IT WAS a beautiful sunny day in late December when we stopped by The Orange gastro pub, an historical gem nestled in the heart of Belgravia. Thought to be named after William of Orange, its origins trace back to the 1800s when it was originally established as a brewery on the grounds of a former coffee house.
THE LAST TIME I did a Life Lately was way back in February, and a lot has happened since then. Here is the latest photo diary⏤a few snippets from the past days and weeks, from the pink peonies and tulips in Fulham (just before we stopped in at the charming Fox & Pheasant pub) to sailboats on the Thames, the Tate, chestnut trees in Bushy Park, and more...
This week, the article that really jumped out at me was from the New York Times, titled "Americans Head to Europe for the Good Life on the Cheap". The title is obviously a bit cheeky and sensationalist, implying that Americans are flocking to Europe solely to live well for less money, however, the article touches on a broader scope of focus, including digital nomads, the appeal of a European lifestyle, and how countries like Spain, Greece and Portugal have courted foreigners and corporations, hoping to bolster their own economies. The article also raises some important points about how foreign investment into real estate can disrupt local communities inflating housing costs and upsetting local residents.
IN THE SECOND week of May, just after the Bank Holiday, we decided to spend some time back in London. We normally visit several times a year, but since 2020 was the year of the Great Lockdown, the last time we had been was the May previously to meet up with a friend from Spain—it was hot then and perfect for traipsing about. P had heard that there would be a heat wave this time around
IF YOU’VE EVER wondered where that hotel that you’ve seen shot a million times by influencers on Instagram is, we’re here to tell you that it’s at the Tinah, Paris.
IN LATE MAY we went on holiday to the south of France for a few days, and then to Scotland for nearly a month. During that time, we ventured to England on day trips, and it was during this time that we fell absolutely in love with the English countryside and thought it might be fun to have a look at places that might be available in any one of the very quaint and utterly charming villages and towns we found along the way...
Back when I was home in Brasov, December used to always be magical: long walks in the freezing snowy white forest, skating with friends and weekends at the cabin. I miss quite a bit, that Christmasy-Winter feeling. This year, the streets around Paris have been getting festive since mid-November and I was pretty excited about it, but unfortunately Paris's famous Marché de Noël it won't be held this year.