Ahhhh!!!!
Wednesday, 31 October 2007
Tuesday, 23 October 2007
Protect and Perfect
Two magic words: Protect and Perfect. That and a scientist that said: this works! Also magic words I guess. And a craze was born. And now I've finally gone and joined the No. 7 fanclub. I came across an old blog post about how Boots No. 7 Protect and Perfect serum actually works and though that I might give it a go. As a new import and not one for hypes it might be a good idea to actually use something that might work :). I'll keep you posted on how I find the stuff.
Click here to read about the shopping frenzy it created.
Monday, 22 October 2007
A horrible dinner?!?
On Saturday October 22nd we had our first dinner guests over in the new house. We moved in June and have been working on the new house, which is an old house (get it). So now we had my boyfriends sister, Nicola, over for dinner with her husband Phil and daughter Bethany. Phil helped us move house back in June and we didn’t have a chance yet to thank him.
We started with planning the dinner, which wasn’t easy. Or I should say it was, as Phil only eats peas and corn when it comes to vegetables. So with choice limited to these two we didn’t really had to worry about what to cook. I picked peas and thought of a Beef Wellington to go with it for a while. But the thought of beef with a jacket of pasty didn’t appeal as it is costumary to put a layer of mushrooms between the two. This was too exotic. So we decided on a roast as it was well known that they all liked that.
This was how I felt. Pic from Allposters
Now I don’t mind if people are a bit picky and I think our idea to provide our guests with things they liked wasn’t a bad one, but it somehow backfired a bit. We called Kevin’s parents to get the low down on what they liked and before we knew it we had a long long list. With instructions and brands and this and that and the other. Here I remember thinking: this might not have been the best of idea’s. However it was too late we wanted to please so off we went to do the shopping.
We got the crisps they liked, Pepsi Max because Phil doesn’t drink anything else, fruit shoots for Bethany and white wine for Nicola. And that was just the beginning. So we went home with bags full with odd groceries. Let me cut in that both me and Kevin are part-time health freaks. We usualy don’t buy anything like crisps, cakes or cola. I say part-time because we are not against these things every now and then, we just don’t buy them on a weekly basis. Anyway we got home and forgot the bloody peas!
Then we found out that we got the wrong Fruit Shoots. We got the purple with blue tops and we needed the ones with the green tops (or the other way around I forgot). And that was the moment I had enough. I’m not very dramatic in general but I wanted to scream: they will eat and drink what we’ll put in front of them or they can p*** off!
The pumpkins, Mr. Scary and Mr. Traditional
Clearly a case of pre-dinner stress. But honestly I’ve never in my life heard of so many people (not just my guests but friends, etc) that are so picky when it comes to food. I find I have a hard time coping with this English? mentality. My Dutch side rebels because (as our saying goes) ‘act normal then you act funny enough’ which is applied to everything in daily life and in the case of food it means: you will eat what is in front of you and you won’t make a fuss. My Italian side rebels because food is meant to be enjoyed. People that only eat peas make me confused. I think this comes mainly from the fact that I just don’t understand that.
Right so I had my little rant and am fine now. As was the dinner in the end. It was a great succes and to jazz things up we carved two pumpkins of which you see two pictures with this post.
I always thought that carving pumpkins would be really hard, but it really easy. We bought this mini carving kit at the supermarket for next to nothing (read two pounds) and started working. I used a template that came with the kit and Kevin decided on a more traditional scary pumpkin of his own design.
The pumpkins in the dark!
We started with cutting of the top and scooping out the flesh and seeds. The kit has a handy plastic scoop that did it’s job well and easy. With the little crayon we traced the outline of the eyes and mouth (and in my case hands and eyebrows). There was a puncture tool in the kit. This was great to make a hole in the pumpkin in which we could insert the mini saws (one course, one fine). Then it was just a question of sawing over the lines. It was great fun! Even Kevin, who isn’t usually a very creative person, found it heaps of fun. We where very proud of the results and I’m sure that next year we might throw an actual halloween party. But for now I’ve had enough family fun until Christmas.
We started with planning the dinner, which wasn’t easy. Or I should say it was, as Phil only eats peas and corn when it comes to vegetables. So with choice limited to these two we didn’t really had to worry about what to cook. I picked peas and thought of a Beef Wellington to go with it for a while. But the thought of beef with a jacket of pasty didn’t appeal as it is costumary to put a layer of mushrooms between the two. This was too exotic. So we decided on a roast as it was well known that they all liked that.
Now I don’t mind if people are a bit picky and I think our idea to provide our guests with things they liked wasn’t a bad one, but it somehow backfired a bit. We called Kevin’s parents to get the low down on what they liked and before we knew it we had a long long list. With instructions and brands and this and that and the other. Here I remember thinking: this might not have been the best of idea’s. However it was too late we wanted to please so off we went to do the shopping.
We got the crisps they liked, Pepsi Max because Phil doesn’t drink anything else, fruit shoots for Bethany and white wine for Nicola. And that was just the beginning. So we went home with bags full with odd groceries. Let me cut in that both me and Kevin are part-time health freaks. We usualy don’t buy anything like crisps, cakes or cola. I say part-time because we are not against these things every now and then, we just don’t buy them on a weekly basis. Anyway we got home and forgot the bloody peas!
Then we found out that we got the wrong Fruit Shoots. We got the purple with blue tops and we needed the ones with the green tops (or the other way around I forgot). And that was the moment I had enough. I’m not very dramatic in general but I wanted to scream: they will eat and drink what we’ll put in front of them or they can p*** off!
Clearly a case of pre-dinner stress. But honestly I’ve never in my life heard of so many people (not just my guests but friends, etc) that are so picky when it comes to food. I find I have a hard time coping with this English? mentality. My Dutch side rebels because (as our saying goes) ‘act normal then you act funny enough’ which is applied to everything in daily life and in the case of food it means: you will eat what is in front of you and you won’t make a fuss. My Italian side rebels because food is meant to be enjoyed. People that only eat peas make me confused. I think this comes mainly from the fact that I just don’t understand that.
Right so I had my little rant and am fine now. As was the dinner in the end. It was a great succes and to jazz things up we carved two pumpkins of which you see two pictures with this post.
I always thought that carving pumpkins would be really hard, but it really easy. We bought this mini carving kit at the supermarket for next to nothing (read two pounds) and started working. I used a template that came with the kit and Kevin decided on a more traditional scary pumpkin of his own design.
We started with cutting of the top and scooping out the flesh and seeds. The kit has a handy plastic scoop that did it’s job well and easy. With the little crayon we traced the outline of the eyes and mouth (and in my case hands and eyebrows). There was a puncture tool in the kit. This was great to make a hole in the pumpkin in which we could insert the mini saws (one course, one fine). Then it was just a question of sawing over the lines. It was great fun! Even Kevin, who isn’t usually a very creative person, found it heaps of fun. We where very proud of the results and I’m sure that next year we might throw an actual halloween party. But for now I’ve had enough family fun until Christmas.
Thursday, 18 October 2007
Pilgrim Jewelry
Have you heard of Pilgrim yet? It’s a fantasic brand that makes jewelry. And nice it is too. It has the typical clean look of scandinavian design and Liv Tyler as their model (Arwen from Lord of the Rings). She makes a good job of it I think, presenting a sophisticated look, serene beauty, timeless. No frilly bit here.
The ever gorgeous Liv
The inspiration for their latest collection comes from Modern buildings and ancient forests. A great combo if you ask me. There are many pieces I like, some I’m not so keen on, but that is only from a ‘it wouldn’t look good on me’ point of view.
Imagine my surpise when on my birthday in September my boyfriend gave me this necklace and earrings as a gift. I had pointed them out weeks before and completely forgot them, but he remembered. And every time I wear it I feel special. Sigh.
It's even nicer in reality
The design I liked because of the leaves and the colours of the stones. It reminds me of a forrest on a misty spring morning. The leaves are fresh and new, but you can’t see the bright colours because of the mist. Perhaps a bit far fetched, but I can’t help it. I’m like that. Hihi.
Beautiful earrings
One last note of this great brand. Pilgrim also makes special edition jewelry. If you buy these pieces they donate money to charity. They have info on the Pilgrim website about this globe, but I’ve also seen a pair of sunglasses and a keychain that was a special charity edition. So keep your eye out for them. They make great gifts too!!!
The inspiration for their latest collection comes from Modern buildings and ancient forests. A great combo if you ask me. There are many pieces I like, some I’m not so keen on, but that is only from a ‘it wouldn’t look good on me’ point of view.
Imagine my surpise when on my birthday in September my boyfriend gave me this necklace and earrings as a gift. I had pointed them out weeks before and completely forgot them, but he remembered. And every time I wear it I feel special. Sigh.
The design I liked because of the leaves and the colours of the stones. It reminds me of a forrest on a misty spring morning. The leaves are fresh and new, but you can’t see the bright colours because of the mist. Perhaps a bit far fetched, but I can’t help it. I’m like that. Hihi.
One last note of this great brand. Pilgrim also makes special edition jewelry. If you buy these pieces they donate money to charity. They have info on the Pilgrim website about this globe, but I’ve also seen a pair of sunglasses and a keychain that was a special charity edition. So keep your eye out for them. They make great gifts too!!!
Autumn make-up looks
I love make-up. The stuff is fantastic in my opinion. Although i'm not an addict, sometimes I go days without any make-up at all, I do have a soft spot for it. For fresh inspiration I check the big brands every now and then to see what is new. This time I came across this fantastic look on Dior's website. Monica Bellucci is a very beautifull woman, this make-up I think is very wearable for every day use.
Another great source for the latest make-up looks is Neiman Marcus. This American store has a handsome collection to pick from and all come with an explanation on how to get such a look.
Another great source for the latest make-up looks is Neiman Marcus. This American store has a handsome collection to pick from and all come with an explanation on how to get such a look.
The London Sites, part 3: the Center of Town
This is the third part about the London Sites, don't forget to check out Part 1: City Walk and Part 2: A Bit of Culture. Ofcourse my parents wanted to see some of London's most famous landmarks. And so today our trip takes up to the center of London.
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The Center of Town
Trafalgar Square, The National Gallery and Covent Garden
For this trip we took the train to Charing Cross station in Central London. Central being te correct word here as the station lies very close to the Offical Centre Of London. Just outside the station you will find a small tower. It's very ornate and gotic looking. This is one of Eleanor's Crosses, or rather it's a Victorian Replica. After her death in 1290 King Edward mourned his wife, Queen Eleanor by placing a Cross at every location her funeral procession stopped. They paused twelf times at: Lincoln, Grantham, Stamford, Geddington, Hardingstone, Stony Stratford, Woburn, Dunstable, St. Albans, Waltham, Cheapside (West Cheap) and Charing Cross. The original was placed on what now is called Trafalgar Square, but the Victorians replaced the cross and moved it to the entrance of Charing Cross station. All the measurements to other locations are done from this Center Of London point.
When you turn left you will find yourself on Trafalgar Square. Named after the famous Battle of Trafalgar in which Nelson lost his life but gained eternal fame. You can see him looking over London from the top of his column. Also not to be missed are the fountains sparkling in the sun. They are fantastic and every grand city should have some in my opinion. Click here for a Panoramic view of Trafalgar Square!
London highlights
My parents and I then went to the National Gallery. Here we had time only for a brief visit, but saw many masterpieces. From Van Gogh, Monet, Rembrandt, Da Vinci... the list is endless. however there is so much too see, and we just wandered in. Not a good plan as we missed so much. So do yourself a favour. Before you go there look at the NG website and decide in advance what you want to see. It is soooo big that you will have to make choices. But hey look at the bright side: enough to come back for!
Finally a short walk along the Strand until you see signs telling you to go left, will get you to Covent Garden. If you have seen the film My Fair Lady you will know that this used to be a Market. A proper market, at one point the most important in England, where fruit and vegetables where sold. The market was moved to a more convenient location in modern times where lorries could get to it and Covent Garden became a shopping area. It's a very nice place to visit. There is the Jubilee Market to one side with great finds, the transport musem and the shops in the center. There are street entertainers and market stalls with handmade gift items. Great to get presents for the folks back home.
From here you may continue your walk to other famous sites like Leicester Square, Picadilly Circus and Oxford street. In the fourth and last part of The London Sites we will visit Buckingham Palace, the London Eye and we'll taste some wine at Vinopolis.
The Center of Town
Trafalgar Square, The National Gallery and Covent Garden
For this trip we took the train to Charing Cross station in Central London. Central being te correct word here as the station lies very close to the Offical Centre Of London. Just outside the station you will find a small tower. It's very ornate and gotic looking. This is one of Eleanor's Crosses, or rather it's a Victorian Replica. After her death in 1290 King Edward mourned his wife, Queen Eleanor by placing a Cross at every location her funeral procession stopped. They paused twelf times at: Lincoln, Grantham, Stamford, Geddington, Hardingstone, Stony Stratford, Woburn, Dunstable, St. Albans, Waltham, Cheapside (West Cheap) and Charing Cross. The original was placed on what now is called Trafalgar Square, but the Victorians replaced the cross and moved it to the entrance of Charing Cross station. All the measurements to other locations are done from this Center Of London point.
When you turn left you will find yourself on Trafalgar Square. Named after the famous Battle of Trafalgar in which Nelson lost his life but gained eternal fame. You can see him looking over London from the top of his column. Also not to be missed are the fountains sparkling in the sun. They are fantastic and every grand city should have some in my opinion. Click here for a Panoramic view of Trafalgar Square!
My parents and I then went to the National Gallery. Here we had time only for a brief visit, but saw many masterpieces. From Van Gogh, Monet, Rembrandt, Da Vinci... the list is endless. however there is so much too see, and we just wandered in. Not a good plan as we missed so much. So do yourself a favour. Before you go there look at the NG website and decide in advance what you want to see. It is soooo big that you will have to make choices. But hey look at the bright side: enough to come back for!
Finally a short walk along the Strand until you see signs telling you to go left, will get you to Covent Garden. If you have seen the film My Fair Lady you will know that this used to be a Market. A proper market, at one point the most important in England, where fruit and vegetables where sold. The market was moved to a more convenient location in modern times where lorries could get to it and Covent Garden became a shopping area. It's a very nice place to visit. There is the Jubilee Market to one side with great finds, the transport musem and the shops in the center. There are street entertainers and market stalls with handmade gift items. Great to get presents for the folks back home.
From here you may continue your walk to other famous sites like Leicester Square, Picadilly Circus and Oxford street. In the fourth and last part of The London Sites we will visit Buckingham Palace, the London Eye and we'll taste some wine at Vinopolis.
Wednesday, 17 October 2007
Mirte's Tree
As you might know from the Big Knit banner on the right, I'm a big fan of Innocent Smoothies. Today I bought a pack and it was a special Buy One Get One Tree action pack. Yes! You read that right. It's a Tree you get not one Free.
For all of you who don't know. Here in the UK there are a lot of supermarket promo's bordering on gluttony. They are Buy One Get One Free. Usually this is not fresh veggies or any healthy food, but burgers, processed meats and chocolat bars. I wouldn't mind if it was Leeks, real good quality chocolat or fair trade tea/coffee. But that it seems is impossible in this world of Greed. Anyway back to the tree!
Mirte's virtual Tree stands tall and proud until the real one gets planted!
So Innocent don't give away more smoothies, nooooo! They give away to a project to people less fortunte then us. So I drink my fruit and people in India get a tree... which make the smoothie a very happy drink.
However I gave mine away. The smoothie?? you ask! No, the tree. In honer of Mirte, Rigtje's new girl, this tree will be planted. They may not know it but in her name the people in rural India will be paid ten years to take care of the tree. So for the first Ten years of her life a few people will have a better life because Mirte exsists. Well, I hope that anyway because if I'm honest I think it's a beautiful idea. So all I can say is drink Innocent and get that Free Tree! Or find another way to celebrate your friends and family with gifts like that.
Afterthought:
This giving to charity or good project out of people's names I think is fantastic. Maybe also something we might consider this Christmas. We here in the West have a lot and ofcourse that is something to enjoy and not feel bad about. However Christmas, especially here in the UK (compared to NL) is quite a greedy business, so a bit of reality isn't a bad thing. Please consider this if you choose your gifts this year. Even if you suport one good project in the name of your family, it's probably the best gift.
For all of you who don't know. Here in the UK there are a lot of supermarket promo's bordering on gluttony. They are Buy One Get One Free. Usually this is not fresh veggies or any healthy food, but burgers, processed meats and chocolat bars. I wouldn't mind if it was Leeks, real good quality chocolat or fair trade tea/coffee. But that it seems is impossible in this world of Greed. Anyway back to the tree!
So Innocent don't give away more smoothies, nooooo! They give away to a project to people less fortunte then us. So I drink my fruit and people in India get a tree... which make the smoothie a very happy drink.
However I gave mine away. The smoothie?? you ask! No, the tree. In honer of Mirte, Rigtje's new girl, this tree will be planted. They may not know it but in her name the people in rural India will be paid ten years to take care of the tree. So for the first Ten years of her life a few people will have a better life because Mirte exsists. Well, I hope that anyway because if I'm honest I think it's a beautiful idea. So all I can say is drink Innocent and get that Free Tree! Or find another way to celebrate your friends and family with gifts like that.
Afterthought:
This giving to charity or good project out of people's names I think is fantastic. Maybe also something we might consider this Christmas. We here in the West have a lot and ofcourse that is something to enjoy and not feel bad about. However Christmas, especially here in the UK (compared to NL) is quite a greedy business, so a bit of reality isn't a bad thing. Please consider this if you choose your gifts this year. Even if you suport one good project in the name of your family, it's probably the best gift.
Porcelina
My friend Louisa got a card for her birthday that was soooo nice. She has it on a ledge behind her computer so she can see it all day. What a smart girl! To surround yourself with beautiful things is one of life's greatest pleasures. Anyway I drift of topic. This card, I can describe it for you, but it was so nice that I looked up the artist. And so I found the actual picture.
The card Louisa got for her birthday
It is a print from the Porcelina series and it is made by Stephen Mackey. When you visit his site you can get linked through to his Buy Stephen Mackey site where you will find plenty of other goreous prints like the ones below.
Another one of the cards I liked
They also do prints in different sizes. Many of them have fairies on them and are fantastic for childrens rooms, etc. I am seriously thinking of buying the one with the deer on it. It is 12 x 16 inch (approx. 30 x 40 cm). So nice!
Deer, moon and Stars. What more could you wish for?
And finally I'd like to point out the original Christmas cards that are for sale. I love the whole eskimo girl idea. It's all very understated, but that is the beauty of it. There's a calm and tranquil sort of beauty in these pictures.
Example of the nice christmas cards they sell
It is a print from the Porcelina series and it is made by Stephen Mackey. When you visit his site you can get linked through to his Buy Stephen Mackey site where you will find plenty of other goreous prints like the ones below.
They also do prints in different sizes. Many of them have fairies on them and are fantastic for childrens rooms, etc. I am seriously thinking of buying the one with the deer on it. It is 12 x 16 inch (approx. 30 x 40 cm). So nice!
And finally I'd like to point out the original Christmas cards that are for sale. I love the whole eskimo girl idea. It's all very understated, but that is the beauty of it. There's a calm and tranquil sort of beauty in these pictures.
Thursday, 11 October 2007
Sewing books!!
I can't really remember how I got on it, but about a week ago I ended up on Violet's Wish list on Amazon. Violet as in Lime & Violet btw. Anyway, she had this 'Sew Pretty Homestyle' sewing book on her list and I liked it straight away. When I clicked on it two other books popped up in the 'customers also bought this' line up.
The inside of Sew Pretty Homestyle!
Ofcourse I couldn't rest until I found a few inner pages of this book to see what all the fuss was about and here I must give a big old THANKS for the creation of Flickr. I typed in the title and low and behold! :) I love technology.
So I came across the other two books, but no joy there all I could find was one page for the Craft Christmas Gifts book. And one project, made by Skubach from the Crafting Springtime Gifts book. Ah well. I still want them.
I'm already thinking about Christmas and spring now!
Ofcourse I couldn't rest until I found a few inner pages of this book to see what all the fuss was about and here I must give a big old THANKS for the creation of Flickr. I typed in the title and low and behold! :) I love technology.
So I came across the other two books, but no joy there all I could find was one page for the Craft Christmas Gifts book. And one project, made by Skubach from the Crafting Springtime Gifts book. Ah well. I still want them.
Baby update
I'd like to present to the world: baby Mirte. She was born on the 2nd of October and is a little gem. A very beautiful baby indeed. Mamma Rigtje is doing fine, although she is a bit tired. Dad Frank, I heard is taking excellent care of his two girls :) Hooray!
Tuesday, 9 October 2007
Second and Third innocent hat
Today I finished the second and third hat for the Innocent Big Knit Charity event. Check them out:
Bento!!!
Ohhhh bento!!! Oh bento! Obento! Yes you guessed it: I like bento boxes :). I first got hooked on them at the end of 2006. I then visited the blog Bento Corner for inspiration. I don't think it's updated anymore but the boxes on there are fantastic.
My favorite box from the Bento Corner
Cool eh! I was reminded of my love for Bento's when I say a post on the Hostess Blog on 3rd October pointing to This great Obento website: The meaning of Food. Great pics, two examplese here.
Watermelon rice... well sort of. It's Tuna!
Panda lunch
Gosh I wish I had the time!
Cool eh! I was reminded of my love for Bento's when I say a post on the Hostess Blog on 3rd October pointing to This great Obento website: The meaning of Food. Great pics, two examplese here.
Gosh I wish I had the time!
Monday, 8 October 2007
First of the Innocent hats
I'm a bit late with producing them, but we've been so busy working on the house. I still have tons of projects lined up. Most of them sewing, but that is so messy that I've not picked up anything from that pile. Knitting is no problem. Every now and then I knit and this Innocent hat, for the Big Knit, was knitted on the way into London this morning.
Innocent hat nr.1
They must be send in before the 22nd of October so I've got a short time to make a few more :D.
They must be send in before the 22nd of October so I've got a short time to make a few more :D.
Sunday, 7 October 2007
Zakka style crafts
Yesterday I finished two projects that I would put in the Zakka style category.
First up is the Le Slouch Bleu I've talked about before (a slouchy baret in a petrol colour). It was a very good and easy knit. I love the feel of the yarn and the dept of the colour. I might make a nice sort of decoration for it. Possibly from fabric. Maybe a Yo-Yo!.
Second is this grocery bag I've been making. It's my first crochet project. The bag was easy to make. I used a free pattern found on the blog: Frayed at the Edges.
I altered the pattern by adding 6 rounds before decreasing. And I added one more round (sc into each sc of previous) before making the handles. As I don't like short handles I didn't make a 38 but a 100 chain for them.
The results are great. It's a nice bag that seems to stretch to accomodate more stuff. Also thinking of adding some decoration. :D Hooray for Crochet!
First up is the Le Slouch Bleu I've talked about before (a slouchy baret in a petrol colour). It was a very good and easy knit. I love the feel of the yarn and the dept of the colour. I might make a nice sort of decoration for it. Possibly from fabric. Maybe a Yo-Yo!.
Second is this grocery bag I've been making. It's my first crochet project. The bag was easy to make. I used a free pattern found on the blog: Frayed at the Edges.
I altered the pattern by adding 6 rounds before decreasing. And I added one more round (sc into each sc of previous) before making the handles. As I don't like short handles I didn't make a 38 but a 100 chain for them.
The results are great. It's a nice bag that seems to stretch to accomodate more stuff. Also thinking of adding some decoration. :D Hooray for Crochet!
Thursday, 4 October 2007
The London Sites, part 2: A Bit of Culture
This is the second part of a series I'm presenting about visiting London. To view my first entry click here: The London Sites, part 1: City Walk. My parents came over and had a great time. A good reason to share the locations for other/future visitors. I hope you like it :)!
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A Bit Of Culture
Borough Market, Southwark Cathedral, The Golden Hinde, The Globe, Tate Modern
Bankside
On Saturday we decided on a bit of culture. Our starting point again is London Bridge Station. When you exit the main entrance you take the left street (when standing with your back to the station) named: "Railway Approach". When you reach Borough High street cross the street and walk to the left. You can now take one of the first three side streets on your right to reach the very hip Borough Market. Here you will be in the midst of the bustle of London and you will be amazed at the produce. It's of such good quality and (unfortunatly also quite expensive). I've tried many of these delights and can honestly say that the pies, bread, burgers and fish wraps are very good. The cake and fudge get the highest scores on my list, although that might be because I'm very fond of cake and fudge. However for the Very Best Ever Brownies you go to Konditor & Cook. It's this little shop on the southside of the market. They do a Brownie with Chocolate chips in it. MMmmmmm!! If you buy something nice to eat, be it lunch or a nice treat, exit the market on the West side. Here you will find the garden of Southwark Catherdral. It is a very nice place to sit down and is very popular. Especially in summer you will have trouble spotting a bit of grass inbetween the people. The atmosphere is relaxed and cosy. After the munch-munch you might want to visit the Cathedral and it's well worth it.
Borough Market, Southwark Cathedral and The Golden Hinde
Exit the Church yard on the south side and turn right towards the Thames. Follow the street and you will discover, just around the corner, a dock with The Golden Hinde. This is a replica of the Tudor warship in which Sir Francis Drake sailed around the world. You can get a closer look by getting on the ship. If you continue your walk you will pass a very old ruined wall on your left. This is the remains of an old Winchester Palace and althought there isn't much left, the Rose window is very beautiful. If you walk on you will pass underneath some Victorian railway arches and then turn right towards the thames. Follow the walk along the river, pass underneath the bridge and walk on. You will now reach some restaurants where you would have a nice bite to eat. We grabbed a bite at Pizza Express which serves very lovely and affordable italian food. You also have a nice view on the first floor.
The Globe, Millenium Bridge and Tate Modern + slide and crack
Just long you will not be able to escape The Globe Theatre. This is the great Shakespeare's Theatre, rebuild a stone's throw away from the orignal site of the Globe. They made quite a good job of it to be honest. When my friend Rigtje came over last November we had a peek in the theatre itself, where they still preform great plays, and it is fantastic. If you get the chance go and look inside. To see a performance there is still on my wish list. And last but not least we move on to the Tate Modern. I love this bit along the Thames. The Tate looks great, this huge building and the nice piazza in front, then the millenium Bridge over the river and on the other bank St. Pauls. Sigh! A great view. An a visit to the Tate is a must. Even though I'm not keen on modern art, it is quite an experience. The highlight from me where the huge slides they had last winter. Fantastic. At the moment of this writing a giant crack in the floor is the attraction. Not as nice as slides though. ;)
From this point on I advise walking back to London Bridge Station and if there is time, go to Londen Charing Cross for a bit more culture. All that in Part 3 of The London Sites.
A Bit Of Culture
Borough Market, Southwark Cathedral, The Golden Hinde, The Globe, Tate Modern
Bankside
On Saturday we decided on a bit of culture. Our starting point again is London Bridge Station. When you exit the main entrance you take the left street (when standing with your back to the station) named: "Railway Approach". When you reach Borough High street cross the street and walk to the left. You can now take one of the first three side streets on your right to reach the very hip Borough Market. Here you will be in the midst of the bustle of London and you will be amazed at the produce. It's of such good quality and (unfortunatly also quite expensive). I've tried many of these delights and can honestly say that the pies, bread, burgers and fish wraps are very good. The cake and fudge get the highest scores on my list, although that might be because I'm very fond of cake and fudge. However for the Very Best Ever Brownies you go to Konditor & Cook. It's this little shop on the southside of the market. They do a Brownie with Chocolate chips in it. MMmmmmm!! If you buy something nice to eat, be it lunch or a nice treat, exit the market on the West side. Here you will find the garden of Southwark Catherdral. It is a very nice place to sit down and is very popular. Especially in summer you will have trouble spotting a bit of grass inbetween the people. The atmosphere is relaxed and cosy. After the munch-munch you might want to visit the Cathedral and it's well worth it.
Exit the Church yard on the south side and turn right towards the Thames. Follow the street and you will discover, just around the corner, a dock with The Golden Hinde. This is a replica of the Tudor warship in which Sir Francis Drake sailed around the world. You can get a closer look by getting on the ship. If you continue your walk you will pass a very old ruined wall on your left. This is the remains of an old Winchester Palace and althought there isn't much left, the Rose window is very beautiful. If you walk on you will pass underneath some Victorian railway arches and then turn right towards the thames. Follow the walk along the river, pass underneath the bridge and walk on. You will now reach some restaurants where you would have a nice bite to eat. We grabbed a bite at Pizza Express which serves very lovely and affordable italian food. You also have a nice view on the first floor.
Just long you will not be able to escape The Globe Theatre. This is the great Shakespeare's Theatre, rebuild a stone's throw away from the orignal site of the Globe. They made quite a good job of it to be honest. When my friend Rigtje came over last November we had a peek in the theatre itself, where they still preform great plays, and it is fantastic. If you get the chance go and look inside. To see a performance there is still on my wish list. And last but not least we move on to the Tate Modern. I love this bit along the Thames. The Tate looks great, this huge building and the nice piazza in front, then the millenium Bridge over the river and on the other bank St. Pauls. Sigh! A great view. An a visit to the Tate is a must. Even though I'm not keen on modern art, it is quite an experience. The highlight from me where the huge slides they had last winter. Fantastic. At the moment of this writing a giant crack in the floor is the attraction. Not as nice as slides though. ;)
From this point on I advise walking back to London Bridge Station and if there is time, go to Londen Charing Cross for a bit more culture. All that in Part 3 of The London Sites.
Tuesday, 2 October 2007
Mirte is born
I’d like to annouce the birth of Mirte Henriette. She was born this morning in The Netherlands and she is a healthy baby. Her mother Rig and father Frank are over the moon and this is very understandable. She’s really beautiful. If I’ll get premission I will post the picture on this blog, but I’ll let the parents be for now. :D. Bless Mirte and I wish her a long, full, fullfilling life :D. Hooray!!!
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