I am lucky in not suffering too badly from jetlag, but having flown to London from Singapore for a few days before heading on to New York for a few more, then doing the whole thing in reverse with a day in Singapore to have a complete re-pack before heading off to Thailand (what sort of idiot takes all their holidays in one go?), I do sometimes get that feeling at night, just before my head hits the pillow, that I won’t be able to sleep.
My last day in London is always fraught. It’s when I invariably rush around trying to buy an extra suitcase because I realize I have done way too big a Tesco’s shop (angmoh version of Fairprice but better value) but this time my panic was arrested – or maybe amplified – mid hand flap by the chance to meet the legendary illustrator (and latterly, author) that is Sir Quentin Blake. Where to buy a squashy overflow suitcase was pushed momentarily to one side.
Somerset House is one of my favourite places to visit in London in December. I love it at this time of year – in fact I don’t think I’ve ever been at any other time – when the quad in the middle of the 17th century buildings is transformed into a skating rink. I’m back in London, just for two days, and have managed to squeeze in a visit to this winter London landmark with my sister.
With Christmas around the corner, here are a few fail-safe ideas that, happily, won’t cost an arm and a leg.
The honking of horns, yellow taxis, those weird red and white stripy funnels, billowing with steam, at seemingly random junctures in roads (what are they?*)…I do love this iconic city.
I also love the way Americans talk, probably because I am never here long enough to get completely used to it. Check not bill, sidewalk rather than pavement, ‘how are you?’ is a greeting not a question. The little differences are so noticeable.
