PH

LONDON - One of my must tries in my trip was Pierre Hermé Macarons. I wasn't going to leave the country without trying it. Which tempted me not to try it all together! ;) Sorry, I digress. The last macarons I had were from PAUL three years ago, and I remember how lovely they tasted. So, to be told that there was something EVEN better, was impossible de croire.

I got a box of 7 for £14 to try that evening and a box of 12 for £22 to take back home with me. There I was that evening with two of my favourite people (plus my favourite tiny person asleep in the other room ;) ), with a glass of Monbazillac, ready to sink my teeth into these macarons. It had an ever so gentle bite on the outside, and the rest made me close my eyes and savour the subtle flavours playing in my mouth. It was sublimely decadent. Each flavour giving you a different experience for each macarons. My favourite among all had to be Huile D'Olive & Mandarine. Rather than it tasting sugary, it tasted so delicate with it's subtle sweet flavour. Sigh. Only the French.

Hawksmoor

I love this lamp!



LONDON - I've died and gone to Poirot paradise! The interior of this place is just exquisite. The entrance is very modern and has an exclusive nightclub sort of feel to it, but once you walk in, it's like being in a 1930's style bar. The right words to describe it's interior is -- handsome. It is, admittedly, rather masculine, but we were two women sitting at this bar this evening and it didn't feel intimidating at all. More importantly, my Campari soda was perfect! ;) I had initially asked for a Bellini, but they had run out of peach juice. But that was fine, I was very happy with my Campari.

Did I mention that I love their lamps?! :)

Missing Out on Lights Out & Blue Skies

more photos

"The Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace and Piccadilly Circus were among London landmarks plunged into darkness to raise awareness of global warming.

Lights across the city were switched off for an hour on Thursday night to encourage London's three million households to conserve energy.

The Lights Out London campaign aimed to have all non-essential lighting turned off between 2100 and 2200 BST.

It followed similar campaigns in cities including Sydney, Paris and Rome.

It was the first time the lights at Piccadilly Circus had been switched off since World War II." - BBC News

Around 200 aspiring artists take to their easels in Trafalgar Square, central London, for Blue Sky Day. Some of the most inspired pictures from the event will be hung in the National Gallery in an exhibition sponsored by travel website Expedia.

Ship Wreck

"Fire today ravaged the Cutty Sark, turning the 19th century tea clipper, permanently moored in south London and one of Britain's most important maritime treasures, into a blackened wreck.

The Cutty Sark left London on its first voyage on February 16 1870, sailing around the Cape of Good Hope to Shanghai three months later. But the ship made only eight voyages to China in the tea trade."

17th April, 2006 - Greenwich, London

The news of a historic landmark of London goes into flames, really saddened me. I guess it is because just a little over a year ago, I was sitting right infront of it with a friend and you never think a year later it could be destroyed. Even if it is said that only 50% of the ship has been destroyed, it is still 50% of history that is gone too.

Sandy Is A Star

An email that I received today from my one of my closest friends, Sandy Officer, had that on the subject line. Having no clue what is was about, I re-read the subject again out loud to myself and looked at it quizzically before clicking on it. It was a quick email with a bbc link. Did a quick browse of the page and saw her photo in the article! Well done Missy Officer! I am sure if I was there, we would be celebrating at Wax by now! haha!

Mi Ultimo Adiós

Adiós Londres.

Te quiero.

Te echaré de menos.

Tiene mi corazón.

London - Last Few Days Pt2

Canary Wharf

National Gallery

...and the one thing I wont miss -- the pigeons

London - Last Few Days

So the countdown begins. I am trying to make the most of my last few days here in LDN. My day was made up by meeting friends, trying my favorite food places for the last time, endulge in art galleries and just capture every moment I can of this city which is beloved to me.

Numero Uno

The Apple Mac Store - on Regent Street. This is one of the many shops I am going to miss in London. Ooh-ing and ahh-ing the newest apple gadgets in store. Watching and learning from the free workshops, has been the best way to pass time on certain days. Lots of purchases made as well as memories. This is my temple, I will miss the visits I made religiously.

Numero Dos

Sacred Cafe - I have gone on endlessly about this cafe. This has got to be my favorite cafe in London. I love the coffee and the music they play, the friendly vibe of the place. Today, I went to have perhaps my last cup of Cortado and my Nata (Portuguese Egg Tart). I was THISCLOSE to buying their t-shirt, but unfortunately they didn't have my size. Haha! This is how much I love this place.

Numero Tres

The Sights - Walking along Westminster, I just can't get eough of the London Eye. It was an amazing experience being up there. The view you get of London is just fantastic. It's just as beautiful appreciating it from a far.

Numero Quatro

Museums - I went to see the Dali Museum today, as one of my last few art fix. I was rather impressed by his work. I only have seen a few of his paintings, which I found very interesting. Usually, I don't think sculptures are anything great. However, seeing Dali's surrealistic works makes me appreciate sculptures. They're very interesting, because they have so much meaning and metaphors involved. The first image is the Space Venus, where Dali pays homage to the female figure. He says the beauty of the flesh is temporary and will vanish, but the beauty of art is timeless and eternal. This sculpture is devided into two parts to reveal the egg, symbolizing life, renewal, continuation and the future. I adore this concept. The second image is the Novelty of Time. You will notice, a lot of Dali's art has the melted watch draped over something. In one of his works called the Persistence of Memory, it is said that the Dalinian time is not rigid, it is one with space... fluid. This watch no longer "keeps" time. The speed of our time depends only on us.. Beautifully said. The more I know about him, the more I love his philosophy. And the last image which is the Space Elephant. It is said that it is moving through space towards the heavens, legs stretched out and more delicate in the weightless atmosphere, the space elephant carries an obelisk, symbol of the progress of technology. There is one more sculpture which I thought was fantastic, it was the Homage to Newton, Dalí honours Sir Isaac Newton for his discovery of the Law of Gravity, symbolised by the celebrated falling apple, which is represented here by a sphere of metal attached to a line. In this form, the apple loses both its impermanence and its capacity for regeneration. Dalí implies that the living being, Sir Isaac Newton, has become a mere name in science, completely stripped of his personality and individuality. To represent this transformation, Dalí has pierced the figure with two large holes: one that portrays the absence of Newton's vital organs, while the other clearly displays the lack of mind. What remains is only symbolic representation. Wow! Seeing other aspects of his exhibit like his illustrations, I had wished that I had read Don Quixote before seeing this exhibit. He had done illustrations of the story. It would have been quite nice to put two and two together.

At the start of the exhibit, Dali's quotes are found on the walls. At first when I read them, I thought that very clever but didn't mean as much. That is, until I got to "know" him better. I couldn't resist to write some of them down. I know Dali wouldn't have mind me "stealing" some of his words, you will see why by the end of this post. For now, I leave you with some of my favorite Dalianian quotes:

"There is less madness to my methods than there is methods to my madness."

"An artist is not one who is inspired, but one who can inspire others."

"Ideas are made to be copied. I have enough ideas to sell them on. I prefer that they are stolen so that I dont have to actually use them myself."

"For me love must be ugly, looks must be divine, and death must be beautiful."

"The envy of other artists has always been the barometer of my success."

Snow

There were predictions of snow in London. But after 3 years of living here, promises of snow, promises of sunshine. You start to think, "yeah whatever". This morning however was a pleasant surprise. I woke to my sister telling me to look out the window. It was like a winter wonderland. I didn't think I would get to see snow one last time before leaving England. As always, I was like a little girl in the candy store. I love seeing snow and being around it. It feels so crisp and romantic. It can make any place that normally looks like some piss-pot place look beautiful. I walked towards the station, taking a few snaps, hearing the crunch of snow under my shoes. Ahhh, lovely. Until reality kicks in. As always, with a little change in weather, the transport system goes in to a choatic shock during rush hour.

It was nice to know that even residence of this country, still love and enjoy a bit of snow. The people I got to speak to in Canary Wharf were telling me how lovely it was to wake up to snow. I got an email from a friend decribing how beautiful it was to see the trees lined with snow. Ironically enough, I had taken just that particular picture earlier in the morning. I'm crossing my fingers that it snows again tonight.

On another note, I was able to finally see one of Almodovar's most talked about film -- Habla Com Ella (Talk to Her). This is the second Almodovar film I have seen so far, the first one being Volver. Both were good, but both were -- as the Spanish say rara, weird. Weird in a good way. His films are interesting with different levels, but it can tend to be rather (what's the word...) -- perverse. Dispite that, I still think it is quite good and a breath of fresh air, compared to the normal hollywood rubbish being produced.

Come on snow!!

LDN - Either you love it, or hate it.

The weather in London yesterday had been it's best in weeks! The sun finally was out and the weather was cool, it felt like spring rather than a miserable winter's day. As it is my last few days in London, I decided to make the most of it and enjoy the day and see the sights.

I met a friend for lunch at Westminster, then I headed towards the Tate, snapping photos of the city. Wish I had a SLR or even just a better camera! haha! My mobile camera is quite good considering, but photos will never compare actually being there. Feeling the vibe of the city, strangers speaking to you, the sun and cold at the same time. As I was walking, I was aware I was having a wonderful day and enjoying myself, even if I was experiencing it alone. Sometimes having someone with you could make the experience worst, or better.

I started to think about how people feel about this city. I came to the conclusion that perhaps people react to London like how the would react to Marmite. "It's either you love it, or hate it". I personally loath the stuff, it tastes like feet! What is wrong with good ol' Jam? But back to London, I do love it. I see London as how some women have a man they can't fall out of love with. It's not perfect, it sometimes if not often will let you down, but it has a charm that you haven't found anywhere else. You try and get over it, but there is just something that feels so right when you are together. That's how I feel about London. It lacks the luxury of back home, but it makes up in other ways. It's not the cleanest, but which big city is? The only difference is that London, will let you meet people from all over the world without having to travel. It will let you go into shops and restaurants and make you feel like you have been teleported to Spain or Italy. I guess one will never really value this city, unless it is taken away from you.

One For The Road

Prinsess Tårta, a traditional cake in Sweden. Also known as the princess cake. This is my favorite cake because it has everything I love in a cake. Soft sponge cake - good. Thin layer of jam - goood. Cream filling - gooood. Covered in marzipan - goooooood. Yum!

This is one of the many things I will miss in Europe. Even if I am not in Sweden, I am still able to get it from the Swedish temple - 1K£@. Spent the afternoon there yesterday purchasing some home stuff, preparing for my departure. My sister tempted me by saying "one for the road?". As if I was going to say, no.

EDIT: I feel really proud, and I must share this with you. The photo I took of the Prinsess Tårta above, has been awarded on Flickr a Flickr Gold Group Award. WOO!!! What a compliment!

The Itsu on Regent Street

I was walking along Regent Street this week and I noticed that they had closed down the Itsu in Piccadilly. Itsu is a chain of sushi restaurants in London. Early November 2006, after the controversial incident of Mr. Litvinenko falling ill due under suspicion of trace of a radioactive substance Pollonium, Itsu became internationally known for this political press. Consequently, this branch of this sushi bar was closed down because it was believed to be the reason of former KGB's death. I would occasionally go to this sushi bar and I can't begin to imagine what it could have done to their sales.

Speaking of Litvinenko, I read today that Johnny Depp is to produce a film on the life of the former Russian Spy. I think this could rather be interesting, Mr. Depp.

Carsten Höller's Slides @ Tate Modern

The Carsten Höller's Slide installations are found at the Tate Modern. A few days ago my sister's Mother-in-law was really keen on checking it out. I had heard about it prior from my Welsh friend as well. There are 5 levels, the lower 2 levels are free and the higher levels you have to pay. When I heard about it before I was considering having a go. But when I saw photos of it being a covered tube and how high they were... I chickened out. I'd rather appreciate it from a far. It is rather amazingly done and well organized. The artist has managed to combining art with fun.

Monopoly on Boxing Day

A day after Christmas, lunch at ping-pong, coffee at Sacred, come home to glögg, biscuits and a game of Monopoly. It has now become my favorite game. Probably because it is the only thing I am good at. I am still amazed how long this game can go on for. It was something I should have done during those looong hours of power-cuts in Manila.

Bar Gansa

Oh it has been a busy (alcohol induced) weekend. With lots of meeting of friends and Xmas preparations, it has been a busy week. Last Sunday, I met my friend Julianna for a post birthday celebration. We met in Camden as I have never been there before. It was quite an unusual place (for London) and it reminded it much of the Greenhills in Manila. The stuff there were nice to look at, but not necessary nice to own. I saw a few pieces of clothing that I would like to get, but then I found it outrageous to pay those prices in a market when it is the same price I would pay for Zara or Mango. But then Juls reminded me that it was after all, vintage.

After seeing Camden Market, we decided it was time to sit and grab some grub. We both agreed that Bar Gansa seemed quite interesting and she wanted me to practice my Spanish. hehe! And indeed I did. I was able to order our meal in Spanish and ask for the bill as well.

I must say, as we sat there for a few hours enjoying our Sangria's, Tapas and Paella, the place really grew on me. The staff I thought was fantastic. They were so friendly and made our dinner experience great. The one thing I love about dinning in London is that if you dine let's say, in an Italian restaurant, you will have Italian people serving you and the guests too are Italian. Same goes with Chinese, Indian and Spanish. That is one thing I surely will miss. I loved being able to speak to the people in Spanish and make me feel for those hours, I was in Spain. The food in Bar Ganza was really good as well. I kind of prefer this restaurant now than La Tasca, as it is independent and not commercialized. If in Camden, check out this place in Inverness Street. It is even worth making the trip to go check out this place.

As if I hadn't had enough alcohol, after dinner we decided to head towards west end and find a place to keep up the Latin spirit. But as it was Sunday, everything was closed. So we ended up and some pubs. haha!

It was a very good, if tiresome weekend.

six more days ;)

My Sacred Place

Sacred Cafe has got to be one of my favorite cafes here in London. The place is really cozy and it has a basement seating area which feels like a lounge rather than your typical cafe. Best of all the coffee is actually good! I found out today that use New Zealand organic fair-trade coffee roast. They also prepare the kind of coffee I enjoy -- a cortado.

A cortado is an espresso "cut" (from the Spanish and Portuguese cortar) with a small amount of warm milk to reduce the acidity. The ratio of milk is 1:1, and the milk is added after the espresso. The steamed milk hasn't much foam, but many baristas make some micro foam to make latte art. It is popular in both Spain and Portugal, as well as throughout Latin America, where it is drunk in the afternoon.

~wikipedia

I found it cute that instead of giving you a number stub for your order, your number is on a red London bus. I once had their Tiramisu and it was quite good. They also have a huge array of teas and it comes in different kinds of oriental tea pots. Girls and our tea parties :)

The one thing I love about this place as well, (apart from all the great memories created here with some special friends), is that they always play my kind of music. There are times when they play Latin Jazzy type and today they played music from Hot Chip. I didn't know that this is what they were called. I had heard their song Over and Over which I liked but never knew who it was by. The album is really good and would recommend it.<

Excuse me sir

I'm lost

I'm looking for a place

Where I can get lost

I'm looking for a home

For my malfunctioning being

I'm looking for the mechanical music museum

~Hot Chip - The Warning

And lastly, another plus point about this cafe is that they have free wi-fi connection. They couldn't have found a better way of giving Starbucks "the victory sign". ;)

Babe In The City

...This little piggy went to Tottenham Court Road...

I came out of Tottenham Court Road Station and that little piggy greeted me. I don't even know what they were trying to promote as I was in a rush. (Only had enough time to take a photo :P) haha! I just find it amusing how when you see these sorta mascots in London. I once saw two Bananas on the way to work one morning, they were promoting Crush. On another occasion, I saw a mascot dressed as balls, promoting prostate cancer awareness. What a job!

Don't Cry For Me Argentinaaa!

One of the silly things about being me is that, when I was I child I always thought that this song was about a girl named Argentina. This is probably because when I was a child and I would have moments when I would cry and be upset, and when my dad found out he would ALWAYS start singing... "Doooon't cry for meee Argentiiinnaaa...". There I was thinking he was singing to me to make me feel better (me being Argentina), but no it was just his excuse to break into song. His broadway dream put into reality for those few moments, in the expense of his child's misery. Mind you he does have a great voice and could as well pull it off. ;)
Yesterday, Thanks to Rina, I was fortunate enough to watch Andrew Lloyd Webber's EVITA. This was the first musical I have seen in London. I have been meaning to see a musical for the past 3 years I have been here but never really knew which to see, or who to go with and all that kuffufle. But day before yesterday, Rina offered me a free ticket which she won from a photography competition. Woohoo!!
Anyway, while I was waiting for Rina in Carnaby Street, I was able to witness another "firsts". They were turning on the Christmas lights in Carnaby Street. I was in Boots buying some mints when I could hear them outside starting. Of all the bloody time to buy mints! haha! WAIT FOR ME!! Luckily I made it in time for the countdown and was able to take short video clip of it. Have a look.



    Anyway, back to Evita. We had a bit of a problem looking for the Adelphi Theatre in the West End. It's so ironic that you keep seeing all these musical theatres when you walk in London, but when you need to actually go to one, you can't find it!
Elena Roger played the story based on Evita Perón, the wife of Argentinian dictator Juan Perón. It depicts her life as Argentina’s powerful political figure up until her tragic death. I must say it was fantastically done! The performance was fantastic and the stage set was amazing! Rina and I both fancied the narrator (the guy behind Evita in the photo above) haha! We were amazed by the quick costume change, specially the hair piece!! One scene having dark hair and the next blonde! Obviously a wig, but how did they do it? She was flinging her head like mad and it stayed on! It was really well done and the actors were great.

When I was growing up my parents would take us to the Repertory Philippines to watch plays such as "Nunsense" and "Little Shops of Horrors" and I always get a buzz when I would watch it. I really used to enjoy it a lot and I feel that I am going to try and start watching more plays/musicals again.
Have I said too much?

There's nothing more I can think of to say to you.

But all you have to do is look at me to know

That every word is true....

Churreria Española

I have been hearing about "The Churros Place" in Queensway and I have been wanting to go there for some time now. I went to Queensway last week looking for it, but couldn't find it. I guess because I expected it to be right on the high street. Today however, I printed out a map just to make sure I would be able to find it.

When I got there it was not exactly what I expected. I thought it would be more upmarket and conformed to most restaurants type cafes. That didn't put me off, as I wanted to see what it was all about and have my own judgement of the place.

As I walked in the place, I wasn't sure where to sit, if I had to be seated or if I was going to have to order and then sit. The waitress told me eventually that she would bring me the menu. As I was about to sit down the camarero (waiter) wiped the table for me, with that I said "gracias", he responded with great surprise saying "habla español!" he then turned the first waitress I met and told her in Spanish, "get her order, she speaks Spanish". I tried clarify that I could barely speak it and kept saying "No, hablo muy poco". Haha! That didn't stop the waitress and carried out the whole conversation with me in Spanish. Telling me that these were the specials and then told me to follow her, "sígame". I didn't want to leave my bag unattended but then she caught on and told the waiter "iMire la bolsa de la chica!" (watch the bag of the lady) and he said "Como? arrebato la bolsa de la chica?" (what? take/snatch the bag of the lady?) hahahahahah

She then took me to where the guy in blue is standing in the photo. Showing me all the specials, Estufado, and other yummy dishes. But then something caught my eye and something told me I wouldn't just be having my Churros con Chocolate! hahaha! Yup, Paella. Any one who knows me that, that is my biggest weakness! But then she took me to the side which was near the kitchen and she said "Guapa, mire este estufado." at the same time scooping up a ladle full to show me what was in it. She really knows how to tempt someone! In all that she was explaining to me the only word I kept managing to say was "Si... Si... Si..." Haha! I then sat down and looked at the menu to see if I had missed something. I was quite disappointed looking that most of the things on the menu had been British food! But it's okay, they still had Spanish food on the menu. She started to take my order and I asked her how big the Paella was, hoping it would be small so that I would have space for my Churros! haahah! She replied by telling me that she could give me half portion if I wanted. I love this place already! I love good food but I can't eat huge portions.

I sat there absorbing the vibe of the place. I loved it. It was simple almost feels like a canteen vibe but it isn't. It wasn't pretentious at all. It feels very cozy as if you are dinning in someones home. There were several Spanish people eating there and I loved watching them order the food and hearing them speak in Spanish. People speaking to each other in the other table but not being intrusive. Just a polite way of acknowledging your fellow diner and countrymen.

As I sat waiting for my paella, I thought that it would be great if this place sold some Sangria or wine. As if someone read my thoughts, the waiter brought these two elderly men a bottle of wine. He offered the wine to the hombres as if they were in a fancy restaurant. How civilized! I was loving every minute of what I was observing! This was soon destroyed when two British guys sat down and ordered "a plate of chips, sausage and eggs sandwich and a cuppa tea" -- you are at the wrong place mate! This place is wasted on you! Hence why their menu had 2 types of food. Anyhoo...

My Paella arrived and although it wasn't the best Paella I've had (my sister and I make the best Paella haha!) nevertheless, I enjoyed every minute of it. I loved watching the Spanish people dinning there and the owner and waiters making it such a homey atmosphere. It made me feel that indeed perhaps I do belong in that side of the world :P

I found it quite funny cause a group a Spanish gentlemen in their suits arrived and asked of a table. The waiter asked them in Spanish how many are there of them and this elderly gentleman said "viente ocho" hahahahhahaha! Obviously, 28 persons wouldn't be able to fit in the restaurant let alone in a table! hahah!

After I had finished my lunch, the waiter took my plate away and I ordered my "un Churros con chocolate". He responded by saying "You came aaalllll the way here JUST to have ONE Churro?!" Hahhahaha!

The churros was okay, nothing spectacular. The hot chocolate was divine. But like I said even if the food was not to my expectation, the place was fantastic. I will definitely be visiting them soon again.

Adios!

Damien Hirst - The Virgin Mother

Im testing Flickr's blog posting. If you are reading this, then everything went tickety-boo. This is one of my latest photography attempt and my favorite art pieces. It is by Damien Hirst and it is located at The Royal Academy of Art. It is an amazing sculpture, half of which depicts the internal organs of a woman's body whilst pregnant. Once you see this up close, you can't help but stare at it in awe.