Have a Seat

Thinking of IM Pei:  his philosophy of design spaces (form flowing from function), his tremendous impact on the world of architecture & art (pushing boundaries, paving the way for art alive); the legacy he leaves for our living & viewing pleasure, for our imaginations.

Finding Treasure: Running along the Canal

The canal starting in the Paddington basin is one of my favourite places to run in London. I love the cobblestone paths, eerie quiet and charming houseboats as I am transported to a different time & place. One of the many delights of this vibrant & historical city.

Finding Treasure: the most delectable crêpe

I have long known of La Crêperie de Hampstead, recommended by numerous friends as London’s most typical Parisian street crêperie. They are situated permanently in a “food truck” on Hampstead High Street, down the road from Hampstead Station.

Finding Treasure: Five Minutes with Peter Pan

One of the greatest joys of running in London is the frequent encounters with sculptures in the parks & streets. This one is Kensington Gardens has always been one of my favourites, for the story it represents & the the numerous squirrels, fairies and rabbits that surround our hero.

Finding Treasure: Kenwood House

Tucked away in Hampstead Heath, not far at all from Central London, is this treasure called Kenwood House. I have frequented Hampstead on several occasions but always for the express purpose of singing Sacred Harp at Heath Street Baptist Church.  I had no idea that just a few minutes further down the road is countryside views which are unexpected and stunning, till a Hospitable Friend brought us to explore this lovely heritage home and her grounds, which are reminiscent of the Regency movies & books I love so much.

The Changing Seasons: November 2018

“Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Singapore anymore”

Borrowed from Frank L Baum’s Wizard of Oz

 

Bukit Batok Nature Park, Singapore 12 Nov 2018

Natural History Museum, London 26 Nov 18

In a blink of an eye, we find ourselves transported from tropical heat to wintery enchantment. We are in London to enjoy a few months with Beloved Aunt & Uncle, to experience the Christmas season in a much cooler fashion than afforded in sunny Singapore.

Finding Treasure: Five Minutes with a Greenhouse

One sleep on the plane this past Friday and suddenly, Lovely Daughters and I miraculously find ourselves transported from rainy, humid & hot Singapore to rainy, grey & cold London! Grey & Cold are by no means a criticism – this is the way we like our weather!

Thinking on the Cold

For those of us who live in the tropics and enjoy (if you prefer, replace with a verb of choice) a whole year of warm weather, travel to colder climes is a treat.

It baffles friends why we choose to spend many a Christmas in London; after all, why go when it’s so cold and likely to rain.  Apart from visiting family which is always precious, we do enjoy cold weather so it is a welcome respite for us.  And the promise of snow at Christmas is exciting!

Just thinking of skating outdoors in the crisp cold while I look out the window towards another blistering day!

Feature Photo: taken December 2016 at the skating rink in front of the Natural History Museum, London.  In response to Daily Post’s Wanderlust.

When is a Smiley Face not just a smiley face?

Flying cheerfully & enthusiastically atop Somerset House when we visited a couple of months ago was this unexpected sight.  This Smiley flag was raised to commemorate Utopia 2016:  a year of Imagination & Possibility, celebrating the 500th Anniversary of Thomas More’s Utopia.

The Surprise of Old Favourites

A trip to London would not be complete with a visit to Rabot at Borough Market.  We typically end up here for our favourite hot chocolate after a ramble and feed through the market.

This time we were pleasantly surprised by something new to us: Older Daughter got her chocolate with whip cream (which we usually do without as we are not big fans).  This is what we got:

Chili Hot Chocolate (left) for Loving Husband and Caramel Hot Chocolate (right)  with the most amazing chocolate whip ever!

The chocolate whip tasted like a cross between ice cream & mousse: a treat for the taste buds!  A reminder that we should always try a little variation even with our old favourites.

Feature Photo: Rabot at Borough Market, in response to the Daily Post’s Photo Challenge: The Road Taken