Next Stop: Camden, London

 Welcome to Camden!

  

In this part of London, the beer flows like water, the music scene keeps pumping, and the unique creatures that cultivate the eclectic vibes make this area of London truly worth visiting.
Camden has long been a hip area of London known for the breed of new music artists. The most renowned music artist emerging from Camden was Amy Winehouse with her hit songs such as Valerie and Back to Black. You can feel her spirit as you walk the streets towards Camden Locks. Don't forget to see her statue just as you enter the Camden Market on the corner of Chalk Farm Road and Hartland Road.
Time is of the essence. So, you will get the best Camden experience by visiting the Camden Locks. 

Camden Locks:

For those looking for a 'local experience,' explore the Camden Locks with an array of art, crafts, and clothing that will for certain resonate as a symbol of your Camden visit. These local artists have a brilliant talent and being part of their story is truly rewarding. 
Immerse yourself inside with the classic architecture of the market interior such as the balcony entrance that takes you to a different world of local art. 

Camden Market Hawley Warf:

Beyond the crowds of tourist and locals, you will emerge into the local feeling of Camden with its market vibe of different ethnic foods and small businesses offering a taste of the Camden flavour. 
The aromas of the ethnic foods will lead you into the heart of Camden, which has something for everyone from families, group of friends, or couples. Whether your taste buds are for Thai food, Japanese, British or simply, an ice cream parlour, you will find it at Camden Market Hawley Warf. Head to the second level through stairs or lift and have even more food options so arrive here on an empty stomach.
For those interested entertainment, there is a games room called Lane7 with games such as bowling, basketball, and Wack-O-mole. Whether you are with kids or want to feel like a kid again, you will for certain have a good time at Lane7. 

Camden Market and The Stables Market

Located after Camden Locks.
The quintessential feeling of being in Camden will never fail to amaze you. For those with a curousity for an even more local experience, head over to Camden Market and Stables Market to taste Camden so arrive with an empty stomach. You will find foods such as crepes, Thai food, fish and chips, and more... 
There are a variety of clothing stores, accessories, leather, and souvenirs' with local Camden designs and a flare of artsy inspiration. 

Roundhouse

If you walk further along Chalk Farm Road past the Camden Market and Stables market, be

 ready to be full of wonder with a walk into the heart of the music history of Camden at the Roundhouse. One of the most historical theatres in London that still maintains its Victorian style interior architecture hosts live music and events year round. There are limited music shows, but holds a community programmes of events to empower young artists in music.

As you walk down Regent's Canal Towpath, you get to see the hidden side of London with modern to postmodern buildings and graffiti that enlightens the artsy culture of Camden Town. Careful as this pathway can get quite narrow in certain parts and be on the lookout for cyclists that may be on the same path. Nevertheless, move effortlessly to one side to let these cyclists pass you as there is no barrier preventing you from falling into the canal.

The Regents Canal is the longest in central London stretching from Paddington, to Little Venice, to Camden Town, to Kings Cross, and emptying at Limehouse in East London. You can easily tour through the heart of Central London, find hidden treasures and cute cafes, and end up in East London near the Thames River.

On this journey, I only made it to Kings Cross which is about a 45 minute walk from Camden Town. 

The hidden gems behind the Regent's Canal are the quintessential colourful boats docked along the canal that have a story or character of their own. It is a lovely sight for anyone visiting London for the first time. These boats may seem as an imagery from a Midsummer Nights dream, but in fact, most of these boats are floating homes.

After speaking to some locals on a sunny spring day, I found out from one lad that he pays approximately £1 000 per year for a licence to dock his boat on the Regent's Canal and live on the boat. 

Why do they live on a boat? According to the Londoner I spoke to, the cost of living keeps rising and affordable rent in London is difficult to find. This could be a logistical way for some to live in London to combat the rise of the cost of living in London, but apparently it is an alternative, but with a cost, of course.

If you are in the mood for a tasty cuisine by the canal, I suggest you pop in this to this lovely restaurant called The Constitution. This restaurant is locate approximately after the fifth bridge you will pass under. I suggest arrive early or make reservations as it can get quite crowded during lunchtime. They offer Sunday Roast and a mixed menu of me seasonal and British dishes.

#camdentown, #artsy, #art, #music, #regentscanal, #boats, #boat, #kingscross, #paddington, #hiddengems

Roof top terraces: A Euphoric Bliss

 

Welcome to CIRCE

Roof top terraces have become a special ambiance the past 21 years in the social scene. Perhaps it could be the views, the calm wind in your face, or the hierarchy of being on top of a tall building, roof top terraces have a special vibe during the spring and summer months that you should experience once or twice because it is worth it!

CIRCE

My first stop on this journey is the roof top terrace called Circe, named after the Greek sorceress. Her magic potions and power for turning enemies into beasts can be an intimidating goddess. Don't worry! You will not turn into a beast, but may find the mixology potions desirable.

 Located on the Waterloo district just a few meters from the Waterloo Tube station and past the BFI IMAX theatre. You can access the roof top just before the St. John's Church Gardens. 

Once at the top, you enter the lounge area with comfy sofas to mingle and chill while passing time. Then, you are greeted by the host to either be seated or they will direct you to the two bars. The first bar is next to the lounge area and the second, much larger bar, is towards the middle of the terrace. On a Friday night, it can get busy so it is better to book a table in advance.

The Drinks

Indulge in the ambiance of this terrace while sipping on tropical cocktail drinks quite fittingly for the spring and summer season. 

Strawberry Daiquiri -  £12.95

Passion Fruit Margarita -  £12.95

Frozen Rum Punch -  £12.95

These cocktails are served frozen to add a tropical flavour to the drink menu. The combination of the tiki bar interior design and cocktails give you that island vibe you will never forget. After trying the Strawberry Daiquiri, thankfully, the alcohol levels are served low in this drink so I was able to enjoy the evening without getting smashed.

The Views

Get incredible views of Waterloo, feel the breeze as it bounces off your skin, or catch the unforgetable sunset! The best selfie moments are on the middle of the terrace as you catch the sun setting. If you stay through the evening, you will enjoy the DJ playing music all night, plus, get calm night views as you sip on your cocktail.

Seating

The main seating consists of shared rectangle tables along the terrace edge. For parties of two or three, you can sit on small lounge chairs and small round cocktail tables. For those interested in booking a private room, there is a glass roofed private room where you can reserve for your party.

 

Immerse yourself in this enchanting rooftop escape, where the gentle breeze whispers through the air and the atmosphere transports you to a blissful paradise.

 

#roofterrace, #terrace, #cocktail, #selfie, #moment, #tikibar, #waterloo, #rooftop

Reward Yourself: Pizza Night or Thai food?

 

 Thai Cuisine

Italian Cuisine

 

The fridge is empty, and so is your energy tank after a tough week. Time to treat yourself—grab some pizza or Thai food, sink into the couch, and just unwind. You’ve earned it.

Another successful or stressful week? However, you classify your week. It is time to reward yourself!

Fridays are about breathing and making sense of what the hell just happened this week. Don't question yourself if it was productive or not. There is always tomorrow! 

What's for dinner? 

For some, we are ready for the weekend and do not want worry about cooking for today. Instead, indulge in popular dinner options such as ordering pizza or thai food. 

What apps to try? Look at mobile apps such as Deliveroo, Uber Eats, or Just Eats which are easy and accessible in most smart phones.

Prefer going out?

Depends on the weather, your energy levels, or getting together with friends. As the spring weather is upon us, try a hidden gem to avoid crowds and waiting on a queue. It is even better finding one with a terrace to sit outside after your body has released electrolytes all week.

 

Feel the breeze and feel immersed in relaxation! Time to reward yourself!

 

#pizza, #thai, #thaifood, #takeout, #mobileorder, #happyhour, #reward, #breathe, #decide, #dinner, #dinnertime, @wellness, @ubereats, @deliveroo, @justeats

 

 

Hope for better days

Hope for Better Days 

by Serge

As another time passes, the mind becomes ever so bewildered

Our experiences bring us a purer mind

With tranquil restorations a wealth of feelings

Unremembered pleasure, perhaps

As they have hidden influence

On that best portion of a person's life

Then, there is those unremembered acts of kindness and love.

Black as the it from pole to pole, I thank my soul for not being

conquered by darkness. 

Now, I lean and loaf as I glare at the array of sunshine and observe

at a spear of summer grass.

#hope, #hopeful, #peaceofmind, #newbeginnings, #better

The Memory of the Pandemic

Memory We don't Wish to Remember

It is hard to believe it has been five (5) years since the outbreak of the Covid19 pandemic. No one imagined this catastrophic life changing event would occur. Humanity was tested in the most unimaginable way. Who are we to blame? What have we learned?

Human Memory

Unfortunately, the covid19 pandemic reminds us of negative memories and some of us who were old enough to experience it, can vividly remember where we were and what we were doing when the pandemic hit us!

Consequently, the sight of facemasks and the sound of people coughing has made us a bit edgy and perhaps, concerned about our own health. This global incident has dictated how we should take more precaution about our health by and wash our hands to avoid the spread of covid19 symptoms. It is impossible to alter our perceptions with these negative memories. Even for those of us who lost a loved one because of the virus. 

We can change our memory by using the positive experiences we had with a certain family or friend we lost during the pandemic. These positive experiences essentially, cues to send positive signals to our brain. 

Resilience

Communities and societies have always adapted to the rebuilding and recovery in the face of adversity. The pandemic has encouraged us to refocus on our emotional recovery, reduce stress, seek support, and manage our anxiety. The pandemic has also encouraged us to come together as a community to support each other, help the most vulnerable groups, and come together to overcome challenges effortlessly. 

Resilience is not just about surviving it is about growing stronger and being more prepared for the unpredictable future.

The Blame Game

We will never know exactly how the Covid19 pandemic started. Where were those health institutions to when we needed them in our most vulnerable state? Was there something more to the narrative of a 'careless human mistake' at a scientific lab in the Wuhan region of China? Where responsibility of the World Health Organisation?

We can speculate all we want, but there is the reality that we live in a capitalist society where everything has a price and everything is becoming a commodity. There are oligarchs, wealthy people, and investors trying to earn a profit behind closed doors. This brings up the argument, were there doctors and oligarchs negotiating something bigger at that Chinese scientific lab in Wuhan region? 

Don't trust people with power! Question the system! Trust your instincts! Join your community to make positive change to humanity!

#covid, #pandemic, #stronger, #resilience, #communities

 

Poetry of the Week: Heart that longs for thee

 

Heart that longs for Thee

by Serge

O thy fond heart! Such lovely thoughts of you that roam through my mind.

For surely thou long for thee to reach the depths of your mind.

And pleasant is the way that lies before.

The tribute to thy epic source of nature.

It is from this human nature we thrive from.

With this complex world where our human fates weave around.

Thus our fates pursue their never-varying course.

In passion or strife we beat against this overpowering mound.

And in wild flashes our passions shoot from heart to brain.

Behold an emblem of our human mind.

Crowded with our thoughts that do not settle,

Yet, like to eddying balls of foam

Within this whirlpool, they each other chase

Round and round, and neither find each others destined ideal place!

#longfor, #poem, #heart, #lettertothee, #passion

Poetry of the Week: Never ending Summer

 

Never ending Summer

by Serge

All summer long we strolled that golden sand

Like the leaves, those days and nights, went flying by
Still those days, those sunny days, wish they would go on and on
The flowers that blossomed up
against the stream in the scollop
it is the summer life that we live

Poetry of the Week: Forever summer

 

Summer to thee

by William Blake

Summer rises from the slumberous heat.

Turn away no more.

Why wilt thou turn away.

The starry floor. 

The watry shore.

Is given thee till break of day.

Poetry of the Week: Don't overthink! There is always tomorrow.

 

By William Shakespeare

Weary with toil, I haste me to my bed, 

The dear repose for limbs with travel tired; 

But then begins a journey in my head 

To work my mind, when body's work's expired: 

For then my thoughts, from far where I abide, 

Intend a zealous pilgrimage to thee, 

And keep my drooping eyelids open wide, 

Looking on darkness which the blind do see; 

Save that my soul's imaginary sight 

Presents thy shadow to my sightless view, 

Which, like a jewel hung in ghastly night, 

Makes black night beauteous, and her old face new. 

   Lo! thus, by day my limbs, by night my mind, 

   For thee, and for myself, no quiet find.

Poetry of the Week: Garden of Love

 

 
The Garden of Love

by William Blake

I went to the Garden of Love,
And saw what I never had seen,
A chapel was built in the midst,
Where I used to play on the green.
And the gates of this chapel were shut,
And 'Thou shalt not' writ over the door,
So I turned to the Garden of Love,
That so many sweet flowers bore.

Poetry of the Week: The Coming of Midsummer

 

Midsummer in the Midst 

By William Blake

As the wind blows swiftly, soon it will be Midsummer.

The trees becoming greener and flowers blooming in abundance with fresh scents.

The organisms from beneath the sea to the sand to the soil begin to evolve rapidly.

Blackberries will begin to ripen for berry picking season later in the summer.

Sunflower, weary of time,

Who countest the steps of the sun,

Seeking after that sweet golden clime

Where the traveller's journey is done:

Where the youth pined away with desire,

Arise thy sun-flower where thy wishes to aspire.

The Influence of others Touch our Hearts

 

Source: ITV

Cherish those Special Moments that Shape Your Motivation

In our quest to fill our life with self love and inspiration, let us always remember that people around us that have contributed to our development as humans. Let us show gratification and give thanks to those special people. Our close friends and family, teachers and mentors are the combination of support and love we need to grow in life. 

Lead the life that makes you happy. Remember, it is okay to ask for help and support from the special people around us.

 It is the little things that matter!

#littlethingsmatter, #littlethings, #teachers, #bestfriends, #familysupport, #peoplethatoveme. #peoplethatcareaboutme

The One that Got Away

 Source: Youtube: TM & © Universal (2012)

Love is Complicated

Love works in mysterious ways. Sometimes we cannot justify why it does not work or why 'the spark' just disappeared. Sometimes love is blind and one of us are afraid to love again or be heart broken again. We just need to be courageous and love with all our heart and be vulnerable. If it doesn't work out, at least we know we tried, and we learn for the experience.

The love we have toward ourselves is the strongest love!

#love, #loveyourself, #thespark

Poetry of the Week: Live out your Life

 

Not Marble Nor the Gilded Monuments

by William Shakespeare

 

Not marble nor the gilded monuments

Of princes shall outlive this powerful rhyme,

But you shall shine more bright in these contents

Than unswept stone besmeared with sluttish time.

When wasteful war shall statues overturn,

And broils root out the work of masonry,

Nor Mars his sword nor war’s quick fire shall burn

The living record of your memory.

’Gainst death and all-oblivious enmity

Shall you pace forth; your praise shall still find room

Even in the eyes of all posterity

That wear this world out to the ending doom.

    So, till the Judgement that yourself arise,

    You live in this, and dwell in lovers’ eyes.

Poetry of the Week: Sweet Love; Renew thy Force

 

Sweet Love Renew Thy Force

by William Shakespeare

Sweet love, renew thy force; be it not said

Thy edge should blunter be than appetite,

Which but to-day by feeding is allay’d,

To-morrow sharpened in his former might:

So, love, be thou; although to-day thou fill

Thy hungry eyes, even till they wink with fulness,

To-morrow see again, and do not kill

The spirit of love, with a perpetual dulness.

Let this sad interim like the ocean be

Which parts the shore, where two contracted new

Come daily to the banks, that, when they see

Return of love, more blest may be the view;

As call it winter, which being full of care,

Makes summer’s welcome, thrice more wished, more rare.

Poetry of the Week: Thy Springtime that I long for you

 

From you have I been absent in the spring

By William Shakespeare

From you have I been absent from the spring

When proud-pied April, dressed in all his trim

Hath put a spirit of youth in everything,

That heavy Saturn laughed and leapt with him,

Yet nor the lays of birds nor the sweet smell

Of different flowers in odor and in hue

Could make me any summer's story tell,

Or from their proud lap pluck them where they grew.

Nor did I wonder at the lily's white,

Nor praise the deep vermilion in the rose;

They were but sweet, but figures of delight,

Drawn after you, you pattern of all those.

Yet it seemed winter still, and you away,

As with your shadow I with these did play.

Poetry of the week: Thee to a Summers Day

 

Love in Summer

Shall I compare thee to a summers day?

Thou art more lovely and temperate.

Rough winds do shake the darlings buds of May.

And summer's lease hath all too short date.

Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines.

And often is his gold complexion dimmed:

And every fair from fair sometime declines,

By chance or nature's course, untrimmed;

But thy eternal summer shall not fade

Nor lose possession of that fair thou'st

Nor shall death brag thou wanderest in his shade,

When in eternal lines to time thou grow'st,

So long as men can breathe or eyes can see,

So long lives, and gives life to thee.

 

                                                                                                                    Source: William Shakespeare

Love speaks through Poetry

 Weekly Poetry of Love

When, in disgrace with fortune and men's eyes

I all alone beweep my outcast state

And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries

And look upon myself and curse my fate,

Wishing me like to one more rich in hope,

Featured like him, like him with friends possessed,

Desiring this man's art and that man's scope,

With what I most enjoy contented least,

Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising,

Haply I think on thee, and then my state

Like to the lark at break of day arising

From Sullen earth sings hymns at heaven's gate:

       For thy sweet love remembered such wealth brings

        That then I scorn to change my state with kings.

Source: William Shakespeare

Hotel or Hostel

YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR

This past summer I stayed at a hotel in southern Sweden for two nights. I spent about SEK 1000 per night, which is about 95 euros. Then, after flying to southern Germany to visit my cousin, I decided to stay at a hostel. I spent about 20 euros per night. Such a big difference in price! 

During my stays, I realised many people who book rooms don’t know the difference of accommodation between a hotel and a hostel. Based on my experience, I noticed a substantial number of these travelers believing hostels have similar amenities as hotels. Hostels are much cheaper because you are paying for a bed in a shared room with 8 to 16 people. In a hotel, of course, you are paying for a single room with a bathroom. Choosing between how you want to sleep or share the room is something to really investigate and be true to yourself if it is something that is worth paying for. If you are comfortable sharing a kitchen, a bedroom, toilet, and showers with all guests, then, a hostel is your choice. Keep in mind that because of the low prices during the high travel season from spring to summer, these rooms get booked quickly. In addition, the hostel prices advertised in Booking.com are slightly different than the prices purchased at the reception. Nowadays, it is best to book your accommodation through Booking.com or another travel booking website. 

There is that phrase: ‘You get what you pay for!’ This definitely holds true with anything you purchase, but most notably with booking a room at a hotel or booking a bed in a hostel. You may save more money booking a bed in a hostel, but you give up the privacy and your own space. When booking a hotel room, you will pay more at hotel rates, but you get the privacy, room service, and room space.

Did you have any bad hotel or hostel service? 

Feel free to share your holiday booking story...

#booking.com

#hotels.com

#hostelworld

Culinary Passion

 Cooking up with Carrots

I enjoy cutting up my carrots in thin slices. 

I usually dip sliced carrots into a hot soup or when making omelets. Sometimes I shred carrots into a salad, but rarely. I prefer to enjoy the softness of carrots after they have been steamed inside a hot soup.

Healthy Nutrition

Carrots are a fantastique source of Vitamin A, Vitamin K, potassium, calcium, and magnesium

Carrots are low in fat, protein, and sodium.

Carrots keep cholesterol low, protects eyesight, and improves dental health through its carotenoids as well as beta carotene contained in carrots. (Source: Malia Frey, certified health coach)