I can think of a few faces, I'd like to stick on the target!
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| how cool is this cake! And especially the candelabra?! |
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| a very strong Mojito in a napkin cape at Wenlock & Essex |
Saturday 30 November 2013
To be 25 again...
Having very young colleagues can sometimes be a little depressing as it's a constant reminder of my own age (not that I am OLD, but oldER). But on the whole it's good fun. R was celebrating her 25th birthday on Friday and I have the feeling that we will all have lots of fun with the bow and arrow we got her as a present :-)
I can think of a few faces, I'd like to stick on the target!
I can think of a few faces, I'd like to stick on the target!
A voyage of discovery
The ACC Liverpool was hosting their annual showcase event at Two Temple Place in London. An opportunity to find out about new developments at the venue as well as to discover this gorgeous venue, which I had never heard of!
Two Temple Place is a Victorian mansion built by William Waldorf Astor on Embankment, near Temple station. It can be hired for events and is also used for exhibitions. It's a stunning building with lots of wooden paneling and a beautiful staircase.
The evening was held under the motto: A voyage of discovery:
I like it. It's easy to get stuck in certain ways, isn't it? So, a good reminder to explore different angles. Nonetheless, it's also valuable to explore new landscapes and it's also easy to stay put out of laziness.
Two Temple Place is a Victorian mansion built by William Waldorf Astor on Embankment, near Temple station. It can be hired for events and is also used for exhibitions. It's a stunning building with lots of wooden paneling and a beautiful staircase.
The evening was held under the motto: A voyage of discovery:
"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes."
Marcel Proust
I like it. It's easy to get stuck in certain ways, isn't it? So, a good reminder to explore different angles. Nonetheless, it's also valuable to explore new landscapes and it's also easy to stay put out of laziness.
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| The obligatory goody bag: a bottle of rum, a chocolate advent calendar (my third this week!), a Christmas pudding and a compass |
Thursday 28 November 2013
The School of Life
Not metaphorically but literally. I can't remember how/where I came across this - I think it must have been in Time Out or The Stylist - but I thought that most of the courses offered by The School of Life sounded very interesting. The school is located in Bloomsbury close to Russell Square and Euston stattion.
According to their website: "The School of Life is devoted to developing emotional intelligence through the help of culture. We address such issues as how to find fulfilling work, how to master the art of relationships, how to understand one's past, how to achieve calm and how better to understand and, where necessary change, the world."
The class I attended this week was on 'How to stay calm'. An obvious choice for me. I get agitated way too often and way too easily and I was looking forward to learn new techniques on how to address this.
The class started with drinks and nibbles and a chance to get chatting to other attendees and discuss questions like: Is there something like 'too calm'? (clearly not, in my view) We then go downstairs to the 'classroom'. There are about 25 people - more women than men and ranging from early twenties to early fifties. Gaylene Gould is giving the class. In the course of the evening, she introduces views from a number of philosophers and we have a number of discussions in pairs or small groups.
As a taster session, it was interesting and I will look up the books she mentioned. I also enjoyed exchanging ideas with the other attendees but overall, I was a bit disappointed. I of course know that there is no quick fix, but I expected more 'tools' that I could use in daily life.
According to their website: "The School of Life is devoted to developing emotional intelligence through the help of culture. We address such issues as how to find fulfilling work, how to master the art of relationships, how to understand one's past, how to achieve calm and how better to understand and, where necessary change, the world."
The class I attended this week was on 'How to stay calm'. An obvious choice for me. I get agitated way too often and way too easily and I was looking forward to learn new techniques on how to address this.
The class started with drinks and nibbles and a chance to get chatting to other attendees and discuss questions like: Is there something like 'too calm'? (clearly not, in my view) We then go downstairs to the 'classroom'. There are about 25 people - more women than men and ranging from early twenties to early fifties. Gaylene Gould is giving the class. In the course of the evening, she introduces views from a number of philosophers and we have a number of discussions in pairs or small groups.
As a taster session, it was interesting and I will look up the books she mentioned. I also enjoyed exchanging ideas with the other attendees but overall, I was a bit disappointed. I of course know that there is no quick fix, but I expected more 'tools' that I could use in daily life.
Wednesday 27 November 2013
The joy of grocery shopping
Yes, I am a bit sad. I like going shopping in supermarkets abroad (well, abroad as well as at home actually). We unfortunately only stumbled across this one shortly before it closed, so I didn't get as much time as I would have wanted, but I was very happy to get the Speculoos spread, which I had read about. It's a spread like nutella but made of 'Spekulatius' biscuits. One of them with crunchy bits and the other one smooth.
We had Andalouse sauce with our obligatory Belgian fries and while I couldn't work out what it tasted of, it was yummy and so I got a bottle of that, too. According to the label it's essentially a mix of tomatoes and mustard. And last but not least, I got a bottle of apple puree.
We had Andalouse sauce with our obligatory Belgian fries and while I couldn't work out what it tasted of, it was yummy and so I got a bottle of that, too. According to the label it's essentially a mix of tomatoes and mustard. And last but not least, I got a bottle of apple puree.
Kiwis, dreams and pancakes
The best bit about the trip to Belgium were the people I went with. My friend's friends were all lovely and except for one all from New Zealand. The only English girl in the group is a psychologist and we spent hours discussing psychology, issues, non-issues, dreams and life. And to top it off, her father is from the same town in Mauritius as my Mum!
I feel a bit like making up for lost time in terms of spending time with friends and socializing generally. I think back to my university days and I can't quite understand what happened in the years since then. It's good to have this back in my life.
I feel a bit like making up for lost time in terms of spending time with friends and socializing generally. I think back to my university days and I can't quite understand what happened in the years since then. It's good to have this back in my life.
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| delicious pancake filled with ham, cheese and pineapple :-) |
Monday 25 November 2013
A bucket of hot chocolate
Ok, it's not exactly a bucket - but close! I only drank about half of it...
This little cafe, with a chocolate store (one of the 50 in Bruges) on the ground floor, and just a few tables on the first floor, claims to offer the best hot chocolate in the whole of the city. I think they also have one of the rudest waiters in the whole of Bruges...
I went for the dark hot chocolate. You get a whole pile of chocolate chips in a little chocolate basket and can add as much or as little as you like to the bowl of hot milk. And you get a little whisk, to mix it all up. To go with it, I had the waffle with hot cherries and cream. The waffles are the think kind, not the fat Belgian ones. Both yummy! But I do wonder whether most of the hot chocolates get wasted, as portions are simply too big!
This little cafe, with a chocolate store (one of the 50 in Bruges) on the ground floor, and just a few tables on the first floor, claims to offer the best hot chocolate in the whole of the city. I think they also have one of the rudest waiters in the whole of Bruges...
I went for the dark hot chocolate. You get a whole pile of chocolate chips in a little chocolate basket and can add as much or as little as you like to the bowl of hot milk. And you get a little whisk, to mix it all up. To go with it, I had the waffle with hot cherries and cream. The waffles are the think kind, not the fat Belgian ones. Both yummy! But I do wonder whether most of the hot chocolates get wasted, as portions are simply too big!
Frozen
It was pretty cold in Belgium. And even colder (-6C!) at Snow & Ice - the Sculpture Festival Brugge. It's right outside the train station in Bruges - you can't miss it. The exhibition is based on Disney's latest movie 'Frozen' but also shows other famous Disney creatures. It's really amazing what they've built in there - and the ice-slide is great fun! You better make sure you are appropriately dressed - as -6 is really rather cold! There is also an ice bar and the mulled wine helped to keep me warm.
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| amazing details |
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| Snow-white with Dopey and Grumpy |
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| Views of the ice bar from the top of the ice-slide |
More B's
After Brighton and Belfast earlier this month, I spent last weekend in Bruges and Brussels. When we booked the (cheap) Eurostar tickets during the summer, it still seemed ages away! The last six months have just gone by so quickly.
I'd been to both cities before, and particularly liked the charming Bruges and so I was very excited to explore their famous Christmas market this time. We stayed at the Hotel Academie - a 4* hotel about a 15 minute walk from the train station and just a short walk from the main square. What stood out for me was the very friendly receptionist, who gave us some great recommendations for restaurants. The room was ok. Nothing wrong with it, but not outstanding either. As it's located so centrally, there is quite a bit of noise from the street - but as we went to bed so late, it didn't bother us.
I'd been to both cities before, and particularly liked the charming Bruges and so I was very excited to explore their famous Christmas market this time. We stayed at the Hotel Academie - a 4* hotel about a 15 minute walk from the train station and just a short walk from the main square. What stood out for me was the very friendly receptionist, who gave us some great recommendations for restaurants. The room was ok. Nothing wrong with it, but not outstanding either. As it's located so centrally, there is quite a bit of noise from the street - but as we went to bed so late, it didn't bother us.
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| Xmas decorations in the hotel lobby... |
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| ...and bar |
Gingerbread man
Four more weeks until Christmas and all the coffee chains are offering their Christmassy coffee specials. I had a roasted chestnut latte last week, which was really nice. I over-sweetened it though by adding sugar to an already very sweet drink... And this is Costa's gingerbread latte:
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| complete with a little smiley gingerbread man |
Sunday 24 November 2013
A great Great Hall
Already thinking about next year's event, I went for a site visit at One Great George Street - a Grade II listed, four domed, Edwardian building in Westminster, just a short walk from Big Ben. It really is a lovely building with the incredibly impressive Great Hall, seating up to 260 for dinner. Check out the website for better photos!
It's that time of year again
It's always one of the highlights of my working year: the tasting for our annual dinner! For the third year, we are back at Church House Conference Centre and again we got to try three different starters, mains and desserts. All of which tasted delicious!
Emily, from the Centre, and Richard, from the catering company, joined us again and were as lovely as ever. Richard actually looks like a secret agent in his black tailored suit and especially with the radio earpiece. And he always has the air about him of someone who is in charge and knows exactly what he's doing. It's a good look, I'd say.
Emily, from the Centre, and Richard, from the catering company, joined us again and were as lovely as ever. Richard actually looks like a secret agent in his black tailored suit and especially with the radio earpiece. And he always has the air about him of someone who is in charge and knows exactly what he's doing. It's a good look, I'd say.
the bestest compliment
After I had a bit of a disaster at my usual hairdresser during the summer (I need to add that Joel wasn't available, so I had an appointment with one of his colleagues), I had to find a new place. And after spending a considerable time googling and consulting Wahanda, I picked Bar Hairdressing, a short walk from our office, near Barbican/Farringdon.
I had a very chatty Spanish hairdresser. For once, I didn't go for a drastic change, more of a trim really. But this story is not actually about the haircut or even the salon.
My hairdresser was talking Spanish to Brent, who owns the salon. I was very impressed with Brent's Spanish and asked where he learned it. Seems he just has a talent for languages (and knows/knew a lot of Spanish girls...). Brent then asked whether I was ... AUSTRALIAN!!! But most importantly, he IS Australian himself! Most English-speaking people don't seem to be able to place my accent, and a few English people have asked whether I am from Australia. But this is the first time an Australian thought I was a fellow Aussie.
Ahhhhhhh, good times! ;-)
I had a very chatty Spanish hairdresser. For once, I didn't go for a drastic change, more of a trim really. But this story is not actually about the haircut or even the salon.
My hairdresser was talking Spanish to Brent, who owns the salon. I was very impressed with Brent's Spanish and asked where he learned it. Seems he just has a talent for languages (and knows/knew a lot of Spanish girls...). Brent then asked whether I was ... AUSTRALIAN!!! But most importantly, he IS Australian himself! Most English-speaking people don't seem to be able to place my accent, and a few English people have asked whether I am from Australia. But this is the first time an Australian thought I was a fellow Aussie.
Ahhhhhhh, good times! ;-)
Birchbox November 2013
Spa Find: Sculpted Sihouette Anti-Cellulite Body Extract Serum
Weleda: Replenishing Oat Shampoo
Laura Mercier: Long Lash Mascara
Chella: Highlighter Pencil
English Laundry: Signature for her Eau de Parfum
Lifestyle extra: Pukka Herbs: Three Cinnamon, Elderberry&Echinacea, Early Grey (1 teabag each)
Goodie: Birchbox Pencil Sharpener
Weleda: Replenishing Oat Shampoo
Laura Mercier: Long Lash Mascara
Chella: Highlighter Pencil
English Laundry: Signature for her Eau de Parfum
Lifestyle extra: Pukka Herbs: Three Cinnamon, Elderberry&Echinacea, Early Grey (1 teabag each)
Goodie: Birchbox Pencil Sharpener
Tadaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
Done! And two weeks before the end of the course, as well! I'm quite pleased in terms of it actually looking like a skirt after all. But I'll still not be wearing it... The spring course starts in January and we'll be learning to sew a top. Loose fitting again... According to our teacher, we might want to consider buying fabrics suitable for a pyjamas top. I'm quite excited and I think I will get myself a sewing machine for Christmas (probably going to wait for the January sales to get it).
Friday 22 November 2013
Sushi making at the Jumeirah
The Buyers' Networking Club (BNC) invited to a Sushi making masterclass at the Jumeirah in London. I had actually never heard of this hotel group - quite possibly cause it's a 5* hotel... And (for work) we wouldn't use a 5* property for our events. It's a short a walk from Knightsbridge station and you wander past all the posh designer stores to get there. A different world!
Anyhow, we were enjoying the sushi and delicious finger food and got a quick show round the hotel, including their Royal Suite - which was simply amazing!!! I think it was probably the nicest and most spacious suite I've seen so far. Well, at £9,000 per night, you wouldn't expect any less!
As a special guest they had a make up artist and his team on site. Always happy to have a make-over, I let lovely Jenny was layering the make up on me. The close up photos she took of my face look seriously terrifying: super pale, with lines clearly visible around my eyes and a massive nose...
I don't think I will replicate the look. But she did give me some helpful tips which I will try to apply. And probably fail miserably...
Anyhow, we were enjoying the sushi and delicious finger food and got a quick show round the hotel, including their Royal Suite - which was simply amazing!!! I think it was probably the nicest and most spacious suite I've seen so far. Well, at £9,000 per night, you wouldn't expect any less!
As a special guest they had a make up artist and his team on site. Always happy to have a make-over, I let lovely Jenny was layering the make up on me. The close up photos she took of my face look seriously terrifying: super pale, with lines clearly visible around my eyes and a massive nose...
I don't think I will replicate the look. But she did give me some helpful tips which I will try to apply. And probably fail miserably...
That's me, that is!
Today's horoscope (Capricorn, if you are interested):
While the other earth signs are as thorough as you are when dealing with practical matters, you're more demanding, personally. That is, you require a lot of yourself and if you don't live up to your own high standards, can be a very harsh judge. For now, lighten up.
While the other earth signs are as thorough as you are when dealing with practical matters, you're more demanding, personally. That is, you require a lot of yourself and if you don't live up to your own high standards, can be a very harsh judge. For now, lighten up.
The city centre Roadhouse
Roadhouse is in Covent Garden, right on the Piazza and an American diner/late night bar/DJ/karaoke place. Took me a while to find it actually... Their competitors at the Meat Market, who are basically at the back of the building, helpfully pointed me in the right direction.
It's dark and cool, with little booths (I love booths in restaurants!) and not only do they have a daily happy (cocktail) hour, they also have a 2 course cocktail menu for just £14.95! How very handy as well, that one of my friends was detoxing (her words) - so I got to enjoy two cocktails! I had the crispy potato skins with bacon, cheese and sour cream for starter and the blackened salmon (with fries instead of mash) for main - both yummy!
It was lovely to see the girls as well. It had only been two weeks, but it felt like ages!
It's dark and cool, with little booths (I love booths in restaurants!) and not only do they have a daily happy (cocktail) hour, they also have a 2 course cocktail menu for just £14.95! How very handy as well, that one of my friends was detoxing (her words) - so I got to enjoy two cocktails! I had the crispy potato skins with bacon, cheese and sour cream for starter and the blackened salmon (with fries instead of mash) for main - both yummy!
It was lovely to see the girls as well. It had only been two weeks, but it felt like ages!
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| the Rasberrylicious |
Thursday 21 November 2013
Just Belfast
On Sunday it was pissing down with rain... So, we decided to go on one of the bus tours across the city. I have to say that until this year, I NEVER went on city bus tours, but I am actually really enjoying them. This one had a live guided commentary. Thanks to the rain and the cold, it was a little hard to see through the steamed up windows... but the tour was still very interesting (don't ask me for any facts though....). By the way, I also love the Northern Irish accent!
It's incomprehensible for me to think that The Troubles were still going on in this city only a few years ago. I cannot imagine a life under those circumstances. Apparently it's now the safest (or one of the safest) cities in the UK....
It's incomprehensible for me to think that The Troubles were still going on in this city only a few years ago. I cannot imagine a life under those circumstances. Apparently it's now the safest (or one of the safest) cities in the UK....
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| Queen's University |
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| The Cathedral |
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| The Europa hotel - famous for having been bombed 28 times during The Troubles |
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| Why? |
Belfast - The Ulster Museum
The Ulster Museum is also situated in the Queen's Quarter. Entry is free and it really is a great museum, where you could easily spend hours exploring! It has a large section on the history of Northern Ireland, including The Troubles in addition to an eclectic mix of archaeology, animals and plant life and changing exhibitions.
It currently hosts the Royal Ulster Academy's 132nd annual exhibition with some absolutely stunning pieces of art. Going to an art exhibition always makes me want to get creative myself. The colours, the imagination, the story that the pictures tell - it's just fantastic! It's a pity that I have no creative talent whatsoever...
I would definitely recommend checking it out when in Belfast (not least as I also got the lovely earrings in the museum's shop)!
It currently hosts the Royal Ulster Academy's 132nd annual exhibition with some absolutely stunning pieces of art. Going to an art exhibition always makes me want to get creative myself. The colours, the imagination, the story that the pictures tell - it's just fantastic! It's a pity that I have no creative talent whatsoever...
I would definitely recommend checking it out when in Belfast (not least as I also got the lovely earrings in the museum's shop)!
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| The Ulster Museum and the crossover of modern and classic on the outside |
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| The spacious entrance area |
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| this made me chuckle... German speakers will understand |
Belfast - the Tropical Ravine
The Tropical Ravine contains some of the oldest seed plants around
today, as well as banana, cinnamon, bromeliad and orchid plants. It was
built in 1889 by the park's head gardener, Charles McKimm, and his
staff (Belfast City website). A balcony leads around the building. In the middle of the building - a floor beneath the level of the balcony, there is a bit of a jungle going on. It's an interesting mix of a red-brick building with a greenhouse-glass ceiling and metal structures across.
In case you can't read this: at one end of the building there is a pond with fish and the above sign: 'To ensure the continued Health and Welfare of our Fish, Please Do Not Place Unwanted Aquatic Pets in our Ponds'.
Interesting use of capital letters - and an interesting message.
In case you can't read this: at one end of the building there is a pond with fish and the above sign: 'To ensure the continued Health and Welfare of our Fish, Please Do Not Place Unwanted Aquatic Pets in our Ponds'.
Interesting use of capital letters - and an interesting message.
prettiness
I love jewellery. For some reason, I've been wearing the same earrings most of the time recently. But that's about to change as I've been stocking up on some new ones:
The necklace is an early Christmas present from my sister, bought from 'Pretty Please' market stall at St George's market in Belfast. The brooch and the round earrings are also from the Ulster Museum and the silver trees are from Joy (in London).
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| and a bargain at just £1.99! from the Ulster Museum |
The necklace is an early Christmas present from my sister, bought from 'Pretty Please' market stall at St George's market in Belfast. The brooch and the round earrings are also from the Ulster Museum and the silver trees are from Joy (in London).
Belfast - the Palm House
The Botanic Gardens are situated in the Queens Quarter, right next to Queen's University. It's home to the Palm House - one of the earliest
examples of a glasshouse made from curved iron and glass. "It shows how
advances in glasshouse technology allowed horticulturists to grow exotic
plant species during the Victorian period. The building was designed by Sir Charles Lanyon, who also helped
design parts of nearby Queen's University. The foundation stone was laid
in 1839 and the two wings were completed in 1840 by leading ironmaster,
Richard Turner. The dome was added in 1852." (from Belfast City website).
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| The Palm House in the Botanic Gardens |
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| slightly creepy.... |
German kisses
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| a little piece of deliciousness |
And to my delight, the market stall offered them in all those exciting flavours, too (black forest cherry anyone?)! I was seriously tempted to buy a box of ten - but didn't really want to carry the box around with me... So, in the end, I settled for one with woodruff flavour! I had to, didn't I?
I'm very hopeful that they will also sell them at the London Winter Wonderland which opens on 22 November. And at the Bruges Christmas market which I will visit soon.
I'm a winner
A few months ago I won a trip for two to Belfast. To be honest, I can't remember when and where I took part in the competition, but I was of course delighted! It included return flights from Gatwick with Aer Lingus and two nights at the Ramada Plaza and a complimentary dinner.
On Saturday morning, I met up with one of the hotel's representatives to have a look at the conference facilities - I might as well, if I am already on site! And she won me over in an instant! Partly, because she thought I was Australian - people cannot possibly imagine what an awesome compliment that is for me!
Aside from that, she was very much the kind of person, I would like to be myself in my interactions with people. Exuding warmth, being personable and open and most of all being positive and excited about life. Quite possibly because I myself used to be feel very awkward in social situations (nowadays, I only feel slightly awkward...), meeting people who seem to find this very easy and also make it very easy for the other person, impress me a lot.
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| Seafood chowder and lamb seekh kebab for starters; massive lamb shank and venison sausages |
Aside from that, she was very much the kind of person, I would like to be myself in my interactions with people. Exuding warmth, being personable and open and most of all being positive and excited about life. Quite possibly because I myself used to be feel very awkward in social situations (nowadays, I only feel slightly awkward...), meeting people who seem to find this very easy and also make it very easy for the other person, impress me a lot.
Tuesday 19 November 2013
no words
My friend's husband has been diagnosed with cancer. He'd been running to doctors for the last six months or so and it is terrifying that it took them so long to diagnose it despite all the tests he had to go through. This week, they will find out what the next steps are.
It's one of these situations where there isn't really anything you can say or do to make things better. At least, I can't think of anything.
I wish them strengths and all the best for this trying time.
It's one of these situations where there isn't really anything you can say or do to make things better. At least, I can't think of anything.
I wish them strengths and all the best for this trying time.
Kindness is magic*
What a week it had been (last week). Lots of stuff happening and most of it exciting, but some of it tragic and others sad. I think, it must have been the stress that had been piling up, but on Friday afternoon, on my way to the airport, I just felt this inexplicable urge to have a good cry. It just felt as if I needed an outlet for a massive pile of tension.
Arriving at the airport, I went for a coffee. Now, I should probably mention that I am a bit of a klutz when it comes to carrying a tray. This is (the only!!) reason that I NEVER offer to get drinks for my colleagues. I just wouldn't be able to carry them up the stairs, through 3 (!) sets of doors!
Anyhow, I ordered a coffee and a bottle of juice and braced myself for carrying the tray over to an empty table. I was rather pleased with myself that I managed without spilling anything. Just when I was about to put the tray down, I bent down and forward, and my (heavy) back-bag slid down my shoulder and caused the coffee to spill everywhere... Argh.... Fortunately, I didn't get any of the hot coffee on myself.
I sat down, and just stared at the mess in exasperation. The lovely waitress had heard the noise and when she saw what had happened, she came over with a mop - and a smile. I apologized profusely - I felt so bad, that she had to clean up the mess I had made! But not only was she really nice, she also brought me another coffee immediately - without me even saying a thing. I was so grateful. It might be a small gesture for some, but it meant a lot to me.
* Ricky Gervais' Derek is now available on DVD. :-)
Arriving at the airport, I went for a coffee. Now, I should probably mention that I am a bit of a klutz when it comes to carrying a tray. This is (the only!!) reason that I NEVER offer to get drinks for my colleagues. I just wouldn't be able to carry them up the stairs, through 3 (!) sets of doors!
Anyhow, I ordered a coffee and a bottle of juice and braced myself for carrying the tray over to an empty table. I was rather pleased with myself that I managed without spilling anything. Just when I was about to put the tray down, I bent down and forward, and my (heavy) back-bag slid down my shoulder and caused the coffee to spill everywhere... Argh.... Fortunately, I didn't get any of the hot coffee on myself.
I sat down, and just stared at the mess in exasperation. The lovely waitress had heard the noise and when she saw what had happened, she came over with a mop - and a smile. I apologized profusely - I felt so bad, that she had to clean up the mess I had made! But not only was she really nice, she also brought me another coffee immediately - without me even saying a thing. I was so grateful. It might be a small gesture for some, but it meant a lot to me.
* Ricky Gervais' Derek is now available on DVD. :-)
0:1
England vs Germany, friendly at Wembley today. I didn't watch the game but I am of course happy with the result. But to be honest, I wouldn't have cared, had we lost. Had England won against a second tier German team - how much does that count for?
Loving the English post-match discussions, too. Let's emphasize the fact that Germany hasn't won a final since 1996. England would be over the moon if they ever got as far as Germany has in recent competitions!
Loving the English post-match discussions, too. Let's emphasize the fact that Germany hasn't won a final since 1996. England would be over the moon if they ever got as far as Germany has in recent competitions!
Monday 18 November 2013
The Special One - so near and still so far
When I got an invite to an Event Marketing Roundtable to be held at Stamford Bridge, I was over the moon! I'd been meaning to set up a site visit for the conferencing facilities at Chelsea's stadium for a while, but just hadn't gotten round to it. Perfect opportunity - as the discussions were followed by an optional tour.
And it was so exciting! I've been to a few stadiums and I'd say that the Chelsea's home dressing room is the most spacious and luxurious I've seen. We also got to see the press conference room and I sat at the table where Jose announced he was the Special One and where a vast number of players signed their contracts. And - of course! - I sat in Jose's seat in the dugout.
Next on my list: watch them play!!!
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| the tunnel |
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| the seat! |
Good day and farewell
The Aussies were having a little leaving do at Barrio East in Shoreditch last week.
Barrio East is a really cool Mexican bar - go even if only to check out the interior design! There was live music, a dance floor and a selection of cocktails are available at just £4.50 during happy hour (until 8pm). After a cider induced headache that same morning (from the cider I had the previous nights - I don't start my day drinking!), I decided to stick with the hard liquor that night. And the plan worked! Their gingerbread colada was delicious. Contrary to everyone else's opinion, I did not think that it tasted of bananas!!! The Barrio Zombie - at the bargain price of just £26 - on the other hand tasted pretty deadly. How the boys managed to finish it, is a mystery to me...
I also got to speak German with an Austrian girl and her Colombian friend who we met in the bar. The whole night out reminded me of my student days, when you would always meet new people and friends of friends. It also reminded me though of what a transient city London is. It of course adds to the multi-cultural element of the city and you get the opportunity to meet so many different people with different backgrounds. But on the downside, many people just float in and out of your life.
I suppose at the end of the day though, it's still better to have met them even if only briefly, then never to have met them at all. Like with all good things in life. Right?
Barrio East is a really cool Mexican bar - go even if only to check out the interior design! There was live music, a dance floor and a selection of cocktails are available at just £4.50 during happy hour (until 8pm). After a cider induced headache that same morning (from the cider I had the previous nights - I don't start my day drinking!), I decided to stick with the hard liquor that night. And the plan worked! Their gingerbread colada was delicious. Contrary to everyone else's opinion, I did not think that it tasted of bananas!!! The Barrio Zombie - at the bargain price of just £26 - on the other hand tasted pretty deadly. How the boys managed to finish it, is a mystery to me...
I also got to speak German with an Austrian girl and her Colombian friend who we met in the bar. The whole night out reminded me of my student days, when you would always meet new people and friends of friends. It also reminded me though of what a transient city London is. It of course adds to the multi-cultural element of the city and you get the opportunity to meet so many different people with different backgrounds. But on the downside, many people just float in and out of your life.
I suppose at the end of the day though, it's still better to have met them even if only briefly, then never to have met them at all. Like with all good things in life. Right?
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| The Barrio Zombie in its impressive jug |
Let's f*ck some frogs
Since The Book of Mormon opened in London, it's been on my list of musicals to see. To be honest, I didn't actually bother reading about the story, but everyone had been raving about it - that was good enough for me. Tickets - starting at £73 - aren't exactly cheap but are nevertheless selling fast. On the upside, even the 'cheap' tickets give you really good views of the stage at the Prince of Wales theatre, which is relatively small - so you aren't too far from the stage. Personally, I wouldn't bother paying more.
I really enjoyed it! The music, the story, the humour! I don't really understand the massive hype though - and at those ticket prices, I wouldn't go and see it again, but I would definitely recommend it. If you enjoy rather rude humour, that is. But as it's written by the creators of South Park, you wouldn't expect any less/different!
I really enjoyed it! The music, the story, the humour! I don't really understand the massive hype though - and at those ticket prices, I wouldn't go and see it again, but I would definitely recommend it. If you enjoy rather rude humour, that is. But as it's written by the creators of South Park, you wouldn't expect any less/different!
Sunday 17 November 2013
eat, drink, vietnam
I had my first classic pho at Cay Tre in Hoxton. I'm probably one of very few people who never had a pho and don't know what it is. Until last week of course.
It's a Vietnamese noodle soup: broth, linguine-shaped noodles, herbs, and meat. Herbs (we weren't entirely sure what it all included) and lemons were served on a separate plate. Add Hoisin and chili sauce to taste (and try to make sure not to spoil your soup with too much chili sauce) and enjoy! Perfect food for cold winter evenings.
This is quite a small and unpretentious restaurant but clearly has a big following - with people queuing for tables! And the portion was so big, that I only managed about half of it (not to worry - the other half did not go to waste; I don't think I've ever seen anyone eat so fast...).
It's a Vietnamese noodle soup: broth, linguine-shaped noodles, herbs, and meat. Herbs (we weren't entirely sure what it all included) and lemons were served on a separate plate. Add Hoisin and chili sauce to taste (and try to make sure not to spoil your soup with too much chili sauce) and enjoy! Perfect food for cold winter evenings.
This is quite a small and unpretentious restaurant but clearly has a big following - with people queuing for tables! And the portion was so big, that I only managed about half of it (not to worry - the other half did not go to waste; I don't think I've ever seen anyone eat so fast...).
Playing catch up
And I mean this in an entirely positive way. The last week has been pretty eventful and next week is likely to be just as busy. So, I am still playing catch up with sorting photos and updating the blog. I've just come home from a weekend in Belfast. Due to problems with the track, the train from Gatwick moved annoyingly slowly... To top it off, my local Chinese was closed! Nevermind, pasta with pesto it is instead.
More to follow - hope you all had an amazing weekend!
Thursday 14 November 2013
Another amazon delivery
And as the Girls season 1 DVD is down to just £10, I got that, too. My new and not yet watched DVD collection keeps growing... Instead of buying more, I should really start watching them, I suppose.
Wednesday 13 November 2013
Speedy Stitch Bitch
Before my Friday evening sewing class, I went for a quick drink with a colleague. Turns out that a little bit of alcohol makes me sew faster! And even though I was late for my class (oops...), I'm nearly done with my skirt. Now that the casing is attached to the skirt and the drawstring and elastics are inserted, it actually is recognizable as a skirt! And I learned how to sew a drawstring!
Nevertheless, I will never be wearing it. It still looks hideous... I am taking comfort from the fact that everyone else's skirts look equally hideous. It's simply the pattern. Or at least that's what I like to think.
And regarding the blog post title: I messaged my colleague to say that I'd been sewing really fast and she replied with 'speedy stitch' - which I first read as 'speedy bitch'... It's all very informal at work, but I did think that was a little cheeky - until I of course realized what she had actually written.
Nevertheless, I will never be wearing it. It still looks hideous... I am taking comfort from the fact that everyone else's skirts look equally hideous. It's simply the pattern. Or at least that's what I like to think.
And regarding the blog post title: I messaged my colleague to say that I'd been sewing really fast and she replied with 'speedy stitch' - which I first read as 'speedy bitch'... It's all very informal at work, but I did think that was a little cheeky - until I of course realized what she had actually written.
Monday 11 November 2013
Sunday 10 November 2013
My first Brick Lane curry
I cannot believe that I had never been to Brick Lane before! The Hokusai exhibition brought me here and I will definitely be back. It's such a vibrant and non-touristy area. We had a tea break in a little, cosy oriental cafe and then went for curry. There are so many curry houses and they all have their promoters outside, trying to lure you in. We settled for one that was quite empty. That usually makes me suspicious, but it was a good choice. The food was nice, the service friendly and fast and starter + main + side came to only £10 and because it wasn't so busy, it was nicely quiet and we were able to have a conversation without having to shout at each other: perfect!
Hokusai Exposed
Is an exhibition that is currently being shown at The Old Truman Brewery in Brick Lane. It's only on until 17 November - go check it out, if you can: it's only £5 to get in. Upstairs Hokusai's 36 views of Mount Fuji are on display. When you get to the downstairs area, you are given a little lantern (=a chochin; that itself is super cool!) that guides you through the darkened (no worries, it's not pitch black by any means!) basement. They have three small rooms - one focusing on Ghosts, one on Manga and a pleasure zone. The final room is for over 18s only and has Hokusai's very explicit sex paintings on display. A much bigger collection of 'Shunga' - sex and pleasure in Japanese art is currently available to see in a special exhibition at the British Museum.
I felt they could have done a bit more with the downstairs area. But I still really enjoyed it. And I am thinking that a Hokusai-esk tattoo (the landscape not the sex drawings) could look really amazing on my back.
I felt they could have done a bit more with the downstairs area. But I still really enjoyed it. And I am thinking that a Hokusai-esk tattoo (the landscape not the sex drawings) could look really amazing on my back.
I passed!
I managed to get through the last few modules quite quickly and am now proudly (well, not really proudly) certified! I kind of feel that I now should at least Teach English as a Foreign Language once in my life...
You gotta love the authors of this online course. On passing the final exam, as part of the congratulations, it said: "Bet you feel smarter than a monkey in a tux." I'm not sure how smart a MONKEY in a tux really is - but that probably is a reasonable comparison for the amount of effort I put into this course...
One of my favourite modules was on grammar. I suppose I've always enjoyed the structure and logic that comes with learning grammar rules. Yes, I am a little geek... I was also very pleased that I remembered it all from my English lessons - rather than having to go through the units in that module.
Admittedly, the grammar test also included a multiple choice test, which came with possible answers like: "Teaching grammar is a waste of time and effort." ... What can I say: feeling smarter than a monkey in a tux!
You gotta love the authors of this online course. On passing the final exam, as part of the congratulations, it said: "Bet you feel smarter than a monkey in a tux." I'm not sure how smart a MONKEY in a tux really is - but that probably is a reasonable comparison for the amount of effort I put into this course...
One of my favourite modules was on grammar. I suppose I've always enjoyed the structure and logic that comes with learning grammar rules. Yes, I am a little geek... I was also very pleased that I remembered it all from my English lessons - rather than having to go through the units in that module.
Admittedly, the grammar test also included a multiple choice test, which came with possible answers like: "Teaching grammar is a waste of time and effort." ... What can I say: feeling smarter than a monkey in a tux!
skin3
More voucher-pampering: a hydraboost facial, hand and arm massage and skin analysis consultation at Skin3 in North London (Swiss Cottage) for just £24 - thanks to Time Out. The salon is really nice - not what you sometimes get when buying these vouchers... My beauty therapist was rather chatty and was trying to sell me supplements and products. I appreciate that that is part of the business but I am very proud that I resisted and did not buy anything for a change!
She used a number of machines on my face, and I am not entirely sure what they did but my face felt amazing afterwards! The face mask was a rather surreal experience. My whole face - including my eyes (and she even wanted to cover my mouth - but I would have probably gotten a panic attack had she done that!) was covered in a thick layer of goo, which hardened with time. She then connected me to electrical current. But I am not sure it worked - I was meant to feel some tingling, but felt absolutely nothing.
The foot, arm and hand massage while the mask was doing its miracles on my face, were AMAZING! Seriously, if you want to get into my good books (and essentially into my pants...), offer to give me a foot massage. Absolutely heavenly!
She used a number of machines on my face, and I am not entirely sure what they did but my face felt amazing afterwards! The face mask was a rather surreal experience. My whole face - including my eyes (and she even wanted to cover my mouth - but I would have probably gotten a panic attack had she done that!) was covered in a thick layer of goo, which hardened with time. She then connected me to electrical current. But I am not sure it worked - I was meant to feel some tingling, but felt absolutely nothing.
The foot, arm and hand massage while the mask was doing its miracles on my face, were AMAZING! Seriously, if you want to get into my good books (and essentially into my pants...), offer to give me a foot massage. Absolutely heavenly!
Saturday 9 November 2013
Friday lunch at the pub
...used to be a regular thing in our office. I am not entirely sure what happened but after a number of restructurings and staff coming and going, we hardly ever go out together (Pay Day Pie Day is usually an in-the-office affair). But today was an exception as a few of us had a £5 voucher for our 'local' - the Island Queen. So, for just over £5, I got a drink and this:
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| Salt'n pepper squid and mac'n cheese - mhhhhhhhhhhhhh |
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