Set the fire to the third bar♬

Thursday night, us rebels doing French AS-level went all the way down to Earlsfield to see a play – mind you, performed in Bollywood style and spoken in English, but written by Moliere. I was a bit skeptical, as any normal person would be, but at the same time intrigued, so after getting so stressed at Clapham Junction (the worst train station ever) we arrived at Tara theater. It may be the smallest theater in the world, I don’t know, but it’s definitely the smallest I’ve ever been into; the size of a normal back-to-back house, the ‘stage’ was the size of the living room and there were no more than 30 seats altogether. Needless to say our group took up 1/3 of the whole thing. Anyways, it was such a fun play with amazing live music of all genres and the actors were actually very good. There isn’t as much dancing as we thought it would but I guess that wasn’t the point of the play…

On Saturday I met with my friend for lunch on Kensington High Street where she suggested Dryland Grand Cafe , a really nice bar restaurant just opposite the tube station. They had everything from cakes to salads but I just had to go for the goats cheese and roasted vegetable sandwich with a blueberry smoothie…so healthy. No need to mention that we couldn’t resist going in a few shops and I’m putting together a wish list as soon as possible. Actually, as soon as I get enough money to spend because otherwise it’s just mean.

And to wrap up my exhausting weekend, Sunday was spent at Somerset House where I’m a volunteer with the temporary exhibitions. This week I was assigned to the Paul Benney : Night Paintings display in the Deadhouse which has just opened and will run until the 9th of December. I love my role anyways, but to get to be in Somerset’s Deadhouse is a privilege as it is almost never open for the public and it’s so interesting. It’s called as such because in its crypt-like walls there are tombs and gravestones dating from the 14th century and with the lighting and the gloomy paintings it was quite chilling. Coming in from Embankment level, the exhibition really stands out as different. I find the paintings themselves quite interesting, some which are quite quizzical and impress with the use of perspective and technique of oil and resin on wood, but I liked the way they’ve been exhibited and I think the location is perfect for the story of the paintings. I definitely recommend it, as I recommend the Valentino exhibition which will open on the 29th of November… I literally cannot wait for that one!

By the way, I’m selling some of my clothes – and not only – on eBay so if you’re interested click here! Thanks

Own side ♬

Credits to my friend who was the photographer! ^.^ T’was the day before she went back home *sad face*, when we went for a look around Notting Hill and Portabello Road. If you go there, no matter the reason, you need to stop at Dri Dri for icecream, I am dead serious when I say it’s the best one I’ve had so far and I’ve been to Italy too, so that must mean something. It means it’s too good for you guys not to at least try it!

Click for the title song here

Scottish Borders Top 10

As promised, here are the most beautiful places I have visited in the Scottish Borders all squeezed and compressed into a top 10. For those who know me -or not, that’s cool too- I am very indecisive so please appreciate the effort and stress that has gone into this selection.

First off, the breathtaking glacial valley of Tweedsmuir which I think translates into the valley of the river Tweed – geography and linguistics for you. It was added on the itinerary by chance as we needed the quickest way home and our GPS, whom I shall call by his name (Marcel) from now on, saw a narrow road that slithered solitarely through a mass of uncharted land and chose that one. Lesson number one: a vast green area on the GPS display signals either a natural park or a mountain. We had the second option. Nevertheless, it was a stroke of luck since the place was so beautiful and the weather just right for some great photography.

Silver then goes to Edinburgh, a city which left me very impressed and wanting to see more of it – and in better weather. Excuse the somewhat posh label I’m going to make but it’s such a bourgeois city that I felt like I was in France or Belgium. To be fair, Scotland does have a very tight friendship with France and they have taken some cultural influences but I was certainly not expecting such a vibrant and rich city. The Royal Mile pretty much sums up the entire center and while I loved the views from the palace, the Royal Jewels exhibition was, although informative, a tad bit kitsch… you’ll see the photos of the sculptures coming out of the walls, don’t worry. One big regret: I wish we had time to visit the gallery! Next time

Culross is the next place on my list, which is so different from my top two. This is probably one of the most picturesque villages in the world, if not then just in Great Britain. Peaceful little place next to the bay with coquettish little cottages with flowered English gardens and Provencal windows. What more could you want?

Floors Castle, next to Kelso, was another place that I really liked. The castle is quite flamboyant in architecture compared to the more austere Scottish traditional buildings so it was quite impressive as it sits on top of a small hill overlooking the valley. We suspect we have even met the 10th Duke of Roxburghe just casually walking his dog on the estate. Casually being the key word here.

Loch Chon and Loch Katrina – 2 pretty lakes quite close to the famous Loch Lomond. What was so spectacular about these was the amazing landscape and what looked like very very expensive houses lined up on its shores, making it seem like the Scottish version of the Italian riviera and the exclusive areas of Lake Como and Garda.

Although not a touristic destination per se, I absolutely loved the house that we rented, it was absolutely perfect and what I have in mind when I think of Scotland. Acres upon acres of fields (therefore amazing views), an amazing garden and my favorite – one of those little sofa tings on the windowsill…I honestly can’t wait to go back. Oh it’s called Corbett Towers, almost forgot to mention it.

Rosslyn Chapel I found very interesting; it’s so small and so ornate that it actually looks friendly, which can’t be said about most religious buildings I think. The sculpted ceiling with stars and flowers was really impressive and wherever you look there are so many symbols. We also got to listen to a guide who told the humoristic version of the chapel’s history; this was around 12 or 1 o’clock, so if you’re ever around at that time don’t miss it.

Glasgow high street was also fun, a bit of a city escape for half a day, where I bought a new grey jersey dress. Don’t judge, I wanted it for a long-ish time and they had a 20% off so I couldn’t help myself.

Because my dad is a passionate collector of whiskey bottles, we naturally had to visit a distillery – heck, we were in their home country! So we went to Glengoyne for a tour around the factory where we got to see all the different techniques they use in the process of making whiskey and a look around their shop. It was all so good that we couldn’t possibly have left empty handed. Well obviously I had no role in the buying of a whiskey bottle but I did get a box of handmade chocolates with whiskey filling… they were so good I had to limit myself to just one a day so it would last me longer.

And last but not least – St. Andrew’s! A charming little town by the sea, best known for the university which gave it its name (or maybe the other way round). It’s the third oldest in the UK and the oldest in Scotland, dating from the 15th century. I loved walking around the city center with all the boutiques and pastry shops and around the amazing campus and by the harbor. This place really has it all! P.S – take your time to visit the Glass House restaurant for lunch. Such good food!

 

 

 

 

I realize this took ages to post but just loading 43 photos takes about 5 hours…but I’m finishing off with a pretty photo!

 

Vegas Girl ♬

A solitary case in which street ads have actually paid off – Vegas Girl by Conor Maynard is in my head! So naturally it had to be the title of my next post, no?

When you are reading this, I’ll be off hiking in Scotland (funny how I’ll be doing that in wellies since there’s a flood warning going on) so expect some ‘travel diary’ entries too… but don’t expect any flats or cute tops.

Today was Knightsbridge day with a stop in Harrods where I’ve tasted one of the world’s best macaroon (Black sesame and chestnut filling – amazing) and a cultural visit to the ‘Ballgown: British Glamour’ exhibition at the V&A.

That day I was wearing red flats (from Amsterdam) and the Fred de la Bretoniere bag (also from Amsterdam, there’s a trend going), dip dye M&S jeans, Mango t-shirt and French Connection jacket.

My friend was responsible for the hair and photos . I can’t braid my hair at all so I’m taking advantage these weeks that she’s visiting.

I tried the ‘Spin’ design which was a big spinning chair which tilted you to a point where you thought you’d fall but then it didn’t…as you can see I totally got it so nevermind the terrified expression on my face.

Sugar, spice and everything nice

That really sums up my culinary experience in the north of Holland. Breakfast was minimal, because of all the cheese and apples we had eaten the night before. There are literally so many types it’s hypnotizing: truffles, hazelnuts, goat’s cheese, smoked cheese, with cumin seeds or paprika. And they all go equally as well with apples.

This was my favorite cheese store, located on Damstraat as you head towards Oudezijds Voorburgwal. Again, having so much fun typing the names in

Lunch was a funny affair so to say. Day one was -ironically- the best lunch-wise, with amazing hot goat’s cheese (again) on a salad bed with nuts and a crispy crust with balsamic vinegar. I would have had more if it wouldn’t have made me look like such a fattie.

This restaurant was on Kloveniersburgwal next to Newmarkt square and was called De Bekeerce Suster.

On the same magical street, some 20 meters away, was a great little waffle place where I had this lovely chocolatey sugarey thing of beauty

Piccola being the name of the above mentioned establishment.

For some more traditional Dutch dishes, Spuistraat is the place to go; the entire street is lined up with great small restaurants renowned for the tasty food they serve. One of my favorites was Haesje Claes at numer 225 where I ate a fish-heavy oven-baked casserole for which I had been looking the whole time (the tourist guide recommended it)

And then headed out to Cafe Hoppe which is famous for its original 1600′s interior decor, a big crowd pleaser for Amsterdam based intellectuals and public figures. So I really couldn’t miss it. Their specialty coffee lives up to the name.

Speaking of coffee, as much as I loved Cafe Hoppe for its bohemian style of a bygone era, the absolute must visit place is in Delft and it’s called Kleyweg’s Stads-Koffyhuis, located right behind the central square.

The shiny trophies and medals surely meant it was going to be an experience to remember. It was so much more than that that I’ll let the photos do the talking.

Next stop was Utrecht, where I (because my parents were quite lost at this point) found a great place on one of the main streets that served some lighter food… I love cheese and chocolate, but by this time I was feeling quite sick of them both. Although that never stood in the way of compromise…

With the habitual hot chocolate from Simon Levelt to aide digestion naturally.

Day 6 I think saw us finally reaching the coast and, because the sun was out for the first time that week, we stopped at a fishermen’s restaurant and ate mussels, which I absolutely adore since visiting Normandy a few years back.

I hope you do realize that these mouth-watering photos were taken at the expense of me looking like some kind of hyped up tourist who takes photos of EVERYTHING, and while I don’t wish to dive into tourist stereotypes, I’ll just finish by apologizing for the mile long virtual feast I’ve created in this post with a photo of waffles. My one true weakness…

Ana x

Birthday Lunch at Whole Foods Restaurant

As a small gap in our whole Amsterdam extravaganza, it was my mom’s birthday today and I took her out shopping. My gift to her was free stylist’s services including the very important ‘persuade-the-dad-it-was-worth-it’ task at the end. She got some pretty cool stuff some from Cos and some from Massimo Dutti (that for some odd reason isn’t online) which I love so much.

http://www.cosstores.com/Store/Women/Tops/Printed_batwing_top/46885-341052.1

And after that, we went to the Whole Foods restaurant at the Sushi Bar and had the most amazing Crab Deluxe Rolls they were called I have ever tasted. If you ever find yourself in the area, do try it. And while you’re at it, don’t miss the Jasmine Green tea with the blossoming flower included.