This last September, Evan and I were able to travel to Europe: London, Scotland and Spain for three weeks for a much needed break. Starting with London, here are some of our favorite memories.
(We landed in London and spent a few glorious days with my dear friend, Jess and her family)
(Jet lagged and bleary eyed, Jess some how let us take her sweet boy for a ride. Oh Evan)
-During the day trip into London, we found out that apparently for about one month each year the Queen packs up and heads off to her Scotland estate, Balmoral.
Two advantages to this: 1: Buckingham Palace is open for tours, showcasing regularly used state rooms and the royal habitat. 2: Our chances of seeing the Queen in Scotland when we were there later in the week were greatly increased. The later sadly didn’t happen, but we went on a tour of the palace that I would highly recommend if you ever get the chance.-
From there we visited the Tate. Every time I go, I’m blown away by some new beauty…
(Jess and Evan, showing the sheer size of this beauty)
“Riding the Cut Vein” by Tom Bradford- 2013.
He uses torn fliers and posters from the neighborhood in LA where he is based, Limert Park. The texture and color was amazing.
“Message” by Mathias Goeritz, 1959.
This was constructed by a carpenter and a gold leaf artisan who were given instructions via telephone. I. Want. This. In my house.
“Untitled”, Roger Horns, 2006.
Of course I love this, it’s a BMW engine covered with blue copper sulphate crystals. LOVE/LOVE/LOVE
The London Bridge, y’all!
–On to the Tower of London… Such a wonderful visit! The Beefeaters, the resident ravens (massive!)… the history! I grew up reading about Anne Boleyn, so seeing her guesstimated execution site was emotional for me. In addition to all this history, the Royal Jewels are also housed there. Oh. My. Glory! Diamonds the size of chicken eggs, rubies, sapphires, emeralds!! Scepters and spoons that are older than the United States. No photos allowed, unfortunately. And I wasn’t feeling particularly rebellious either.–
(The Ravens)
(Anne Boleyn’s memorial)
(Covent Garden- Latex amazingness)
(Cinderella in London??)
–Oh, Ottolenghi. This in itself is worthy of its very own post. I fell in love with Yotam Ottolenghi’s recipes years ago, thanks to a dear friend, Marni Redding. Since then I’ve been an avid re-creator of his works. You have no idea the hallowed ground I was on during our visit to his restaurant.–
(the Ladies Room of NOPI)
Above, the iconic mirrored ladies room. Finding the stalls was hard enough, try getting out. Perfection.
(All the goodies.)
( The marble!! I can’t even.)
(That would be me. Happy as a clam.)
(bliss.)
(A strawberry, rose mess. SO good. )
(One last parting grin from the elves in the kitchen. I’ll be back. xx)
