Hello, Spring!

Ok so today we're back to drizzle and grey but yesterday the sun shone so of course I went outside. My mission: Easter.

Disorganised as always (but also in love with a themed display), I decided to visit some fancy foodcourts to see what Easter treats they had on offer. General consensus? Very few. Clearly other people were far more organised than me and had already emptied the shelves of anything worth having (or indeed seeing).

My day began at Fortnum & Mason where I indulged in tea and revelled in their customer service which never fails to make me feel special; 'would madam like a basket?' - 'thank you. Have a good... afternoon? Easter! Have a good Easter. Have a good everything!'

From Fortnum & Mason I then walked along in the sunshine to Harrods. My route took me via Paul for salmon quiche which I began to eat only once I had passed The Ritz and any concerns about crumb dropping were gone.

Once inside Harrods, I was quite impressed with myself for reaching the foodcourt so efficiently as I usually get utterly and completely lost in the claustrophobic cavern of narrow corridors with no windows to suggest which way is out.

It was a quick turnaround as even with 25% off, Artisan eggs were still £30 so I just grabbed a bottle of Fiji water and was on my way.

Selfridges was my final destination and the walk there was definitely my favourite as most of it involved strolling through the mass of green that is Hyde Park before then wending my way past seriously stunning homes in the streets that run parallel to Oxford Street, offering a slice of peace so surprisingly close to the absolute and complete opposite.

It's been a grey few weeks, or certainly entire days of sunshine have been hard to come by, so I was very glad to have got outside in the warmth.

Today I'm heading on an adventure in the South. Wiggly train writing occuring!

Bath

Yesterday I finally paid a visit to a friend in Bath. I say finally, it's not actually taken me as long to get there as these visits usually do. I was last in Bath as a teenager with my family as we made our way back from a holiday to somewhere (I imagine it must have been the holiday to Dorset) and my memories of Bath then were not brilliant. That day, I was tired and miserable as teenagers usually are and as someone who was also living in the flatlands of Norfolk at that time, I was not impressed at having to walk up anything even slightly resembling a hill.

As the train pulled into the station yesterday morning, however, I realised how much I've grown in my appreciation of pretty much everything since my teenage years as I was absolutely astonished at Bath's beauty from the tracks. Hills are still scary but they sure do make places look even more striking!

Stepping onto the freezing cold platform, I did feel like I was stepping into a period drama in my fur, leather gloves and (can I call them) elegant boots. The hissing noise of the train as it sat in the platform followed by the slamming of carriage doors and the whistle being blown tipped of my transportation to another time, but not another place. I was almost expecting to be greeted by horse and cart... I'm so fanciful.

Whilst on the train I had made what I hoped was a relatively comprehensive list of things to do during the day. I knew that I wanted to return to things I had seen before in the hope that I would appreciate them more this time but I also wanted to do things we didn't get time for before as well as venturing to a pretty National Trust park I had spied online that very morning.

Armed with my list, we first wandered to the Royal Crescent, through The Circus, passing many other pieces of architectural interest along the way. A row of terraced houses standing in, well, a crescent with the greenest of grass below for residents only, it really is a place straight out of a Jane Austen novel. Despite the freezing cold, the sun was shining so we agreed I'd chosen a good day for a visit and it was in fact perfect weather for wandering. At this point, even my 'elegant boots' seemed appropriate too.

From the Royal Crescent, we wandered back towards the city centre for a cup of tea and to get our bearings. The café we chose was situated right on top of Pulteney Bridge where we enjoyed a pot of Earl Grey and the biggest and yummiest Rocky Road ever with a pretty view over the waters below. Here we looked up the Prior Park and Landscape Garden, a National Trust property which turned out to be a short half an hour walk from where we were. We endeavoured therefore to make our way there before lunch and while the sun was still shining.

A short walk feels an awful lot shorter when it's not uphill the entire way. I'm not complaining, honestly. But I definitely don't now feel at all compelled to join a gym this month. I've had my fill. When we arrived at the park, we were greeted by the most over-enthusiastic National Trust employee who was shocked that we, when under 26, were not members; she certainly had us questioning it but I've decided that National Trust membership requires a car and absolute commitment to make the most of it which I'm not entirely sure I would do. Maybe next year.

Once in the park, we were given the sweetest map in the guise of a scroll complete with 'wax' seal. Apparently starting at the top meant it was literally all down hill from then on, so we decided we'd made the right decision, even when we did see others who looked like they were heading to the same destination taking an alternative route much further down. Around we wandered and were almost instantly met with a very impressive view over the city. By now, the sun was shining less but fortunately it was still very clear and after our mission up the hill, we were also feeling a lot less cold.

Now downhill had sounded wonderful until I remembered what was on my feet. I think upon getting dressed in the morning I had thought to myself 'city  visit' and it was only when suddenly faced with slipping and sliding down icy and muddy paths that I was feeling a lot less elegant. Never one to be truly practically dressed, I made the best of it and remarkably survived the experience completely unscathed. 

The map led us through woodland and across a field full of enormous mounds apparently created by ants which was a pretty terrifying thought. We hoped that the fact they were frozen pretty solid meant that we would not be encountering any of these ants. As we came out of the woodland, there was a beautiful tree swing with the comfiest seat and sturdy ropes so of course we had to have a go for a while. There really is not much better than a swing! From above we could now see the bridge across the lake that had first drawn me to the garden in pictures online. So we made our way down.

Another filmic moment, I half expected Mr Darcy to suddenly appear or for Bingley to be pacing up and down in a flutter. Needless to say, there were no moments of passion shared on this particular day and instead we admired the ancient graffiti and the artistic placement of the bridge in relation to the mansion which stood tall on the hill above. It was a really wonderful construction.

As we made our way from the bridge to the exit, we were distracted by a sign to the Ice House which of course we had to investigate. They really do fascinate me, particularly as this one was so far away from the main house. It's a funny thing to imagine using one as your fridge with chunks of ice from the lake.

Leaving the park by the exit at the bottom rather than dragging ourselves back up the hill. we then found ourselves wandering past a 15th century church and so many beautiful houses before we were finally back in the city in time for some lunch. Our feet took a well deserved rest for a toastie and a lemonade and here we made plans for the afternoon. 

Top of my list was Bath Abbey so it was here that we decided to go next. It was suggested that we not only went inside but also took a tour of the towers which of course I was keen to do. Something wonderful about Bath is their Discovery Pass for local residents which means those that live in the city can make the most of the many attractions without having to bankrupt themselves. Take note, London.

Once in the Abbey, we booked onto the next tour which gave us plenty of time to warm up as we wandered around inside, admiring the ceiling and many unique crests on display in the stained glass windows. After the first hundred and something steps, we realised how cruel we were being to our legs and I feared a heart attack might strike me upon my return to London. Yet here I am writing this today so I guess I survived. Having woken up at 20 past 8 though and with it now being quarter to 1, I can safely say I have only moved from my bed in order to make two cups of a tea and a bowl of cereal and to visit the bathroom (not yet for a shower; I'm very much still in my pyjamas). 

The views from the top were worth the reward though as we first looked through a strange hole in the stone ceiling which was a mere 4 inches thick at the pews and unsuspecting people below. Climbing higher still, we were introduced to the bells and regaled with many stories of their terror. It's got to be a bit sad that I actually do find church bells quite so fascinating. I guess it's what comes from climbing so many towers about the place. The higher we climbed, the better the views became. Views of London sure are hard to beat but it was lovely to see a lack of cranes for a change!

I think we actually chose the perfect time to be on top of the Abbey because the sun began to set as we made our way back down. After being confronted with a half an hour wait at every restaurant we tried for lunch, we had decided that we'd manage something small then and booked ourselves a table for early evening before I had to catch my train home. We ended up eating at The Cosy Club which had a lovely vintage feel and provided us with very tasty food indeed. 

Time to go home and I was safe in the knowledge that I would sleep well! I'm pleased to have made some new memories in Bath although I never did blame the city for my being such a misery guts last time, I just didn't have the most pleasant recollection. It's a truly beautiful place and I hope to return perhaps in the summer months. Surely a spa experience is next on the list...

This Summer

Try as I might to deny it (I've officially gone into hibernation mode and have barely moved for two days), the summer holiday is coming to an end and reality is looming. 

It's an odd feeling, the end of a 6 week break. I really wish it wasn't so long to be honest because I actually like, nay, love my job but when you're away from routine for so long, even returning to a job you love seems ominous. Right now, I'd rather not anyway.

I've been quiet a while, I know. And it wasn't because I wasn't doing lots to write about but I went home for a few days which was then followed by a constant stream of friends staying and visiting and I could hardly retire for an hour or so to write when I was required instead to entertain. I enjoyed it too! I made that sound like a chore which it wasn't at all. It was nice to finally socialise after what has generally been a pretty solitary summer.

This summer's been a strange one. In one sense it's been exactly what I expected it to be. In another, it hasn't. I think the hasn't part is simply because there's been so little sunshine. And I'm not just being a drama queen; even Monty Don agrees that this summer has been incredibly cold and dim (his tomatoes just haven't done well this year). While we may have had a reasonable amount of sunshine, we have been lacking in sunny days. I can't highlight a day when it's been sunny from morning 'til night. 

So I have done what I set out to do which was to 'make the most of being in London'. But I think I was hoping to have better weather for it. And I do feel ungrateful really because the weather's at least been good enough to go out almost every day, but I am a self-confessed sun worshipper. It makes me happy. 

Despite a lack of sunshine, this year I have still made plenty of delightful discoveries and have definitely become more closely acquainted with the city in which I live. I've managed not to spend an excessive amount of money, I've read three books (and am now onto my fourth), I've taken lots of beautiful photos and collected many a memory and story to tell. Maybe I've been a little antisocial and maybe my tan's not as on point as it is most years, but I hope I've still made the most of my time.

Having not written now in over 2 weeks, I'm absolutely not going to try to squash the latter third of my holiday into one elongated post (although yes, it's likely that this is going to be a little longer than the last few). Instead, I shall share the highlights and a few words about each.

Firstly, as promised, the Bourne & Hollingsworth Buildings. An evening full of beautiful company, beautiful food & beautiful cocktails in a seriously beautiful setting! This is literally what I want my dining area in my own home way in the future to look like; all the glass, greenery & pretty furniture!

That's a Scandinavian school opposite. I'm pretty sure it's private, and it's in Central London so it's not really at all appealing, but I must admit I was intrigued.

The following day I headed to Camden. I decided to walk from Kings Cross along the canal to make the most of the weather as it had rained the day before and was meant to rain later on as well. In Camden I got a feather in my hair, bought rings & drank tea. Pure bliss.

Even on a grey day, I love to be by water. Reflections always look beautiful, no matter what the sky is doing and actually, even raindrops falling into water is (are?) one of my favourite things.

Eastbourne Airbourne was a brilliant day out. The sun tried its hardest to shine for displays from some of my absolute favourite planes, we had a picnic (from a proper hamper), ate ice cream and fully immersed ourselves in the eccentricities of air shows.

I was going to take video footage of the Chinook to show my children as I really got them into these beauties this year... then had that ever so slightly depressing moment when you remember you have a new class in September. 

So glad I got to see the Vulcan in her last flight season.

The Blades are an acrobatic team of serious skill. Apparently they take passengers... watch this space!

There is a plane up there somewhere? One of my favourite things about home is getting to see Typhoons flying over all the time. But let's face it, they are definitely their most impressive in show.

Red Arrows never fail to put on a good show! Back in 2003 I sat in the cockpit of a Red Arrow at the Eastbourne air show and seriously swooned. Not much has changed.

I think we suffered from heat or sun stroke (or both) as on Sunday we felt incredibly peculiar and after movement in the morning, surrendered ourselves to duvets on the sofa for the rest of the day. Then, the next day I headed home for some Norfolk respite. I did try to do some writing on my train journey but, my goodness, is it rickety. It was not a success and thus, I haven't got back to it until now. Whoops.

After an afternoon relaxing in the garden and a seriously tasty dinner, Dad suddenly called us upstairs. Sunsets from my bedroom window take some beating.

'Lynn Lumiere' is actually getting pretty impressive. I've seen the light shows on the Customs House many a time, but those on the 'Minster' as it is now known, or St Margaret's to the commoners amongst us, were particularly 'wow'! We were joined on our walking tour of them by a tipsy Irishman visiting the town. Only in Lynn.

After two days of rain, the sun really did shine and we headed to the beach to make the most of it. Four Typhoons continuously flying overhead and dogs running amok provided plenty to entertain. We did brave the sea for a moment but it was even to cold for me to go in beyond my ankles! Another picnic straight from a hamper followed by Norfolk Lavender for lavender tea and scones made for a very satisfied me.

Nothing beats the garden at home.

Back to London and visits from friends began! Having had such a wonderful time discovering some magical places, these visits provided great opportunities to share some of my favourites. The first port of call was Holland Park, seeing as the sun was actually shining!

Unlike last time when there was some James Bond-esque filming going on, this time the rose garden was open and boy is it pretty both in terms of sight and smell!

I've only seen photos of this pub before but now I actually know where it is! 

We didn't go in but one day I will.

Sunshine (and serious heat) continued the next day. So we obviously had to brunch outside! The Grain Store was the location of choice with its tasty food, colourful drinks and a very sweet outdoor seating area.

Having been desperate for sunny days, we were then desperate to find some shade so headed to Camley Street Natural Park, a find from last summer. Spot the terrapins!

On Sunday morning, the clouds made their return and so did our umbrellas. We began the day with the 11 o'clock service at Westminster Abbey then continued on to Kensington for lunch before a Prom performance by the Boston Symphony Orchestra (and the most entertaining conductor) at the Royal Albert Hall.

More rain. So a day of being touristy was restricted to being indoors. At £9 each, we really nursed our mocktails (seriously, £9 for no alcohol!?) at Aqua Shard, taking in the view for a couple of hours in the dry before it was totally enveloped by rain clouds.

And so the theme continues. One thing I will say is that I've become much better at finding rainy day activities and ways to brighten my mood when the weather's bringing me down. I was taken to Camden Garden Centre which I loved. I was also incredibly well behaved and didn't make any plant purchases, although I did invest in a new pot for my beloved cactus and some secateurs for proper pruning purposes.

We were only planning to stay for tea in the adorable café but the lunch menu just looked so good!

Ok as I come to each of these days I can see why I'm slightly depressed at this end of the holiday. Another way to beat the rainy day blues? Visit a National Trust property. Tucked away in Hackney, Sutton House is the oldest house to be found in the borough. Quite sad really, when not even the whole house survives. But it's a sweet place and had some nice art in a gallery upstairs too!

After Sutton House we went to find somewhere for tea and came across the Pacific Social Club. I will now not be satisfied unless my fresh mint tea comes with a cocktail umbrella and plastic bamboo stirrer (but also a teaspoon, just in case).

From the perfect fresh mint tea to a big box of Krispy Kremes (I've never had twelve before. Incredibly exciting!) Food and drink are always a good cheer up!

As the weather decided to take a slightly more positive turn (still no sun, but at least the rains came to a halt), I decided to get out and about like the beginning of the holiday and tick off a few more places on my summer To Do list. First stop, Ebury Square Gardens in Victoria where I spied some truly unusual and beautiful architecture.

Next stop, The Phoenix Garden. A peaceful haven literally just behind Shaftesbury Avenue. 

Impromptu visit to Covent Garden to see the 100 000 balloons installed there by French artist Charles Pétillon. I thought I was being wise by visiting on a Friday as opposed to at the weekend but we only discovered after the event that lights inside them 'pulse' so I guess I'd better go back in the dark.

Garden stop 3. Postman's Park by St Paul's. This photo sort of shows The Watts Memorial, commemorating the lives of normal people who lost their own trying to save others. I was also slightly intrigued by what can only be described as the pile of headstones laying beside it.

Although I'd hoped to return home again for the bank holiday weekend, various obstacles made such a visit unlikely so instead I managed to persuade Ma and Pa to visit me! They were under the impression that train tickets were hundreds of pounds, but with my thetrainline app, I was there to save the day.

The sun finally had his hat on again and as they came into Kings Cross, that's where we began our day. After Barbican, Kings Cross is fast becoming my second favourite part of London and that was before I'd even discovered what we found. Thank goodness my parents are just as curious as me!

A great day for a dip in the natural swimming pond! We didn't, we just admired it at a safe distance from the Viewing Platform.

There's a Skip Garden! Who knew? New favourite London garden?

Next, I took them to Camley Street and yet again, they opened my eyes to another dimension. On many occasions I have walked along the temporary towpath and admired a seating area on the other side of the canal. Well, this photo is taken from that very seating area because it turns out that if you go down the stairs, they take you here, not to what I've always thought was a storage shed!

From Kings Cross we took the towpath to Camden for lunch where Mum and Dad finally got themselves Oysters (all the excitement) which they then used to get to Hampstead. I showed them the Hill Garden & Pergola but not before we'd gone down various alleyways and interestingly named streets and ended up having drinks at Burgh House Museum. I love my parents!

Today (and yesterday, although it wasn't actually raining then, just grim), I have sheltered from the rain on the sofa with a candle and a cup of tea. Cosy reading days are surely really meant for the Christmas holiday but nevertheless I've enjoyed all of the books that I've read this summer, even if I haven't read them in my bikini on a sun-lounger. It's not over yet, but today felt like the right time to finally catch up on the events of the past couple of weeks. We'll see how much I can squeeze out of the last few days.