Storm King.

Last weekend we took a trip with some of our favourite peops, Marlene and David, to a rather alternate location. Marlene had a great idea to take us to Storm King Art Center, a sculpture park set on 500 acres about an hour north of New York City. We all bundled into sexy Slash and made the journey. Storm King is so named for the rolling Storm King mountains that surround it and most likely for the elements that the sculptures have to endure. Seeing is really believing as I had no idea what to expect, so I'll let the pictures tell the story. As a side note, this was such a unique experience in terms of taking pictures. Usually, it's a drag to take photos, no-one wants to take them or be in them or one feels the flow is interrupted when we all stop to say "cheese". Not on this day. The most remarkable thing is that all four of us shared the actual camera (we also had some iPhones thrown in for good measure) and it was amazing to see everyone take pictures - how they do it, what catches their eye - and the fact that there are pictures of all us, equally. It was a pretty special day. Thanks to Marlene for sharing her photos too. I have credited her below.

 

(Marlene)

 

 Aw the boys love each other. I have also just noticed the very forlorn looking girl in the background who is photo-bombing the picture!

(Marlene)

 

 On the tram!! 

(Marlene)  

 

Holy smokes I cannot get over this picture that Marlene took. Picture-perfect! Undoubtedly my favourite landscape of the day.

 

(Marlene) 

 Front cover of their first album?

 Holiday card?

 My hat is the same colour as the leaves!

 David picking buddha's nose. You know.

 Me..

David says, "no probs, homey, I got you."

 

Together again! 

I can't wait until the next adventure! 

 (Marlene)

I Heart Chicago (and all the people in it).

After being away for two years, nearly to the day, it was very special to be able to return to the first city we moved to when we first came to the US almost four years ago. It's incredible how 1) the grass is always greener and 2) one gains perspective with distance. As with Cape Town, I don't think I appreciated Chicago enough while I was there. Going back now, I see the city through different eyes. We made some lasting friendships there - our first group of friends in the States - we started our lives over there and we learned how to cut it in the big, bad world (well debatable)! Those are all qualities of a place that should not be taken lightly. Going back to Chicago really allowed me to appreciate it's space, beauty, charm and the people in it. We managed to catch up with a lot of people over the weekend which was great. Thank you also to our wonderful hosts, Mat and Fleur, complete with kitty Jemima, who helped make the weekend very cozy and fun for us! I can't say that I didn't imagine moving back to Chi and living in their gorgeous neighbourhood! Some highlights: 

 

 Chicago skyline from Lincoln Park overlooking Lake Michigan. How beautiful is that?!

 The most incredible foliage in Lincoln Park.

Beautiful babas (and their moms) everywhere! I was spoiled with cuddles! 

 

 

 

Miss Jemima, as in puddle duck, not maple syrup was a gracious host. She kept us company and our bed warm and never failed to amaze me with her ability to knock objects off the counters! 

 

 Thanks guys!! Hopefully it won't take us another 2 years to make our way back. And, in the meantime, come and visit us in NYC!

A Trip Across The Pond.

A few weeks ago, I was fortunate enough to be able to pack my little (I only took hand luggage!) suitcase and flit across the pond for a bit of a girly adventure. I should dub this the "cream tea" holiday because I feel like we ate nothing but scones, breakfast, noon and night but in fact, it was also filled with a lot of laughter, friends, brollies and train-tripping. 

Despite only being in the UK for nine days, we ventured halfway across the country from Bath to York and back to London and then some, seeing as many varied landscapes as the people that came with them. It was a whirlwind trip but I am so grateful that I got to spend some quality time with some of my favourite people. Let's jump into some highlights! 

Our first adventure took us to Steve and Shell's farewell at their beautiful home along the Thames. It was a bittersweet evening as they are returning to South Africa which is sad but happy that they can be close to family and beautiful sunshine.

It was a momentous occasion in it's own right, but this night happened to be the day that baby Hudson started crawling. He had a big audience but those cups had no chance! Go Hudson, go!

 After the farewell it was time for some hard-earned pub fish and chips! Love these ladies!

This picture represents many a train and platform that we waited it at, but I thought it was so cute! Off to Fortnum and Mason for high tea. See below.



The next day we packed our bags for our first trip to Bath - home of Jane Austen (for 5 years), Roman Baths and quaint little streets. It also hosts a thriving uni and is only an hour or so out of London so a definite must if you're in the Somerset area. 
 

 The famous Bath Circus designed by architect John Wood in 1754, and a feature in Jane Austen's books.

      A trip to Jane Austen's museum wouldn't be complete without a bonnet, no? 

 The original Roman Bath.

Yum!

 I found my shop!

 If anyone gets anything handmade from me for Christmas I apologise. I was inspired by this place!

After Bath, we returned to London to take another train to York. Having now experienced both the New and Old York, I'm not sure I see a lot of resemblance but considering original York's historical significance, it is fair to say that the British had high hopes when naming the New one. 

  

 One of the many cream teas we scoffed!

 York Minster - one of the largest gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe

 

 

After York we travelled once more to London where we boarded another train to Hampshire. What greeted us were familiar, friendly faces, the sweetest, coziest cottage and a lot of Labrador love. Thanks for having us Anne and Rob (and Parker and Molly!)!

 

Farewell ol' England. Until we meet again. Jolly old chap.