A Trip to Piccadilly and the Royal Academy of Art

Posted on May 30, 2025 by Mama Cormier

…the bus took 29 stops before we arrived at our destination

By the time we arrived in Piccadilly we needed a coffee. We knew that we were going to a pay a premium price going into the bistro that we chose but we didn’t care. We just wanted a comfortable place to sit, a good cup of coffee and a small treat. We thoroughly enjoyed our coffees and Kevin said that his pain de raisin was the best one he ever had. I checked the prices for the same thing in the art gallery coffee shop and they were very similar. In fact coffee everywhere in London runs about £4 or more in coffee shops.

After being thoroughly caffeinated we headed out to find the Royal Academy of Art. We walked too far and passed some very pricey shops but happened to stumble upon a gallery shop featuring David Hockney. Kevin and I love his work but a single print sells for £80,000.

We had a very nice conversation with gallery administrator about Hockney’s work and she directed us back to the RAA.

The Royal Academy of Art is featuring the drawings of Victor Hugo, the famous French author and play write from the 19th century.

More about the RAA tomorrow…..

Walking Through Clissold Park and Along Church Street to Get Ice-cream

Posted on May 27, 2025 by Mama Cormier

Yesterday was a more laid back day but at one point Azadeh, Sevin and I needed to get out for a walk. It turned out to be one of those typical London days ….to rain or not to rain but we chanced it anyway and headed for the park.

We took a shortcut through the park and made our way to Church Street. About half the stores were closed because it was a bank holiday but most of the coffee shops were opened.

The best part of the walk for Sevin was the stop at the gelato shop.

…and buying her favourite flavours….mango and strawberry.

One Item from the Bucket List

Posted on May 25, 2025 by Mama Cormier

…Andrea really wanted to try the long noodles at Xi’an Impression

On our long walking excursion yesterday we passed the Arsenal Stadium and found the restaurant that Andrea had on her list of places to visit while in London. Xi’an Impression is a very popular Vietnamese restaurant that many stadium goers enjoy. It is very small but we arrived at a good time and had no problem getting seated.

Andrea ordered the biang biang noodles and Brendan and I shared the smashed cucumber salad, pork filled dumplings and a Thai lemongrass chicken salad. Everything was delicious.

A Day of Learning to Ride a Bike, Trekking to Argos and Ending the Day at the Pub to Watch Arsenal Women Win the Championship

Posted on May 24, 2025 by Mama Cormier

Today started out slowly. We were waiting for our eldest daughter to arrive in London from Toronto before heading out for the day.

After Andrea arrived we took Sevin outside to practise learning how to ride her bike. She took a few spins of the driveway with her father close behind before we walked to Argos to pick up some pillows that we had ordered earlier in the day.

The walk to Argo’s was substantial and we stopped at a famous noodle house for a bite to eat. More about that tomorrow.

We also stopped at a Waitrose to pick up a few more groceries and decided to take a bus back home. We wanted to get back home in time to catch the UEFA Women’s Champions League at one of the local pubs.

After missing one bus because the driver didn’t stop, waiting for a second bus and then having to walk a ways we finally got home, put away the food and made our way to the pub with the whole family.

The first two pubs were packed and one didn’t allow children. We ended up in the pub closest to our flat and we got there in time to see Arsenal score the first and only point of the game. The pub erupted in cheers when the hometown team won the championship.

Sevin was delighted with the outcome and thoroughly enjoyed her pizza and chips.

A Trip to the Artist Run Gallery in Angel

Posted on May 24, 2025 by Mama Cormier

…yesterday we spent quite a bit of time in this lovely little gallery

The Bakery Art Run Gallery is situated on a small side street and is home to the work of 19 artists who curate the work themselves and is always manned by one the artists. On the day we went we met Natalie Kingdoms who specializes in silk screen printing using half tone dots. For more information about the gallery you can check out their website: https://thebakeryartgallery.com/

A Trip to Angel

Posted on May 23, 2025 by Mama Cormier

… with the 19 bus

Today we decided to do a little shopping and explore the area around the Angel Station. We stopped at Itsu for some lunch and enjoyed a hot noodle bowl.

We explored some very cool side streets with fun artist owned galleries and outdoor cafes before we ended up at Cass Art Supplies to purchase some sketchbooks.

Back in London

Posted on May 22, 2025 by Mama Cormier

…arrived this morning at 6:30 just in time for rush hour

The flight was only 6 1/2 hours but the drive from the airport took us almost two hours. After a two hour nap we took a walk from our flat (next to our son’s flat) to the local green grocer/mini market. We picked up a few essentials and when we got back we met up with Sevin who had just returned from school. She helped us put away our groceries and then we went next door where mama was preparing dinner for us.

Sevin entertained us with stories about her day at school. She is in reception which is like our senior kindergarten. Then she showed us her latest work of art.

Farewell to the Grand Old Oak

Posted on May 15, 2025 by Mama Cormier

…across the street

We have enjoyed this lovely oak for 47 years. On average oak trees can live for 150 to 300 years, depending on the variety and its environment. This tree clearly lived here long before we arrived.

In the last few years this oak was showing its age. Last summer a very large branch fell and took out the neighbours’ fence. It was becoming a liability. It was slated to come down this spring and the three day process ended this week.

When I got home later in the day this is what I found.

Another Yummy Bread

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Mama Cormier

….well I hope it’s yummy

Before going to bed I baked this Ricotta and Chive Bread. In the morning I’ll have a slice for breakfast and then head off to my baking job at the Inn.