goddesstogo and mr. goddess's big London adventure (an ongoing tale)
Nov 1st, 2010, 06:52 PM
#481
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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?
Nov 2nd, 2010, 02:41 AM
#483
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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?
Nov 2nd, 2010, 03:21 PM
#486
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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.
Nov 3rd, 2010, 05:40 AM
#487
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!
Nov 3rd, 2010, 08:48 AM
#488
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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.
Nov 3rd, 2010, 01:25 PM
#489
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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.
Nov 3rd, 2010, 03:53 PM
#490
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.
Nov 3rd, 2010, 05:04 PM
#491
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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)
Nov 4th, 2010, 01:44 AM
#492
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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?
Nov 4th, 2010, 02:28 AM
#493
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"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/
Nov 5th, 2010, 03:28 PM
#495
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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.
Nov 5th, 2010, 06:58 PM
#499
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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!
