alpine hiking

As my first visitor arrives at the end of June, I'm also planning for my first sibling arrival. My eldest brother is heading out here with his partner at the end of August. He thought that he already made enough frequent trips to London and wants to limit his time here so we have opted to meet a different European location so we both get to see something new.... and what was decided? SWITZERLAND. Instead of doing the typical city break - we're renting a car and driving from Bern to Interlaken then Lucerne and back. This way we'll get the most out of the verniculars (gondolas) and gorgeous swiss alps that we can. Hiking here I come!.. and maybe some glacier swimming.......

Planes, trains.... and boats

Seriously, I had to book my Christmas flight already. It was a bit hurting to book a two round trip flights to the West Coast in late May for December. However, as L2 and I realized flights are beyond expensive when travelling into Canada we opted to fly into Seattle instead. Due to the Canadian almost monopoly on air travel it was going to be over £700 a piece round trip to fly into Van and back. Instead to fly into Seattle it is under £850 for the two of us round trip. A steal we couldn't pass up! After we just have a two-hour boat ride to my folks through Puget Sound. And then after we plan on heading to Vancouver and taking the five hour train ride back to Seattle... I'm not sure that it will be visually appealing but price wise it was perfect.

L2 has never been to Seattle and I barely remember it so we figure it's a little adventure before two weeks of family time! We may book our hotel soon as well so if anyone has any suggestions....

Steely Serrara

L2 and I wandered across Pont Alexandre to a large glass museum because he had hunch that a large steel art installation was inside. His dad was convinced that it was just some old-timey pics and they went home. However, they missed out and L2 and I paid our €2 to see the craziest steel I've known. There are 5 large (so large) steel structures in this fully glass museum. It's very empty inside and you just got this amazing sense of spaciousness and enormity around you and how small you really were. Definitely worth it.I could barely grip the steel with my hand (this is just one solid piece!) and the height is more fantastic.

That very thing in the distance is one. See how thin it looks from a distance - but the height is overwhelming. The crazy thing is - it didn't even remotely touch the top.

The artist is Richard Serra and he has another work in the Louvre gardens called Clara Clara.

crawling through the catacombs

L2 and I wandered under Paris for a ridiculous amount of kilometres under the streets of Paris. We decided a must-do this time around was to go to the Catacombs thanks to a facebook album on just that. Apparently facebook is making my travel itinerary now. I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing. Besides the creepiness of making skulls and bones art, the catacombs history is remarkable. Built due to overcrowding of the cemetaries and subsequent disease to the living - the catacombs were inititally a large underground dumping ground. Later on, it was decided to properly order the bones and therefore 'art' was born. Initially, the ossuary was a mine and that was unbelievably obvious. However, my favourite tidbit was that even the French revolution fought that deep underground. I'm sure many got lost despite the lines on the ceiling leading you out!

the second time around

Well I'm back. A bit late as this week seemed to blow past but what can a gal do? L2 and I headed down to Paris on Friday night for the second May long weekend. I'll talk later about the warped national holidays here. 2 1/4 hours and we're in Paris staying up to the wee early hours of the morning planning the next two days with L2's parents. They were kind enough to rent an apartment (clearly the way to go) so we hopped onto that. This time around we stayed mainly to the south of the river which was very helpful in actually seeing more and feeling the vibe of Paris rather than just jumping around. I enjoyed Paris more this time for sure and L2 and I have already started to plan the next trip where we mainly be in the north east end of the city!

We saw a bunch of the big sites but my favourite was definitely the Pompideau centre and the tomb of Napolean. I'm still getting nightmares from the Catacombs!

Me rocking out with another rhino. This one in the museum of modern art in the Pompideau Centre. I'm a sucker for rhinos and owls... oh and hippoptamouses.

L2's mom had yet to see the eiffel tower at night so we headed up this monstority of a building to the south of Paris and waited for it to sparkle. L2 yelled out tacky almost instantly. It was a quick (but definitely) correct reaction. Love this pic though because it seems like the eiffel tower is in some type of sci fi film (somehow!).

And the atypical metro shot.

Bon voyage

Off to Paris for the next three days. If I come back a butterball turkey it's not my fault.

another english tradition

And that is definitely football. I think I've mentioned before that football to England is like hockey to Canada but ut really is bigger. And last night was a 'cream of the crop' game with Manchester United playing Chelsea in....... Moscow. L2 and I still don't know how that worked out. It's hard to get a visa into Russia (not part of the EU) and people making the trek paid thousands of pounds for their tickets and drove over five days. However, you can't drink in the stadium or on the streets. I think they will have wished they just stayed at their local pub.

L2 and I took in the game at the SOAS SUB building with an old high school friend to watch the suprisingly riveting game. I recognized two players and took pride. Everyone else knew stats, where they grew up, and it seemed what their latest hairstyle is and how it compared to the last one. Now that's dedication - and a bit of obsession.

Note: Man U won in a shootout. It was tense and super exciting. Perhaps because I didn't have as much invested in one team like the Canada vs Russia world series hockey game. So it didn't matter who won, as long as it was a good game. Image is of Wayne Rooney, one of the few I know.

the english drink of choice

While some claim it is ale - I think it's tea. I've never been offered or drank so much tea in a workday. I don't drink coffee, but found I do need the caffeine boost in the morning and while dark chocolate is delicious, I do not need the sugar or really to eat chocolate in the morning. So that started my tea fixation.

At work - you also have to get everyone in your room tea as well (if you're getting some). I used to sit in a room of 5 which took forever - now it's just two of us and it is way more efficient. However, I know my colleague's tea of choice at 10, 11:30, 12:30, 2, 3:30 and most likely 5:30 too. And she definitely knows mine.

I think my free sheep mug could be nicely replaced with this one. I'd never get sick of yellow. And it's a bit classier. It's either that or the Underground tube line mugs specifically the Northern line mug - a line that sucks away at least an hour of my life every working day!
Image via

at the something meridian

L2 and I are scouting for places to rent in the fall. We thought about buying, but as the housing market crashes further and further in London - we thought it might be best to wait a bit. However, I've got all keen discovering every corner of the city in an effort to understand where might be a good place to buy and what I can (and can not) live without. It means this weekend we went a bit further south to Greenwich. It only takes 25 minutes on the DLR (overground tube system much like the sky train in Vancouver) from Bank (a 15 minute walk from my work) to the heart of Greenwich. It means it's the same commute I have now but with all the English appeal of the 'countryside'. While you go through Canary wharf that looks like a better planned North American metropolis, you come out literally in an area that is also an 'originial' suburb. Gorgeous brick homes, a huge park (a must have for both L2 and I) and flea markets galore. It's also just a tad bit more affordable. If anything in London could be thought of as affordable. The pic is of the view from one of the hills of Greenwich to Canary Wharf and maritime museum. - I'll put up my own pictures soon!

It's also the birthplace of GMT. So the downside is more tourists.

dinner and a movie

when was the last time i went on this typical date? I realized that it has been at least nine months and oh how I've missed date night! L2 and I had a great makeshift homecooked meal and then headed out to the Clapham picturehouse for Iron Man. It was L2's first experience in my homey theatre. While it is quite large - it's nothing compared to the megaplexes that are on the outskirts of any town. In fact, this theater is just off the main street and fits 5 theatres comfortably. Two are significant sizing (fits about 50 or so people) and three are a more moderate size.

However, it's the added bonuses of the picture house that makes it novel. You can bring your wine and two glass glasses to enjoy the film. Or the littlest most adorable tubs of Ben and Jerry's. However, you have to get your tickets early in the day (you can do it online too) as you are given assigned seating!

I'm so happy without planes

Finally, a weekend where I don't add more to my carbon emissions. I'm staying in London. Chances are I might take the tube to Waterloo Underground tunnel to see the latest Banksy curated art exhibit. Apparently even the Banksy frowners loved it. Or maybe head over to Greenwich and jump on the GMT line.

Either way, I'm not spending any time in an airport and I get to sleep in both of my weekend mornings and hopefully wake up to fruit salad and pain chocolat. That's life!

not quite spanish

I'm still having problems understanding the difference between the Catalan and the Spanish. The catalan have been in Spain since the 'spanish' and have a different food and language. Needless to say, it's fine as most Catalan speak Spanish and probably broken English. However, looking at a menu in Catalan was beyond hopeless on our Sunday afternoon.

L2 and I had trekked up to the Olympic park and I kept leading us on in hopes to find a delicious restaurant instead of some tacky tourist subsitute. Just at the sight of the park - we found one but it was all in Catalan. Thankfully the most friendly woman I had ever met - read out our menu to us and then recommended their best dishes. Catalan food is scrumptious and L2 and I are already trying to repeat the biggest salad we got. We also had homemade hummous, and burgers but with no buns. Apparently, that's the spanish way - and such a good idea. Dipping your meat into sauces with carrots is unbelievably tasty and no carbs!

Didn't take any pictures of our meals so right is the olympic fish and left is a rhino I fell in love with in the Gothic quarter.

Gaudi = gaudy = great

Gaudi is Barcelona. With the Sagrada Familia, Guell park, and lamp posts everywhere, it's hard to not go somewhere and see Gaudi. And it's gaudy! He was not one to shy away from the overly ornate. However, you can see what he was trying to do and La Pedrera now goes on the top of the list as one of my favourite buildings. With no single supporting walls, the entire structure is held up by strategically placed posts. There's also no straight walls..... Gaudi was very influenced by the sea as most of the buildings look the water washed them away and they were always there. It's hard for a building to look that natural but the texture, the shape, and the little details on his work gave me the clear impression of what Gaudi wanted to convey. That the world is his ocean.
Again, pictures to come soon - waiting for L2 to put them online so I can take the ones I took and maybe some of the ones he took too. (update: pictures up. one on left - guell park, one below - la pedrera)

Sing me spanish techno

I'm back from Barcelona. Leaving the 29 degrees of London and brilliantly sunny weather - L2 and I were met with the monsoon storm of Spain. Palm trees were folded over, I brought no warm clothes and needless to say my Lacoste flats are still recovering. However, despite the first day of rain - I got burnt on Sunday (again just on the nose...) and there were only a few smatters here and there.

However, we did make a trip for the architecture and museums this time more than the beach. We managed to spend hours at the Picasso where I discovered I love Picasso while L2 loves Van Gogh. It's easy to tell when one person is waiting for the other who has become mesmerized with lines or points.

Most of our days were discovering Gaudi (see following posts...) architecture and we managed to hit all the main stops. We also enjoyed loads of tapas and spanish wine and some great Catalan food (again another post). I may have painful blisters and a leg that won't stop aching, but it was all worth it!

Overall, it's the city's architecture that makes Barcelona worth it. The city is massive - we got some great views of the port and subsequent city sprawl and they also have some serious issues with cars - allowing them to wind in the streets of the gothic quarter that barely fits three abreast.... But they do have a great metro, bus and combined train system with L2 and I getting a pass for the both of us for 10 trips for €7. In fact, if you get the right facts - transportation in any european city is quite affordable! It's the taxis that are horribly expensive!

Re-making Tate

I fall under the category of loving Tate modern. But like any British museum, it has too much art and not enough room. And with recent changes to big museums in Barcelona, New York etc.. Tate's smoke stack appeal (while wonderful) perhaps needs a change, and 80's brick is not a recent reflection of what the public thinks should house modern art. Enter its new look. Thankfully, this glass block structure will be out the back so the view of the smokestack to St. Pauls' will not be forcefully destroyed. The design has just been approved, I'm sure it will be 2020 before it sees realization........ (Note - I do like it - I just resist change)

atypical city man

There is a uniform in the city for men. Dark suit pants, dark jacket and a light shirt. You can spice it up by adding pink instead of blue or white, maybe some stripes - and if you're daring - perhaps light green? For all the city shops that cater to working men (The shops actually outnumber ones for women in my square mile) - they don't offer a lot of pizazz or choice.

People-watching at Liverpool St station near the fat lady statue has become a favourite lunch pasttime. However, I've noticed the male clothing routine and become a bit saddened. Males really have no choice with clothing. While I see women in lovely attire, ranging from bright to dark, to pantsuits to wrap dresses or beautiful pencil skirts - all men look the same. In fact, if they all had dark hair and olive skin I'm sure I'd never be able to pick out a difference from afar. I would set up a male suit shop if I thought I could do any different.

Off to Barcelona for the weekend - blogging on Tuesday.

Honestly, it's a rare windmill

thoughts of Netherland conjour windmills, tulips, dutch pancakes. While the latter two were easy to find immediately in Amsterdam - windmills were the Sunday afternoon hunt. Armed with our bike map, Liam led us down many streets (including one where I almost bailed on my bike because it got stuck in a tram rail...) and finally just as we crossed a bridge was one of the two windmills in Amsterdam. I was very happy as it clearly looked authentic if not a little run-down.

roxanne.... i'm not sure if this is your red light

After hunting a considerable bit to find the Red light district, it was down a darkened alleyway. We can't take any pictures - (not surprising) in the lane ways that had window upon window of women. It was a strange sight to see on a Sunday at noon. It didn't seem unclean - just strange that it was so in the open. From what I understand - that is better but the Netherlands still has an issue with trafficking with five percent of prostitutes illegally brought in. I was surprised at how sanitized the rooms looked - it looked like a clinic inside. The women looked a bit rough - apparently the Brazilian beauties come out at night - Sunday at noon isn't really prime time.

the most shocking thing though was.... a family also walking down a corridor. I'm not sure if an eight-year old really needs to know about this stuff yet. But perhaps that comes from North American conservative upbringing.
Image of the old church at the start of the district

recollections of the past

Last weekend also was the national recollection day in the Netherlands. Coming from a place that has reluctant school children and veterans descend on Parliament Hill, the sight at Dam Square was a moving sight. At 8 pm on Sunday night, the Queen lies down a wreath to recollect the victims of WWII. A normal moment with what we do in Canada you say? Not really. People actually shut up. I mean eerie quiet and then you hear the bells toll in the back. I've never seen so many people (the square was beyond packed - choco-block is a good term to use) be so quiet for so long (roughly 18 minutes there was minimal peeps from the crowd). The thing is: there's a very good chance your grandparents were affected here in WWII, maybe even your parents if you were born in the Netherlands. In Canada, there is a chance that while you may know someone who was affected by the war - it might not be a relative. And perhaps remembering isn't a somewhat forced school act - but something more tangible and real when it affects your family.

Also, visiting Anne Frank House that morning made the ceremony even more fitting. Only one of the eight hideaways (Otto Frank, Anne Frank's father) survived after being discovered. Actually, only 1 in 4 people of Jewish descent survived WWII from the Netherlands. Perhaps, it is finally apparent for me why the poppies say 'Lest we forget'.

Celine, Je t'aime

On a lighter note - I went to Celine Dion last night. That's right - the Canadian diva and I became close as she belted out every hit song she could think of - and few ones from Queen too. I don't care if it was geeky - the show was amazing. She can't dance - but man can she sing. Those lungs have more strength than both of my legs!

In life, the woman is gorgeous. Unbelievably so. In fact - she is clearly so unphotogenic because she is stunning. Despite her recent home in Vegas - she still has that Canadian accent and complete politeness. The concert was great and I think my highlight was the preppy boy across from me and Salisbury who belted out all the words to every song. His favourite seemed to be 'River deep, Mountain High'. With no friends with him, I think this was a private adoration as its most likely that his friends would laugh at him for the rest of his life.

Sex, drugs, and definitely no rock'n'roll

I'll post more on Wednesday but I know tomorrow will blow past and I still haven't stolen a few pictures from L2 to put with my Amsterdam round-up. First of all - I loved Amsterdam. They are open culture, normal friendliness (nothing too crazy, nothing too reclusive.) The first impression I got from Amsterdam was: I could live here. It might have had to do with the weather (19 and sunny the entire weekend), the fact we were there during a national holiday weekend, or my love of all water. But the city is made for living. Visiting can be done in three days and really you don't 'need' to go back. But I want to go back. I want to rent an apartment on the canal and ride my bike for days and days.
However, it is apparently a long process to immigrate to the Netherlands and a key element is to know dutch. But with the EU passport I could work there (perhaps one day...)

What L2 and I did during the short trip (we arrived friday night and left early this morning):
Sat - slept in, cafe on the canal, wandered throughout the east side, made it to the top of the science museum for an incredible view, took in some keurks (old and new), dam square, a park and a delicious restaurant called the French Cafe where I had steak tartare to die for.
Sun - biked around town. anne frank house (moving). more biking. hunted and finally found the red light district. vondelpark - a little mini hyde park but no paddle boats , got horrible stung by stinging needles and equalled my foot and arm swelling, cafe, pancake eating. And my favourite thing - attending the national recollection at 8 pm. That was remembering.

Incommunicado - until Monday

So with L2 here now and Amsterdam tomorrow, I have decided to not post until Monday evening. Hopefully loads about tulips, remembrance day ceremonies, cafes, canals and pancakes.

Also with L2 here means I get to use the pretty camera again. However, a bad note on that means I never get to upload the pictures and therefore won't be putting as many CIL originials on this blog. But no fear, L2 has decided to start a photo blog as a way to stay in touch with his canadian pals. So current crazy fun trip photos will make its way over there.

-Together we'll make one great blog.