Morocco in Paris

Instead of jetting off to Marrakech for the weekend I stayed in Paris, but a trip to the Paris Mosque was almost as good as the real thing, and a lot lighter on the pocket. 

This hidden haven is a delightful spot to sip mint tea and nibble on baklava. 

Calvi On The Rocks

What could be a better combination than music and sunshine? 

A place where there was an abundance of both was Calvi on the Rocks, and seriously, life does not get much better than this. A beautiful music festival on a beautiful French island is truly a winning formula.

So if anyone is looking for me next July, this is where you will find me. 

Hung Out To Dry

I have recently been in a little French town called Hyeres. I thought one of the prettiest things about this place was the assortment washing that was on display outside every window. It sure beats a Hills Hoist!

Trash or Treasure

Today I visited the flea market at Porte de Vanves. Unfortunately I arrived just as it was closing up, but there was still a whole trove of treasures to be discovered, and I am not just talking about the 1290s pill boxes or the moth eaten clothes. I found the marketeers to be just as intriguing as the wares they were touting. To me they were like merchants from a bygone era. 

This was my attempt at bartering over Victorian folding chairs in my very limited French, hence the vigorous gesturing, and the confused expression on the stall keepers face. 

J'adore le Supermarché

I know I promised Chanel and cobbled streets, but I have to say I love European supermarkets. I don't know if it is the old fashioned check outs, the shelves stacked with foreign produce or the funny euro-pop background music, but entering one of these places is like stepping back in time. I would take this over Tesco any day. 

On the Continent... (Just)

Finally, I have arrived in Paris. Although, I managed to miss my train, so subconsciously there must have been a part of me that wanted to stay in London, and who could blame me? But as I must be in Paris, I am dreaming of munching baguettes as I wander the cobbled streets clad in Chanel. Doesn't everybody? 

Canal Cool

If i ever return to London, this beautiful place by Regents Canal is where I would like to live. (The amazing warehouse conversion, not the houseboat!)

My London Life…

…Is coming to an end faster than I expected. Where have the last two years gone? I am spending my last few days in this most magic of cities revisiting places that hold a special place in my heart.

Here are a few of my favourite London spaces:

Catnapped

For the last two nights, I have had an unexpected (but eagerly received) evening visitor. He has followed me home, and jumped onto my bed before I have had time to protest.

I am concerned his family will worry that their feline friend no longer returns home come night fall, but not concerned enough to boot him out into the cold. I would be lying if I said I wasn't hoping he would be waiting on my doorstep this evening. Do you think I can keep him?

Bloomin' Beautiful

I spend all year waiting for the magnolia in front of my house to bloom. It spends most of the year as a giant, skeletal, arboreal form, but for about two weeks in spring it is adorned in the loveliest pink and white. I think it's worth the wait.

The flowers are nearly all gone now, but here she is (a few weeks ago) in all her glory.