was followed up with a nice Chinese dinner and a long walk home. All in all, it was a lovely (and exhausting) day!
Oh, that's too far for a casual visit then, annhig. Still, if you're here for a few days sometime, remember the Wellcome Collection.
Today we went to Highgate. We didn't do the whole walk that we'd planned because we got a late start but we walked in Highgate Woods, Muswell Hill Road, Southwood Road, South Grove, Highgate High Street, and down Swain's Lane. We walked in the cemetary for about an hour and I took lots of pictures of mossy angels. It's a beautiful old cemetary and I think this must be the prettiest time of year to be there. It smelled so beautiful because of all the fallen leaves.
After that we walked a little further down Swain's Lane but then we spotted the C11 bus which we know goes right to Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre and that's exactly where we had to be right around that time so we hopped on. The bus route was interesting -- it took us around the Royal Free Hospital and Belsize and Hampstead so now we know some other places to walk. We passed by Brasserie Gerard on Belsize. Is it good? Is it worth going back there for dinner? I notice that someone has just mentioned it (but on Kensington High Street) on another thread.
I always wait in the cafe at the leisure centre while SO is at the gym and today there were about three huge birthday parties in there so the place was full of kids about 3 to 6 years old. It was noisy but, boy, they were so cute!
After that, we stepped across the road to the movie theatre and saw Due Date with Robert Downey, Jr. (I like him a lot) and another fellow with a long Greek name. I'd never heard of him. It was much funnier and darker than I expected and we both liked it a lot -- much more than we thought we would. Do you remember "Trains, Planes and Automobiles" with Steve Martin and John Candy? Well, it's like a darker version of that. Oh, and I had popcorn in the movie theater. I was offered sweet, salty, or mixed. This is brand new to me. All our movie theatre popcorn is salty and (if you wish) "buttered" (and I used that word loosely). I chose mixed. Interesting but nothing to write home about.
Movie was followed up with a nice Chinese dinner and a long walk home. All in all, it was a lovely (and exhausting) day!
Highgate is a wonderful little village-I like it better than Hampstead myself. It also has one of my favorite parks, Waterlow Park on Highgate Hill.
http://3daysinlondon.info/2010/10/15...k-highgate-n6/
Going to the movies or cinema as they call it was a new experience for us. We went to a multiplex in Kensington(?) and didn't realize you have to choose your seats when you buy the tickets. So monkey see, monkey do, we did what everyone else did and choose the middle seats. Turns out everyone was sitting in the middle of the movie theatre and the right and left aisle seats were empty. When I first visited London, I noticed they offered sweet popcorn more often then they do now. Perhaps the salted, butter popcorn is becoming more popular.
Glad you still have 5 weeks to enjoy..and write about.
http://3daysinlondon.info/2010/10/15...k-highgate-n6/
Going to the movies or cinema as they call it was a new experience for us. We went to a multiplex in Kensington(?) and didn't realize you have to choose your seats when you buy the tickets. So monkey see, monkey do, we did what everyone else did and choose the middle seats. Turns out everyone was sitting in the middle of the movie theatre and the right and left aisle seats were empty. When I first visited London, I noticed they offered sweet popcorn more often then they do now. Perhaps the salted, butter popcorn is becoming more popular.
Glad you still have 5 weeks to enjoy..and write about.
