Escape

Sometimes you just need to, don't you? Hope you're all having a brilliant Bank Holiday, escaping somewhere wonderful! 

Life as we Know it

Gosh, what a couple of weeks we have had. The Ginge has started a new job in a new hospital (a bit far away for my liking) and I have just started my final year of university. It is now five years since I started at medical school, so it is very exciting to think that this time next year, I will actually be a doctor. We are both settling in very nicely and enjoying our respective challenges. I am particularly enjoying being in an environment where people outnumber pipettes. In between working, we have been doing some very lovely things. Croquet and boules in the garden in Norfolk; learning the intricacies of the former from the Ginge's dad and reminiscing over playing the latter on childhood camping holidays in France. The familiar plunk as the ball hits the ground and the elusive click of a direct hit. A walk up to Bradfield, a small village outside of Sheffield; realising that I feel at home there and dreaming of making the views and the fields my own. A wander around Sharrow and Eccleshall; finding a perfect little shop specialising in restored antiques, falling in love with our new wardrobe and chest of drawers (pictures to follow soon). Playing housewife; baking carrot muffins for breakfast, eating them hot and soft from the oven, smothered with cool yoghurt and sweet honey. Relishing in our glut of vegetables, turning them into a fresh and fragrant summer soup to be eaten in the sunshine. Helping the Ginge to recreate a childhood holiday meal, including takeaway chips collected in a saucepan; confirming that I love the silly small things that we share with each other, just as much as the big stuff. 

Little London

I have never lived in London, but have always seemed to gravitate towards it. I love to dig down to the heart and soul of a place, especially one with so much history, and like nothing better than a wander and an explore. So, here are some snippets of two London visits we have made in the last few weeks.  

The zodiac clock at Hampton Court, where we spent a lovely, post-M25 afternoon on our way home from Sussex. 

An amazing light bulb at the Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes - a gloriously retro place to spend an evening. We actually went there for drinks with my lovely, childhood friend Krysia, but must go back there to bowl! 

Deliciously fresh juice at Greenwich Market. Mine's the pink one - beetroot and apple. Yum. 

A fantastic day out in the East End with great friends. 

I really want to get my hands on a Carrom Board.

A cake shop called Treacle, just for me. 

The strikingly colourful Columbia Road. The Ginge was very relieved that we had no room in the car, otherwise I might have gone a bit mad buying lavender, stocks and agapanthus. 

Scrumptious painted houses on Portobello Road.

My last-meal-before-I-die food would be Indian Street Food, most particularly the Calcuttan delicacy; the Kati Roll.  Until recently, I thought these were only available from their native city, however there is now a little place on Poland Street, which does a good attempt at the real thing.  

One of my favourite walks - Little Venice to Primrose Hill, along the Regent's Canal. 

Canal-side life looks idyllic. If I ever move to London, this might just be the way forward. 

I was so sad to see this shop all boarded up. It used to be the most perfect, old fashioned hardware shop. 

Who could resist a stop at Marine Ices on a hot day? Mine will be one scoop of Strawberry and one of Melon. The Ginge will struggle to decide, but will probably plump for the cherry.  

Who would go to Madame Tussauds?