Nothin' Fancy

Haha, this makes me laugh. It's just a toy in a window in Brussels. I was in a silly mood. Still am, as I'm still laughing.

Dreams of Salty Air

Look, more seafood! Leigh-on-Sea charmed the pants off me on Saturday, what a brilliant little place. Southend was pretty average, however they do claim they have the "world's longest pleasure pier". Pleasure in what way I'm not sure. The tram takes you all the way to the end where there is nothing, not even a little kiosk for coffee or postcard. Then you return on the tram again. Pleasure must've been in short supply when it was built.

LEFT: Almost a nice photo for a food magazine - clockwise from top left: cockles, rolled mops, anchovie with olives, eel. RIGHT: Boats at low tide at Leigh-On-Sea

Ah Weeze my uni friend (there is an airport named after her I've just discovered near Dusseldorf. Don't believe me? Look it up on Ryanair's website.) This psychedelic playground we chanced upon at the South East Essex College Campus on their Open Day.


Emerald City, or South East Essex Campus, and library at Leigh-On-Sea.

Honestly can't remember having another day like this before. It was great! Everything we did went according to plan, including the weather which no one can ever predict! How many of you out there can say you've combined eating seafood in the morning, with a ride in a fun park in the afternoon, followed by a pint of the amber necter and a glass of wine in the evening without feeling sick one bit?!? Want to know more? Just ask me and Weeza.

Feast on This (Or Them's the Breaks)

Saturday night in Brussels, a group of hungry Australians trek to a pre-booked destination in search of seafood... (lord knows how London have deprived them!)

They sat and waited, wondering what was to befall them. Then slowly but surely their confidence grew with the presentation of each salivating dish. The wine poured, the conversation flowed, and even an investigation/interrogation took place that evening (witness the trauma below). But mostly the night was joyous. With our bellies filled we carried our heavy loads home for a peaceful night in Brussels.

THE PROPS

L-R T-B: Shrimp Croquette, Eel with Parsley Sauce, Mussels Marianne, Shrimp (starter), Monk Fish with Leek, Mussels close up

THE CHARACTERS
Some of us didn't want to share, and that same someone had a mouthful that was too hot!

But some of us just carried on eating quietly and demurely...

THE INTERROGATION
Poor poor Henry. The victim of unrelentless questioning from Chief Inspector Yocelyn.

THE SEQUEL

For anyone going to Brussels this is the restaurant where we had our great meal and good laughs:

http://www.bijdenboer.com/

Week 9 Friday Dinner

The spread - with roast duck and chinese doughnuts

Weekend 9 started in great form. Friday night dinner at Corrinne's Mish made simple yet oh-so-delicious congee - soul food for Asians. Added to which we had pork floss all the way from Singapore - thanks Yoc.

Week 10 Amendments

I need an editor.

Just been told the dinner last week was on a Saturday not Sunday, so it didn't happen after the Irish Festival. Me and my memory.

Those who know me will know I haven't changed at all.

It Ain't Rocket Science

Apsley House and Leighton House

Saturday of Weekend 11 was all about London and its historic houses. First was the residence of Lord Leighton, reknown English painter and president of the Royal Academy of Arts from 1876 to 1893. His house in Kensington was at the heart of a small artist community and his best friend Federik Watt, also a well regarded artist, lived in the house adjacent to his backyard.

Second house we saw was Apsley House, once the residence of the first Duke of Wellington, the man who defeated Napolean. Not as interesting as Leighton House despite its history, but we accidentally went in free of charge so who can complain really.

Melon Wrapped with Proscuitto and Chicken Schnitzel

Sunday of Weekend 11 was all food consuming. During the day Mish and I went to Covent Garden for a taste of Ireland ahead of St Patrick's Day celebrations. We were delighted by the freshly shucked Irish oysters, salivated over the Irish roast beef with Irish bread and Irish mash potatos, and gorged on the Irish cheesecake (made with Baileys of course) and Irish chocolate cake. We also bought Irish porridge and sour dough bread for only 50p a packet!

Dinner that night at Corrinne's was provided by moi (starter) and Yocy (main). Wine of course as always, by Miss Corrinne.

Counting Down the Weeks

So, the ride is almost over.

I never thought I would last this long, and frankly, never thought I'll be brave enough to embark a backpacking trip on my own. But I suppose this is what happens, being away from home and getting a taste of the world - you just want more! Having a time frame to kick yourself into action has been great and I am looking forward to the next 12 months like you wouldn't believe.

London has been great to me, otherwise I wouldn't encouraged to seek adventures further afield. Here are some snap shots of the last 24 months - love it or hate it, I'll miss London.

View of London - Tower 24, Swiss Re Building, Tower of London on the Thames

Me, Erica and Rowan at Lab Bar, Soho

Michelle, Thuy and me in the Cotswolds

Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace

London Red Phone Booth