on all hallow's eve

most of europe has today off in lieu of all saint's day (a holiday for the majority of continental europe). All Saint's day is not a major holiday here (neither is Halloween) but it is becoming more popular. When walking with my parents yesterday, we saw a significant line-up at the 'fancy dress' shop.

My question always is that in a land of legends, myths, shakespeare, witches, etc - why do Englanders still head to work and previously not celebrated this holiday?? Especially with North America in love with its commercialism, and the rest of Europe loving the next day vacation?



No ghost stories, not many costume parties, no trick or treat - but there is a lot of candy at the office and on sale!

Legoman gets a suntan

If only I had any desire to head back to Brighton. Recently, a six foot lego man washed up on shore.......... and there it will stay.

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simpson and draper

A little escape - the Halloween episode airs this Sunday on the Simpsons. While I'll admit the show doesn't deliver the way it used to - this looks amazing.

Mad men+ Simpsons = one of the best Simpsons intros yet.

Link courtesy of Videogum.

the blue crystal

L2 and I had a relatively lazy weekend (art, friends and wine, sushi, french festival, shopping for a new bike, and scrubbing the house before my parents arrived again) but the highlight was 'Seizure', a interactive, large scale art project in Elephant and Castle.

I'm horrible at describing it - so please click here for the technical/artsy explanations. But in person - this art was fabulous. Despite the hour wait (for wellies and the real line), the crystal was just as bright in real life as the picture above. The small 'solution' flat was covered from top to bottom with the lightbulb and bathtub covered to also provide some dimension. Because they limit how many people are in the flat at one time, you really have a chance to explore without getting your clothes covered in chemicals.

On until 30 November, when they start to provide more 'affordable housing' in the area that may be a bit better..... ............

variety on a double decker ad

when a friend moved to London in the spring, she fell in love with the Westminster area and we repeatedly met so she could stare at Big Ben and parliament.. (now she's a regular visitor inside and saw the Dalai Lama).

However on one of our first meetings there, we sat in Churchill's park and took in the sight of multiple double deckers telling us that without us believing in God we would have eternal damnation. First thought – public service vehicles would allow such inflammatory and clearly one-sided remarks. Second thought- the church is big here and does still have the money. Third thought – would they allow this for other religions like Islam?

Well apparently we weren't the only ones that questioned the buses ads. The HAS have decided to take out a four week (maybe more) ad on 'there's probably no god' but you can go about your day no problem. I'm looking forward to seeing something different than Christianity or pop culture on the side of my bus.

sidenote: they are bringing back these old school double deckers to replace the bendy buses that had a few too many fires....

on a cuddly science note

I will be an auntie again this spring with another nephew on its way. While my first nephew seems to dig construction, maybe I can help turn the new little one into a science geek with these incredible stuffed toys. I'm partial to Hibbs Bobson.

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a flat fear

I've been getting better at conquering fears in London. I'm not as bad with take offs or landings in planes, I have no fear of getting runover by a train, my claustrophobia has improved slightly and I don't shriek at the sight of a mouse. (I think I was a bit of a wussy before).

However, a new fear has really come to light. After a recent incident, where a lady ran to catch my tube to work and suddenly just as soon as she hopped on, she hopped off. Curiousity got the best of me and I strained my head around to see what had motivated her to get off a tube that she clearly wanted to catch. She was wearing one shoe and the other one was not on the platform. Oh no - it had slid under the tube...... And as our train pulled away, I saw the look of sadness, frustration and pure anger slide over her face.

L2 saw a similar thing last week in Clapham Junction. And as he walked away, she was getting a station man use a pole to get out her shoe as she stood on one leg....

I've replaced any of my flats that were remotely loose and now gingerly go on any moving transportation. I really don't want to lose a shoe into a mice/rat home and try and get home.

rain in spain

it does rain in spain on the plains. significantly. Both days my fam and I got caught in pouring rain. So much so that my mom looked a like a drowned rat! But it did help cut the humidity and help me sleep in a very very paved city. Images of Oro Tower (above) and the city of Seville.

bull!

I'm back from another venture into Spain and escaping the bear market. This time it was the capital of Andalucia - Sevilla. Sevilla used to be a very important city in the world. As a river port for Spain it was a key trading connection from 'The New World' and Europe. Columbus launched from Sevilla and most of the gold/silver that was taken from its hills was brought back to Sevilla to then be distributed from there.

Highlights included: Real Alcazar (I could really get used to growing up in a palace) the church (third biggest in Europe after St. Paul's and St. Peter's), Columbus tomb, a random flamenco performance and the always delicious spanish tapas. I could have croquettes every night.

To be honest, its architecture was a shamble of so many historic ages with Baroque, Gothic and Moorish style. Needless to say most of it would have probably been very garish when it was first created but time has worn down the colours and created emphasis on the beautiful detail rather than the in-your-face colour combos.

While I won't go back to Sevilla - I'm in love with the Moors and desperately need to get to Morocco now. (I do know it's not quite the same but it's as close as I can get without returning to Spain)

That's it

I've said no more to the English stone that I carry around with me. Monday was the first day of earnest healthy habits. I have four days of the gym this week (before I head to Spain which may throw a dent in my plans) and planned out my meals accordingly. End date of healthy eating/better lifestyle – 20 December – well not really because it's a lifestyle change but I'll be able to splurge a bit more. I'm not buying a scale though. I just want to feel better and fit my clothes right!

Weekly shop: Oliver Bonas

oh oli. where everything in the store you can buy. No joke - interested in the mirror in the very small changing room -it's yours for £50. But this boutique store is at his best with all its amazing knickknacks, euro high street designers and very fun books. Also, they give out these great dark brown cloth bags upon a big enough purchase. I'm a sucker for their stuff and recently bought my own pantone mug 130C (mustard). It brightens up my tea.

Seville dreaming

I'm dreaming of flamenco, warm nights and Spanish tapas with a lot of wine in Sevilla. Friday doesn't seem close enough. Wish L2 was coming.... Image via

expat thanksgiving

Despite being exhausted on Friday night that I literally collapsed on the couch or Saturday being incredibly ill – Sunday was a fantastic day because it was Canadian Thanksgiving!

A huge array of Canadians and 1 Aussie turned up for a feast and a half. With many bottles of wine and our very large turkey breast with stuffing by Whole Foods (I judged and was completely wrong at how good and big it was) it was great to catch up with numerous Canucks and for some of them – find out what led them to the UK (we had a few Oxford master/phd students and a LSE masters student). I find everyone has similar threads to their story – including it was an opportunity and I couldn't say no. Or I've always wanted to move to Europe so I said why not? When having dinner conversation – it's nice when you already agree on one very major point.

The best part of the night though. L2's turkey chocolate cake. Gobble Gobble.

From London to Peru

Paddington celebrated his 50th birthday today. An icon of London – Paddington can be found at any toy store (despite if they ask you who he is…………..) or in the iconic station that bears his name. He was one of my favourite bears as a child – (bigger than Winnie the Pooh) and I got my nephew his first one last Christmas. I hope they read him all the stories so he grows up to travel too.

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Weekly shop Reiss

ah the standard work apparel. When shopping on the 'high street' you've got numerous options on what to wear from BR to Cos to Topshop to the standard suit companys (of which there are many) but my first choice is always Reiss. Similar to BR in looks, Reiss adds just a bit more flair and a bit more colour to their stuff. It's always a standard shop with sometimes snotty service but the clothes make up for it. A little ruffle here, a little bow there and you always have a classic updated. They are everywhere too, which means standards are adhered to - Recently coveted are these amazing flats.......I promise to wear them every chance that I can get. I bought a gorgeous charcoal skirt and its definitly become a weekly wearable item.

Not Gwynnie's London

My london is not Gwenyth Paltrow's London.

Thanks to Kaili for pointing this out to me via Lainey Gossip. Besides a few of those pubs, the average Londoner will never see inside most of those places. It actually makes me laugh to think that Londoners can afford a £££ meal and then stay at the Berkeley (often over £400 to £600 a night for the 'cheap' room) even without 'the crunch'.

1. What a horrible time to come out with a decadent living newsletter
2. Don't appeal to Americans with a London article
3. Honestly, everyone has their own special pub. Most of the atmosphere is from the people you come with and the attitude of the village. Not the food (though it should be decent)
4. I think that Gwen has lived in London for years but never really known what makes London such a great city. (Most of the time - that doesn't come with having money)
   
5. I am interested in that restaurant in Spitafields market though. It could be a good splurge. I'm normally cheap (like most) and head to M&S, Boots, for dimsum or sausage and mash.

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When concrete attacks

Oh I hunted on Saturday morning for these spray cans. They are not small so I was shocked when I found nothing. L2 and I walked the entire distance of Hyde Park (and then more when the Picadilly Line had a security alert and the victoria line was closed when we got there). And I came up with nothing. If anyone knows where these guys are (and exact google map location) please let me know. I couldn't find the extra one in Hyde Park or the one near the Serpentine Galley. I just want to see concrete!

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Cheaper than a date at the movies

So L2 and I scored this weekend and are headed to a four star hotel on Friday night because we got it for £10. A last minute sale - we're going to be sitting in the lap of luxury to the north of Hyde Park. Sometimes this town really loves me!

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Location: a little more pemanent

We're starting to really think permanency in jolly ole England. As we get more and more into a routine, I think more and more of staying for more than just a couple years. Especially since this year has just flown by. It still feels strange to have my second time around in a season. But as we think permanency we think animals. I'm a big dog lover and desperately wanted one since I left the faithful Maltese when I was 18. Since then, the Maltese has passed away and I still want a dog - but maybe (no definitely) a bit bigger. But - coming across some shelters - it's rabbits that are left in the cold more often than not. As they can be fully house-trained and you need two to keep each other company but you don't have to take them outside and they require less room in a home - it's now become an option. Anyone owned a rabbit and can provide advice or a yay or 'dear g*d no'.

I can't do cats because I'm allergic. I'm not sure about the hamster idea. Nocturnal (I'm not) and stuck in a cage (I hate that)....

from fall to autumn

and in one swoop the leaves are falling, the days are blustery and I've finally taken out my coat. While I miss the colours of Ontario, we still have maple trees here and its far more similar to the West Coast fall. Except one issue, people at work constantly make fun of my mention of fall. Apparently it's autumn and no other way can it be described.

berry sugar overdose

The growing season in England came a little late this year but finally we have blackberries. And not those tart 'make yourself cry into your bowl of cereal' berries, but the plump delicious and succulent ones. Berries here of any kind have proved far superior to the Canadian version. Perhaps because they have become more of a treat or perhaps it's just true. I'm not sure but I've started to eat them by the bowlful. One up for adding to the 'five a day', one down to adding excessively to my sugar levels.