Bumbag Motel

Beer attack ensued as soon as we glided into Brussels on the Eurostar. Above is Cam and Pete enjoying the first ‘triple’ at Fin de Siecle – an excellent recommendation by Liv!

We meandered through the most gorgeous town gold glinted square, drooling past the chocolate and beer shops and coming upon the ‘manneken pils’ (statue much smaller than expected). The best thing about being there was going into the neighbouring bar poechenellekelder, with its vast array of further delectable beers including ‘Kwak’ above, which came with its own holder.

The bar was also decked out with old, interesting and creepy objects – bringing out the cartoon, theatre and puppet history of the city – as well as the trappists and their beer of course!

It was a busy backyard with pre-polo drinks and food. Lot’s of dressing up and what what.

at the polo enjoying the beverages, not really seeing that much polo.

Felt very happy to experience the slopy pitch that is Lords firsthand this sunny Friday. Even better seeing a stellar NZ side won the first one dayer in the series!

Obviously pleased to be strolling around St Johns Wood in post-victory jubilation.

Sunday the 26th was a beaming hot day, and with bank holiday monday it made for an excellent brown towel brewing! Cam, Morri and Scott above perilously navigated the steps to get their first stout brewed.

Relaxing start to the day, with flatmate Morri cooking us up some french toast to be enjoyed in our backyard.

First experience hiring the ‘Barclay’s bikes’ was an easy one, and enabled Emma and I to do a quick Hyde park peruse before meeting up with the others.

After exploring the inner city, we got some picnic goodies form a deli at Primrose hill to have a London overview…

View over London from Primrose Hill.

It was a chilly but very fun visit to Brighton, where we caught up with Liz and did some excellent second hand shopping and vegeterian eating.

Pete showing off the find of the day from ‘Beyond Retro’. Next stop – world domination!

Warmed up and well sated at ‘Cafe Rouge’, where we got into the set evening meal with carmelised onion and goat’s cheese tarlet, mushroom filled panzerotti and finished off with an eton mess. Delicious!

We were  stoked to have Cam’s parents Jenni and Pete in town, and my good friend from Sweden – Emma Simonsson! Here we have Jenni and Cam demonstrating the difference between a pint and a half pint of beer.

It has been great times being involved with the Bandstand Beds in Clapham Common, where we are growing pumpkins and beans. I bike past the beds every day on the way to work and have helped get a watering rota going so that they grow grow grow! Is exciting to learn about growing and see them all develop. You can read more about it on the website here: http://bandstandbeds.org.uk/

Went into Siena to check out the sights the next day, here at Piazza del Campo.

A lot of old building action in the main square.

Enjoying some vino back at the villa.

Chats with the bride.

Taking a stroll to the pool and exploring the glorious villa grounds.

Kimily demonstrating how big a gallon of red wine is, on the final eve in the most magnificent of settings.