More PIMM's

Somewhere off Leicester Square, Irene and Grace found this little shop named PIMM'S Summer Garden. They served nothing but PIMMs in various fruity combinations. What's more surprising in that little hideout is that it has an indoor garden (complete with artificial grass, trees and plants). with walls painted with Blue Skies and a brightly projected sun.

One may just sit on a mat, or the garden bench and enjoy the fruity drink. It totally eradicate the time of the day cos the sun will keep shinning and the brightness controlled by its indoor lightings. Certainly a great place to deceive ourselves to enjoy, MORE PIMMS.

Cheers again !!!!

PIMMS

Was introduced to "PIMMS", whilst at a local Pub with the TSB gang - Sylvia, Irene & Grace. It caught on fast. Grace was having her second somewhere and it was also Sarah's parting shot at Heathrow airport before her departure on 18 Jun 13. It was simply refreshing. Google for it content and here it is : "Pour 50 ml of Pimm’s No 1 Cup into a tall glass almost filled with ice. Add a slice each of orange, lemon and peeled cucumber, along with a hulled strawberry. Top with a little lemonade, stir gently and garnish with a sprig of mint." .... Cheers

The UK adventure

Arrived London on Fri, 7 Jun 13 for a week+ of UK adventure for Clarissa-Anne and Sarah-Marie. The short trip saw Edinburgh, York and the City of London. From climbing castles to church dome, bashing through tall grass and parks, watching swans, horses and squirrels, meals at pubs, steak houses and well-known chef restaurants, watching plays and musical + a trip to the WB Making of Harry Potter Studio..... it has been simply a mix of activities to fill the week with what the British lifestyle could offer.

Adding on the many pleasant surprises, met friends from SFX whilst attending mass at a nearby church at Brompton, meeting 3 of our TSB gang for father's day makan and drinks at local pub and experiencing a newly introduced drink ... "pimms" and just having fun where ever we could find them.

The many Singaporeans along the streets of London were simply everywhere. (Easily identified from the tone of Singlish and the "LAHs and MEIs" in ease-dropping conversations).

For Clarissa-Anne, it was her first trip to London and a self trip home. After months of anticipation, she finally had her glimpse of the British homeland. Excitement was certainly the order of the day (everyday) when she pops by the many street markets, viewing through the many Union Jack products, taking trains and eyeing on all the discount/cheap books. Even sending of postcards was a new adventure. Having turned 18 (not too long ago), could happily walked into pubs without the uncertainly of being questioned. However; like all good things, it had to end on 15 Jun 13 and the final day of departure was perhaps the most difficult, especially having to take the 13-hr flight home, all by herself. If there is anything to go by, it was a new adventure for her. For Sarah-Marie, it was her 2nd trip to the UK but certainly the first where she had the freedom to move around on her own and not with school bus programs and teacher's restriction. Was also most pleased with herself when she managed to purchase a return ticket for a "sold-out" play. Also enjoyed a wonderful meal @ "dinner", by Heston Blumenthal. Had a simple lunch at Heathrow before her departure home on 18 Jun 13.

After 40 years

First met Bambie in Dec 73 when we were Boy Scout/Girl Scout attending the 1st Asia Pacific Regional Jamboree at Mt Makiling, Laguna, Philippines. Met again in 1987 (Chicago), 1989 Singapore), 1996 (Chicago) and 2012 (New York) and now 2013 (London), some 40 years later.

Sarah-Marie and Kayla first met in 1989 (Singapore) when they were one years old, when the Sotomil Family visited Singapore. Now, are both fine young ladies !!!

Had a wonder evening at "Dinner" by Heston Blumental, Knightbridge, London. Wonderful meal with great company.

Planning for more to follow .....

Un-coordinated meet-up @ London

Thanks to technology, the information that a couple of the TSB gang was going to be somewhere in the UK at about the same time via "Whatsapp chat". This immediately started a new chat group "London Calling" attempting to put together 3 separate groups that were moving around the UK ranging from Edinburgh, Oxford, London and eventually to Paris and Brussels.

Finally a common date/venue was found on the evening of 16 Jun 13. With Sylvia, hubby and family, Irene & Grace and Nick with Sarah-Marie (Clarissa-Anne unfortunately left for home on 15 Jun 13), the TSB sub-group met at a Singapore inspired restaurant, BUGIS STREET near GLOUCESTER ROAD STATION. Being Father's Day, the restaurant had a Daddy's Day Special with Crispy Duck as a starter. Lots of food and fun. Had enough food for "tau-pau" too.

After the meal, the below 18 returned to their hotel (accompanied by their Dad), the sub-group proceed for part II at a nearby pub. The unschedule/un-coordinated gathering in open air air-conditioned was certainly fun for a great father's day celebration.

Station hopping

Arrived London on Friday, 7 Jun 13 for a short holiday with Sarah-Marie and Clarissa-Anne before the start of my mad schedule of London, Brussels, Cairns and Canberra programme. an all excited Clarissa who is the only one in the family who has yet step on British soil was happily snapping away and enjoy her taste of the British summer.

Whilst booking our 2-day trip to Edinburgh (9-11 Jun 13), we chance being at the scene where Harry Potter boards the train at Platform 9 3/4 @ King Cross Station. A good photo opportunity before their trip to the WB Studio on Wed, 12 Jun to visit the studio where the Harry Potter was film/made.

Stayed at NORFOLK PLAZA HOTEL which was about a 100m from PADDINGTON STATION, A convenient location to move around and dine. More to follow .....

Thai yummy

Transiting the CENTRAL Mall, the smell of freshly baked fish filled the air. Tracing it to a little restaurant at the 3rd level (The Terrace), was pleasantly greater with a Hugh poster displaying the promoting dish - crispy sea bass with Thai Salad. The carrot juice was also inviting and refreshing. Well, that was the late lunch cum early dinner. Yummy !!