Bumbag Motel

I’ve been working in Brixton and totally delighting in the 20 minute bike to work. Even though I biked to work in Berlin there seems to be something so much more satisfying about biking here, I think the sweaty moo trains, or take forever in the traffic buses might have something to do with it, as well as biking right through Clapham Common and weaving down side roads – been a great way to see a new part of the city!

Back from Paris and straight into dress up land. We had an ‘Around the world flat crawl’ through Clapham starting in the USA, then NZ and Germany with the finale in Japan. Each flat had country themed decorations and beverages, with the photo booth at Japan being quite the hit. My face paint suitably scared most people throughout the day too, often being mistaken for a clown rather than the intended geisha concept.

Our final day in Paris was commenced with the welcoming of Mark’s day of birth celebrations – beginning with Eiffel tower lights-a-sparkling followed by champagne (the real deal) at the top of the Sacre Couer! Great to get in some table tennis bouts and try a Delerium Tremens beer (ignore the Guiness glasses) before heading to homebase for birthday dinns, cake and drinks – merci beaucoup Mark and Emilie for most marvelous Paris times!

An active day commenced with le petit dejeuner à la Mark and a stroll to the antique markets up north, meandering down the steps behind the sacre coeuer. Interesting stroll through neighbourhoods juxtaposed with the chic drinking and the homeless rolling about the footpath in the early evening. Beers in front of the Palais de Tokyo were well enjoyed, as was exploring the gallery with its colourful encapsulation, uv patterned roof room and anthropological documentaries.

A leisurely and sunny Sunday was enjoyed in Paris with the excitement of supping coffee from the ceramic cups below and then immersing in some excellent markets by the canal. Using the camera as the mirror meant that we have a great record of all the items that Millie and I tried on, including the alas not purchased silk jumpsuit below – although there were many other successes. Finished the day with some wholesome soups at home and some beers at the local bar to watch the Euro2012 final – ka pai Spain!

Another glorious day about Paris – Cam and I strolled from home base to ile de cité perusing great shop signs, giant doors and palatial structures along the way (I also enjoyed a children’s clothing store called ‘Finger in the nose’). Met flatmates Dan and Millie and Paris residents Mark and Emilie to enrapture some more beers in the parktime, then pizza by the canal and a petanque hot spot – très bien!

There was quite a lot of photo bombardement happening in Paris. So many cute streets, delightful parks, delicious treats and general relaxing and absorbtion to be done! Sacre Coeuer was at the centre of the trip, particularly as it was at the end of the street – we felt very lucky to be able to stay with Mark and Emilie during our time there. Mark kindly guided us about many a joyful arena, and we got to meet up with some familiar faces – see Rout and Julia below, and perhaps you can see Ju in the scenic shot as well?

Off the train from Brighton and straight to the lawn bowls! Here we have imminent birthday boy Morri enjoying the festivities in the sunshine. Cam dressed for the occassion by wearing his best gears, while the bowls were let loose.

The lovely Nina graced the UK shores with her presence this week, which culminated on a saturday trip to Brighton to see Milo. Enjoyed ‘the Foundry’ where there was a folk performance with paper mache horses out front, and just around the corner indulged in some of the most delicious thai food that has ever tantalised my taste buds! Brighton was also full of wonderful vintage store after gorgeous craft and vegie store with high rates of bunting abound.