Summer Kew

No season is complete without a visit to Kew Gardens, and this summer was no different. As the summer had been so dry there wasn't much to look at outside, which is why nearly all of these are from the Palm House. It's almost time to return and check out the autumn colours. Can't wait to see them.

Seen in Oxford

Went for a day trip to Oxford back in August. We had a little itinerary of things to see and where to eat, but my favourite moment was when we came across a deserted library (pics 1, 6 and 9). There was some sort of seminar or something going on, but everyone was out to lunch when we entered, which meant we could snoop around as we wished. I have to make sure I try and just wander around with no aim more often, as you don't know where you'll end up, or what you'll see. I got this book this summer (which I haven't read yet), and I'm up for coming across things and sights, rather than actively seeking them out. Who's with me?

Amsterdam randoms 2018 part 2

Another set of randoms from our summer visit in Amsterdam. I was lucky enough to go back a couple of weeks ago, and at this rate of posting those pictures will be up at Christmas. I need to speed up with my summer catch up 😅

Gallery family

So much goodness for us all to look at at the The Stedelijk.

Stedelijk time

When in Amsterdam, you have to go to a museum - it's the law. Well, my law anyway. This time we went to the Stedelijk Museum, mainly to see the Studio Drift exhibition (pics 1 to 5), which was mucho fantastico. As Oomoo has gotten older, I've stopped taking him to as many exhibitions as I used to, as he at one point got quite bored with it. To my surprise that seems to have changed, and our tour of the Stedelijk (which by the way is usually quiet, so an excellent alternative to the crowded Van Gogh or Rijksmuseums) was really good fun. Can't wait to take him to the Van Gogh exhibition at Tate Britain when it opens next year!

If you have a moment, watch the films in the Studio Drift link above, and my pictures will make much more sense.

Amsterdam randoms 2018 part 1

Looking out the window at Toki.

Oomoo saying hello to Nero and Nero saying "talk to the tail" to Oomoo.

Some cool trippy tiles. Or maybe they'd melted in the heat 😉

The breakfast at Toki is probably one of the best one's I've ever had in my life. I'm drooling as I write this.

N waiting at Rainarai while our friend Z caught up with a bit of work.

Oomoo helping set up at Rainarai Westergasfabriek. He did lots of work there and loved every second of it. Our friend Z let him add up the previous evening's takings, and when we ate there, he took our orders and served us. It might be a bit far for him to go for a weekend job when he's older, but I'm up for making it work, hehe.

Catching up with Z in our Airbnb.

There was no long trip away for us this summer, but we did go over to Amsterdam briefly, bringing our friend M and her sister N with us. I can't ever go there enough, and I would love to spend more time there, as our usual three-night stints for never feel long enough. But I shan't complain! I'm so glad we do get to go regularly, and that it feels like home away from home. More pics to come!