Most Ethical Cabbie Ever

So, yesterday as I was coming home from my business trip, I asked my cabbie from the train to my flat  if he could give me an extra receipt (now, granted it was like only 4 pounds = 5 minutes because it was only from the overground train station near my house, but my feet were killing me from the heels all day and it was drizzling and I had two bags and I just couldnn't do it any more).

Now, my intentions were good.  I realized in Madrid that I didn't get a receipt for my cab from the airport to the hotel (30 euros, yo), and my employer is a little bit of a stickler with receipts.  So, I thought if I could just get some sort of official looking paperwork, I could pass it by and get the money I justly deserved.

Ha, ha.  He was so uncomfortable with this request.  He said something close to "huh?  Wait, what?  A what?  An extra receipt?  Wait, um ... No, wait, why? {I just need to show my company that I took this trip and just need receipt to write it down. No biggie.}  Oh, bloody hell, no you're going to write something like six pounds on there ... No way! No."   Slam, vrooooom.

Ha, ha!  So funny.  I mean, really, a blank piece of cabbie letterhead was all I needed, but he was so concerned with the greater ethical consequence of me jipping my company expense account for 3 pounds.  Gotta love those quaint, honest Brits!

Madrid ... Segundo vez

Had to travel back to Madrid for a quick business meeting one night this week. Good news is I had a great hotel in Plaza Santa Ana, and turns out, a night on my own to buy great clothes, revisit Mercado San Miguel, and wander back for some tapas near home before taking an uber hot shower in my go-oo-ood shower.

Mi Hotel

Spain is one of the key markets in my region (at work), and we are launching an exciting new way to measure online consumption there, so it will certainly be a city I will get to know well and be able to visit often to better understand the online marketplace (how often do you visit  elmundo??).

We had a big industry event there and I am impressed.  My colleagues taught me a thing or two, and I am humble to be a partner in all of this (yes, surprisingly I am understanding everything "en espanol").  So lucky I am.  I do like this city.  I really want to be able to do business in Thpanish before I leave my tour over here in the EU (FYI, Thpaniards pronounce their S as a "th" as in mia catha e thua catha ... hear me? a little different from my Chi-town Mexicanos ...)

El Mercado de San Miguel

My hotel was spectacular, and I am a bit of a hotel diva.  Hot shower, nice products, prime location.  Wondered around and found some great clothes, another great round at San Miguel, and then back near the hotel for a few more tapas before bed.

Another great trip to Madrid, a spectacular city full of excitement.

Foxes in London

Very early after my arrival, at a local garden centre I had my first run in with a fox.  I was surprised at how casual it was, not seeming to be afraid, and how other humans seemed to be awed at its presence and happy to know it was around.  Early October, around 5:30AM, as I was picked up by a taxi I saw another trotting down the side of my street.  Most recently, I saw a fox hunting around my back yard garden late Saturday night.  It stopped and stared at me for quite a while before running off.

Cool.  So far.

Day trip on the Island ... Exeter!

Exeter Castle

So, Exeter may not be on anyone's short list for places to visit, but when there is a knitting expo at the Corn Exchange it definitely moves its way up for a nice way to spend a day!  Exeter (when a word is a different color it is actually a link to more info.  Check it out!) is located in the southwestern part of the island, and I came across this show in a newsletter I subscribed to for a local knit shop.  Only two hours on the train, and when I checked out the town online I saw some antique shops and a castle, so I figured why not!  A friend came along, so up and early we were on our way.

The River Quay

The train ride went quick, with lots of greenery, cows, and sheep along the way.  Upon arrival we made our way over to the yarn show, which did have lots of nice options.  I did have to deny my urge to spends loads on money on locally grown cashmere.  I managed to leave without making a purchase (trust me, I have enough yarn to last me a while).

Next stop was down to the River Quay to check out the antiques and swans.  Delightful little area with coffee shops, etc. and seems lots of locals make this town a bit of a destination area to shop / hang out.  There were musicians in the street, cafes, some great architecture, cathedrals ... and a nice park that had remnants of a castle that was constructed in 1066 - old.  We capped of the day with a quick bite, hiked back to the train station, and enjoyed a beautiful sunset on the ride home.  Ahhhhh.

Exeter Downtown 

The ride home

I've got BlueTits!

I was hoping they would be the less common Giant Tits, but they are in fact Blue Tits.  I have decided to take it upon my self to work at home the past two days, given that work the last two weeks has been extremely hectic with nightly conference calls from 8-10P with the States.  The work at home decision was also provoked by the fact that the aforementioned work stress has given me a giant pimple on my chin that really should not be seen in public.

Good news is that this has allowed me to do some bird watching in my garden while working at the kitchen table.  Quite active out there!  And I am delighted to see that finally the birds are visiting my feeder (I had to move it to under the tree for it to get some action).  They are so cute!

I should mention that the exercise of googling photos of common British birds was quite interesting, but I was a bit hesitant to hit "Go" after typing in to google images of blue tits.  That ended up being safe.  Googling images for Giant Tits though, not so much.

Bonfire Night

the glow ...

or, otherwise known as Guy Fawkes night was this Saturday and is an annual celebration to celebrate "a failed conspiracy by a group of provincial English Catholics to assassinate the Protestant King James I of England and VI of Scotland and replace him with a Catholic head of state."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy_Fawkes_Night

So, for me, this essentially boils down to a huge bonfire, hot mulled wine, and arguably the best fireworks display I have ever seen.  I took the tube down to Battersea Park, the center of the festivities, to meet some friends at the Prince Albert pub.  After a few cocktails, we were off to the park (with thousands of other people) to see the lighting of the bonfire.  This baby was three stories of flaming pallets.  Huge and warm, which we really needed at that moment.  It was crispy!  The spiced wine did help that a bit too!
I've been smelling this at random locations past few weeks and was happy to finally have me a sip.  Tasty.


Once the bonfire simmered down, the mother of all firework displays set off.  Uh-mazing.  Really, it was.  Color coordinated, orchestrated to (bizarre at times) music, and huge.  As is said in Portuguese, Valeu!

Current Favorite Neighborhood

So, as of last weekend I am officially on my own again (sniff), and this week has been extremely hectic at work, so nothing like the weekend to do some more exploring!  Yeah!  The weather was absolutely perfect, warmer than usual this week, and sunny, crisp this weekend.  I was drawn to this neighborhood at first because geographically it is the closest Whole Foods to my flat, but after going to check it out, I knew I had to go back and spend some quality time to explore.

Stoke Newington is a happy little quaint town, full of coffee shops, vintage clothing stores, antiques, garden centres, a Faaarrrrmerr's market (which if you know me was when I was officially sold), and an odd bonus - a 19th century cemetery.

It is just a short 10 minute bus ride from my flat, and I got off at one end and just took my time walking up the high street.  First, order of duty was a delicious cup of coffee and a salmon/dill/sundried tomato concoction on rye toast.  Delicious!  The place is a gourmet food mart that has wine and cheese tasting events that were quite tempting ... I sense I will be back here.
 
Then, I got on to walking on, and noticed this little shop where the owners were making their own clothes.  So, I just had to purchase this unique, red capelet with perfect detail and shape (why don't I have a picture?).  The women took so much pride in their work, and truly love each piece.  I felt really touched to meet them, and am proud to wear this handmade, local, original work of art.  It just makes me happy to know people like this still exist.

I knew there was a large "park" off the high street from referencing my handy A-Z street map, and when I veered off to check it out I was shocked to see it was actually a very old, creepy, oddly peaceful cemetery.  With the sun the way it was and the trees showing off their amazing colors, it was a photographer's dream.

There were so many headstones they were virtually falling over each other, most dating from the late 1800s and early 1900s.  The park is quite huge, so paths seem to go on forever deep into the woods, and as I walked I encountered an abandoned old gothic church where the windows had all fallen out.  Scary, exciting ... it was like being in a movie.  I was just waiting for a ghost to appear (if they exist, they are definitely there).  Made for a very, very interesting, fun afternoon.

Just kept on walking, walking all the way home.  Stopped by the Italian deli for a mini panettone, the grocers for some fruit and veg for the week, and topped it off with a mani/pedi before I went back to prep for the night out with friends.  Perfect.  I am blessed.

Proof we were There!

Big Ben

I had yet to see the iconic sights in London - Big Ben, House of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, the London Eye - as I knew with time this would be a tour I would take several times as others came to visit.  And so it goes, this past weekend we visited all the sites.  Even made it to Buckingham Palace, Harrod's, Picadilly Circus (a "circus" in London refers to what we would call a roundabout, or a road that goes in a circle and forms a sort of plaza), and topped it all off with delicious sushi (finally) in Soho.  After it was all done, about seven hours on foot.

All sights were of course impressive, but I should have probably done this tour before seeing the Duomo in Milan, because I'm not sure anything can beat that for architectural wonder.

The London Eye

The One and Only

Prego!

This week I had my second "business" trip out of the U.K. since moving over ... Milano!  Located in the center of the Northern part of the boot, well known for its fashion industry and the magnificent Duomo Cathedral.  There for just two nights, I again proceeded to walk around the old city center near the cathedral and major shopping areas.  Our hotel couldn't have been more perfectly located (thanks Nielsen!).

After we arrived Monday evening we started to take a stroll around, catching the setting sun on the side of Duomo.  I have never been so close to a building that made me feel so insignificant and in awe.  It towered to the heavens, with white stone, arches, spectacular stained glass windows, and covered with what has to be thousands of sculptures, and topped off with lace-like details picketing across the top.  We walked by it dozens of times, and each time I couldn't help but just stop and stare.  The inside was just as impressive - completely hollow, with very thin archways supporting the domed ceilings, and mosaicked marble floors and the stained glass - OMG.  Coincidentally this program was on PBS.  It helps to show just exact how the people would have done this 500 years ago without modern tools (but they did have a lot more patience.  NOVA: Building Gothic Cathedrals

That evening we found a quaint little Italian restaurant, got a couple great bottles of Nebbiolo (yummy!) and some carpacchio and burrata cheese.  Main courses were lamb and a squid ink pasta that I was so involved with I forgot to take a picture.  Our fellow diners were from Egypt, and very friendly.  We conversed for quite a while until the restaurant owner brought us out two huge glasses of Limoncello ... Gratzi!!  Such a happy night.

Next morning we set out to see the shopping scene, and man, is there one.  Streets lined with flagship stores for Versace, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Dolce and Gabbana (of whom Madonna is doing an ad campaign and looks freakin' spectacular) ... anyway, you name it they were there and I couldn't even afford to look in the window let alone take home a souvenir.  Anyway, fancy name brands are not really my thing, so I just went to get a chocolate gelato and marvel at the cathedral again.

From there I had to go the office, came back and we ate some pasta at a little cafe, and in the morning off to work, work, work.  It was a pretty basic meeting - everything went well with my pres, and they only did it about half in Italian (which I also can pick up about half of too, so there is hope I may be able to get some language skills down on that as well).  Looks like I'll be back here soon as well, as some interesting project ideas came up.  Prego!!

First trip to the Main Land!

Last week I had my first official "work" trip to Madrid - and first ever trip to mainland Europe.  It was somewhat a pleasure trip as well since we flew in a day early and did some sightseeing around Old Madrid before I had to head to the office and do the client meeting the next morning.

First, my flat is not exactly convenient to the airports in London - of which there at least five and all are about an hour and a half journey.  So any future visitors beware there are planes, trains, metro and buses involved.  However, we did make it to the airport in time for the flight (which was painfully delayed 2 hours!!), but all in all it was a really exciting trip.

Madrid is beautiful.  We stayed just off Plaza Santa Ana, which is a quick walk to the center of Madrid - Plaza del Sol and Plaza Mayor.  The latter is a HUGE square in the heart of Madrid that is extremely historic (at least that is what the guidebook said, and I believe my High School Spanish teacher Sra. Nelson said the same).

Museu de Jamon

However, what became the most central location of the trip was El Museo del Jamon (the Museum of Ham).  Never had I considered that so many pig legs would be in one location, and that they would be this tasty.  Once we dropped off our bags in the hotel, we were out the door (both hungry) and we just happened upon this Museu (if you will) that was full of Madrillenos (Madridians) standing up, eating "air dried ham" sandwiches and sipping beer/wine.  Score.  I myself ate there two more times (once for breakfast and the other way too late), and my other half - think he made it back two more times on top of that.

We walked the streets for a few hours, sat and had some wine, walked a bit more and finally ended up on the first night at El Mercado de San Miguel.  OMD (oy mio deus) this place is a mecca of goodness, up near the level of holiness of thou Borough Market in London.  I felt like a kid in a toy shop, eyes darting about, not able to decide what to have next.  What to get first was easy - big glass of Spanish Rioja.  After that, we nibbled on olives wrapped in sardines, cured fishes on toast, fresh oysters, chocolate and coconut truffles ... a then a bit more Rioja.  Wondered back through Plaza Mayor to our hotel (after a quick stop off for one more little bite at El Museu), where we had free glasses of champaign on the rooftop terrace and back to pass out.  Awesome experience, and so fortunate to share with my BF BF.

The next AM we had time to catch some cafe con leche and do some more wondering, where we hit Palacio Real and some other beautiful plazas and landmarks I can't name.  Then I had to head off to the office.  It is about 15 minutes taxi ride outside the center, and is very small (~20 people), but everyone was very nice.  I had been stressing about the preparation for this meeting since I did not get the data I needed for my presentation until the night before we left, but it all went fine.  You know those Latinos -  manana, manana.  The most impressive part for me was that I actually understood the entire two hour meeting that was conducted in Spanish.  Seems like I just may accomplish that little goal.  Heading back mid-November.

Like my Shades?

Should have bought these ...  Brick Lane Vintage Market.

My first guest!

Guess who arrived this weekend?  Right!  We made it the first three months apart, and now we have three weeks together.  Of course, the first order of business (after a nap to help the jet lag and a walk around to show off the neighborhood) was to get him on over to the Borough market.  With the Tower Bridge right there we did a little sightseeing tour, and then on to the good stuff!  We picked up greens, and salami, cheese, yogurt, squash ... all the pickin's for a delicious couple of meals this weekend.  Yeah!  I am so happy!

Fringe.

Time for a change ... another one.

Last Relo Purchase

Needs a little dusting.

The one last item I had needed for my flat was a kitchen table.  I have had two TV trays side-by-side since I moved in, and since the BF is coming Friday, the time had come to finally get it in gear (plus, now I can file my expense report).  Another auction house score!  Granted, this table has a few flaws, but for 80 pounds, this "late Victorian walnut centre table, octagon top, united by under tier on turned supports" is perfect for my little spot.  Also, it follows my theme of carved flowers, so I am happy.

I have also discovered Addison Lee - THE delivery service (goods and people) for London.  Only 11 pounds to get it home.  I did have to remove the top to get it in, but it is there now.  I shall eat my dinner on it tonight and not be called a scammer to get it home!

Reap the rewards!

Apple crisp ... a big one for the office, a small one for me to try out, you know just to make sure.  Yum, yum!  Worth getting soaked in the rain!!  Thanks to former neighbor in Logan for the recipe!

The sweater is finished!

Cowl Neck Sweater by Karen Clements

I cast off this AM, finished knitting on the bus home last night.  I have finally finished the sweater I committed to knitting for my friend that closed her shop and moved to LA.  Very sassy, off the shoulder design.  I think it is great ... so relieved to have it done so I can start on a bunch of new projects I have been drooling over!!!!  Yeah!!!!!

Hewitts Farm

Knockholt Train Station

To keep myself in the know about what is going on around time I subscribed to TimeOut magazine.  A couple of weeks ago they had a column about "Pick Your Own" trips outside of town.  Essentially these are farms you can go to that allow you to pick your own fruit and veg then pay for what you take.  Right up my alley!  So, I had been marketing the idea around the office and with the new friends.  Got a few bites, so we planned for this morning.  Now, of course, any sort of planned outside activity is a risk in London, as no matter what it looks like in the AM, there is always a 60% chance of rain - more than likely.

Pear Trees

Anyway, the joint philosophy of my compadres was that you can not let the rain deter you here or you'll never do anything.  Nonetheless, this AM the weather was spectacular.  Hewitts Farm is about a 30 minute train ride south of London in the direction of Kent (only 5 pounds).  They have 76 acres of PYO (pick your own) with apples, pears, squash, pumpkins, plums, zucchini, corn, cauliflower, broccoli ... and in the Spring looks like berries, etc. as well.  So, off we went - two new GFs and one flatmate's Mom "Ro" from Yorkshire England.

The harvest, with fields in back

Of course, as luck would have it, on the way out the weather turned and it proceeded to drizzle the rest of the trip - and what a trip it was.  So, the instructions to get to this farm were to walk out of the station, follow the footpath, go across the golf course.  A bit vague and unusual, yet possible.  However, we were OUT THERE.  Not much around (can't believe there was golf!).  Anyway, it took us a while of tracking around up and down hills and through a little brush (even after 2 phone calls to the farm), but eventually we got there soaking wet and already covered in dirt, so more or less ready to go pick our own apples and veg!

Scenic walk back

So, I ended up getting a large zucchini for some bread, plenty of apples and pears for some sort of sweet I am going to make tomorrow, and squash, cauliflower, beets for this week's dinner (all pulled right from the ground!!) al for 3.90 pounds (this is like 6 bucks and would have been probably triple at my beloved Brough market).  Very cool.  Though I was soaked and my feet were like big white prunes (ewww) when I got home, I had a great time and would certainly go back, hopefully when it is sunny and strawberries are in season!

Wapping

Friday night I got an invite to go to dinner out in Wapping ... this is a neighborhood on the East side of town, right on the river.  One of those hidden gem parts of London I think.  Not touristy, not in the guidebooks, farther out than most west-siders want to go, but wow ... loved it.  As I was walking down the street, wet from the rain earlier that day, lit with dim lanterns, it looked like what I would imagine old London would have been.  Also, a first, I had to take the "overground" train to get there.  Which is more or less kind of like the tube, but, well like the name suggests, is overground.  Public transport here is the bomb - this station is just minutes from my place.

The place is called the Wapping Project and is an old hydraulic power station converted into an artistic exhibition site / outstanding restaurant.  One of new Chicago gals lives right near by ...  the place is hip and we had spectacular food.  A very industrial, architectural design inside.  Right up my alley with natural, local preparation.  Had some smoked eel with a wonderful horseradish sauce, some bacon wrapped date, and for entre a sea bream with crab croquette.  And honestly for what it was, the price was in line.   Yeah!  A friend that likes to spend $$$ on spectacular food  ... oh, and she just did half iron man, so also encourgement for fitness focus.

Unfortunately the picks do not do this place justice, so just maybe you'll have to visit there with me to see it for yourself.  Happy, happy.

King's Head Theatre

I have been told that I must check out the theatre in the back of some of the pubs here in London.  Interesting, I thought.  There are of course thousands of pubs in London I am sure, and I did not know that some have small theatres in the back with low budget independent shows.  In my neighborhood is King's Head Pub, supposedly one of the best pub theatres in London.  I had looked at the flyer several times while walking about, because as coincidence would have it, it is set in Chicago and tackles the topic of race.  While I was out with a couple of my new GFs they also were interested, so we made a date for Thursday.  Just so happens a former co-worker of mine also moved to London this week so she came along as well.  Nice group of four somewhat strangers on the verge of new friendship went to see a play in London about their home town.  Happy.

The show made from a nice night out, controversial topic to discuss over our French food after the show, and I am somewhat surprised that in past couple weeks I think I have made some really good friends.

Cheers!

http://www.kingsheadtheatre.org/home/what-s-on/this-is-how-it-goes.php

Likely suspect ...

I think this fat boy ate the mushroom ... largest slug by far recorded to date in garden de Sarah ... too bad death was the penalty.