For The Love of Travel https://www.thefortheloveoftravel.com/ My favorite places, photos and stories Sun, 18 Oct 2026 00:09:44 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.3 65692702 11/10/2026 Melbourne https://www.thefortheloveoftravel.com/11-10-2026-melbourne/ Sun, 18 Oct 2026 00:09:42 +0000 https://www.thefortheloveoftravel.com/?p=9681 An observation we’ve made is that we need to factor in at least 1/2 hour after berthing to disembark…if at the front of the queue line.  This time we exited efficiently but then there was a hold up at Melb … Continue reading →

The post 11/10/2026 Melbourne appeared first on For The Love of Travel.

]]>

An observation we’ve made is that we need to factor in at least 1/2 hour after berthing to disembark…if at the front of the queue line.  This time we exited efficiently but then there was a hold up at Melb immigration, as they wanted to process international visitors first (so we patiently waited in a huge queue…and waited…until that occurred. Why didn’t Princess staff know of that expectation? Grrrr.

Got an Uber to our Forest Therapy session at the Botanical Gardens…but because of the Marathon being held and associated road closures, had to travel from Sth Melb along Queens Rd to Chapel St, turn left and then made our way along Punt Rd to Domain Rd to access the visitor centre. Gave the Uber driver some extra $ for his troubles. 

We needed the tree hugging and sensory enrichment experience to destress after all that. 

Couldn’t get an Uber to find us in the Gardens with all the road closures, so with ‘more front than Myers’, cheekily asked a driver close by, if they might be going along Punt Rd and could drop us off at Bridge Rd so we could catch a tram into the city? Yes, said Dean. Phew! Lynne was excited to sit in the back seat accompanying Ancho, a kelpie who has a fondness for and eagerly anticipates trains and stations apparently. Dropped us off at Jolimont station. 

Onwards to the Ritz Carlton for a high tea with spectacular views over Melb from the 80th floor. Beautiful presentation and moreish.

We could see our ship at Port Melb dwarfing the Spirit of Tasmania at the opposite dock. 

On the way back to the ship, lots of colorful characters in the city, attending the Pax (gamers) festival.

Scared Weird Little Guys entertained us again with a new show – loved their song about all the hits of the 90’s; and their impression of different artists’ singing Waltzing Matilda ( eg. in Coldplay, Em and Em, Elvis, Garfunkel, Katy Perry’s style).

The post 11/10/2026 Melbourne appeared first on For The Love of Travel.

]]>
9681
9/10 – 10/10/2026 Days at sea https://www.thefortheloveoftravel.com/9-10-10-10-2026-days-at-sea/ Sat, 17 Oct 2026 23:48:00 +0000 https://www.thefortheloveoftravel.com/?p=9677 We are having a fun start to oboard ‘activities’. Firstly an archery contest against crew with floaty ball targets in the plastic structure….12:12 all. Next, pampering with complimentary mini facials with collagen eye and skin treatments. Its an Elemis product. … Continue reading →

The post 9/10 – 10/10/2026 Days at sea appeared first on For The Love of Travel.

]]>

We are having a fun start to oboard ‘activities’. Firstly an archery contest against crew with floaty ball targets in the plastic structure….12:12 all.

Next, pampering with complimentary mini facials with collagen eye and skin treatments. Its an Elemis product. Loved the oil based cleansing product in partcular and will investigate Restylane hydrolonic acid and thermage radio frequency therapy on return home – to reduce skin pigmentation and wrinkles. Absurd cost for the latter on board.

Then a ‘Walking with Comfort’ session with Lynne; has her convinced to get some orthotics to improve her gait and reduce if not eliminate pain. 

The class on improving metabolism provided an interesting explanation of acidity/alkalinity in body and how best to retain optimal PH. Doing a metabolism analysis with him. 

There is a fun 20 question general trivia show each afternoon ‘Let’s get quizzical’…sub optimal score of 9/20 this time. Hopefully we will improve.

We’ve seen some delightful performances at night too:

  • Steven Schwartz’s ‘Music to Do’ revue, combining his most favorite songs from Godspell, Wicked and Pippin, with magic. The Princess crew did a great job with singing, dancing and magic tricks.
  • Jeff Green, comedian, entertained us again with his new show – different jokes, but familiar themes – e.g.latest examples of interactions with wife and sons.

I was also excited to discover a lovely alternate breakfast menu on Level 5, with great coffee! 

The post 9/10 – 10/10/2026 Days at sea appeared first on For The Love of Travel.

]]>
9677
7/10 – 8/10/2026 Sydney and Newcastle https://www.thefortheloveoftravel.com/8-10-9-10-2026-sydney-and-newcastle/ Sat, 17 Oct 2026 03:34:52 +0000 https://www.thefortheloveoftravel.com/?p=9659 Met up with Lynne at the airport yesterday and we had a restful night at the Hyde Park Inn. Sydney boarding was really efficient today, despite 3,125 fellow travellers needing to be “processed”. Off on our 28 day crusie…woo hoo! … Continue reading →

The post 7/10 – 8/10/2026 Sydney and Newcastle appeared first on For The Love of Travel.

]]>

Met up with Lynne at the airport yesterday and we had a restful night at the Hyde Park Inn. Sydney boarding was really efficient today, despite 3,125 fellow travellers needing to be “processed”. Off on our 28 day crusie…woo hoo!

Filipino seafarers form the backbone of the global cruise industry, so it was no suprise that our crew was drawn from that community. Sydney really turned on the weather, and there were lovely views over the harbour from Level 15.

It’s a massive ship, with 19 levels. Only Level 7 runs straight through from aft to starboard; otherwise, you need to use different stairs and lift wells to reach particular areas. For example, Lynne and I had two lift access points from our stateroom on Level 12. The aft lift took us to breakfast and dinner each day, after what we’ve come to call “the Botticelli long walk”.

Groan: dinner time meant a long queue to get into the Botticelli restaurant. Some diners had no booking, while most of us had pre-booked online. You’d think they would have allocated tables to the pre-bookers beforehand, but no — staff were assigning them randomly, on the spot. Dinner itself was relaxed and well paced, with delightful hospitality staff.

At 9 pm, comedian Jeff Green gave an amusing performance in the theatre. A minor crisis arose when we got back to our room and Lynne thought she’d left her bag — with her phone and wallet inside — at the restaurant. So off we went at 10 pm to Guest Services on Level 5, where we waited in a queue for another half hour. Disappointingly, we were told the restaurant staff hadn’t brought up any bags that evening. Back in the room, we discovered she’d left it in the bathroom — which we hadn’t checked before heading downstairs. Phew, crisis averted!

An early-morning 6:50 am trudge to Level 5 to get coffees for us. Breakfast at 8:30, once again with a long queue. Getting off the ship in Newcastle was a chaotic process. We were sent to one end of Level 7 to collect numbered tickets, then told to wait on Level 4, 5 or 6 until our group number was announced before heading to the gangway. Lucky we didn’t have any excursions planned.

We visited the Newcastle visitor centre and did some self-guided walks to see the street art and architecture, then took the light rail to the beach. There was a beautiful Morton Bay fig; Lynne gives you a sense of its size, sitting on one of the sizeable meandering roots.

We caught a bus to Adamstown to meet friend Robin at the ‘Local Customs’ Café. Delicious prawn tacos and a sensational Spring Elixir — cloudy apple, fresh ginger, rosemary, honey, lemon and apple cider vinegar.

Scared Weird Little Guys were tonight’s very popular entertainment.

The post 7/10 – 8/10/2026 Sydney and Newcastle appeared first on For The Love of Travel.

]]>
9659
6/6 – 10/6/2026 Vancouver https://www.thefortheloveoftravel.com/6-6-10-6-2026-vancouver/ Wed, 10 Jun 2026 01:58:04 +0000 https://www.thefortheloveoftravel.com/?p=9620 My first stop was at the Bill Reid gallery, established in 2008 as a tribute to the legendary Haida master artist and the living cultures that florish along the Northwest Coast. Belonging to the Raven-Wolf Clan of the Haida Nation, … Continue reading →

The post 6/6 – 10/6/2026 Vancouver appeared first on For The Love of Travel.

]]>

My first stop was at the Bill Reid gallery, established in 2008 as a tribute to the legendary Haida master artist and the living cultures that florish along the Northwest Coast. Belonging to the Raven-Wolf Clan of the Haida Nation, Bill had a long and illustrious career (1920 -1998) as a master goldsmith, carver, sculptor, broadcaster, writer, and community activist. I saw a copy of his well-known wooden sculpture, ‘the Raven and the First Men’, which brings to life a vital Haida myth, depicting the moment the Raven discovered the first people on the beaches of Rose Spit in Haida Gwaii and coaxed them out. An example of his jewellery, the stunning ‘Milky Way necklace’ was on display too. Loved the ‘Haida Raven’ (red and black series) as well.

James Hart and his sons carved this honouring ‘Celebration of Bill Reid’ pole in 2008…with images of a double-finned sea wolf; dogfish; thunderbird; and raven.

There were some tremendous videos playing of Bill sculpting totem poles (it’s really hard work), working on his jewellery creations and Haida painting.

Also of the story of Robert and his brother Reg Davidson, who carved the first totem pole for their community in 1969, after almost a century. (Many of the giant cedar poles that were common across Haida Gwaii had been purposely felled after Christian missionaries deemed them sinful pagan idols, or by assimilationist government policies which allowed collectors, ethnologists and other officials to remove poles under the guise of preservation and study). They didn’t know what they were doing to start off with but learnt ‘on the run’. Just wonderful to experience their journey and the celebration of their aged community who never thought they’d see the day of a totem being raised again.

Kwakwaka’wakw artist, Jamie Gentry, had an exhibition of floral beadwork titled “Blossoming’, so I visited – well, what adorable hand-made and decorated moccasins. Just one example…

The day’s weather improved, some sun came out so I headed for the lookout @ the Harbour Centre. Some glorious examples of views from 169m.

You know I love a gondola ride in whatever country I’m in, because it means …going up…for landscape views. Well, today I took a chance on the Grouse Mountain gondola and was hoping it would clear, but sadly not…a grey day with foggy misty hues in the back ground. Was totally impressed though by the number of people either doing the ‘the Grouse Grind’ and the ‘BCMC’ – both gruelling climbs, gaining 853 meters of elevation over 2.5 to 3 kilometres. While both offer a killer workout, the Grind is an official, highly competitive, stair-heavy route, whereas the BCMC is a less crowded, more rugged natural trail. Pic is of some people emerging after completing these trails…

I had planned to leave the Vancouver Art Gallery visit for my last day (100% rain predicted), but sadly discovered it was closed Tuesday! Went to the Equinox Gallery instead to see ‘Fred Herzog: A Colour Legacy’, a 20thC photographer who revolutionised colour street photography, embracing Kodachrome slide film. He really captures the vitality of everyday urban life, in all its everyday oddness; in working-class neighbourhoods and commercial areas.

The last image is not part of the Fred Herzog exhibition. It’s in one of the side rooms in the gallery, by Adad Hannah, 2021, titled ‘A Studio Portrait’ (loved the positioning of the small glass mirrors and the slightly Salvador Dali effect it created in the image).

My last day today, flying to LA and then Melbourne tomorrow. I have had such a lovely time in Canada, as always. I am leaving some pieces of myself behind in this lovely country and take pieces of it with me!

The post 6/6 – 10/6/2026 Vancouver appeared first on For The Love of Travel.

]]>
9620
4/6 – 5/6/2026 Salt Spring Island; Ladysmith and Chemainus https://www.thefortheloveoftravel.com/4-6-5-6-2026-salt-spring-island-ladysmith-and-chemainus/ Sun, 07 Jun 2026 01:46:37 +0000 https://www.thefortheloveoftravel.com/?p=9575 We set off for Salt Spring Island, the largest and most populous of British Columbia’s Southern Gulf Islands, renowned for its vibrant arts community, organic farms, and natural landscapes. The ferry was late in arriving but we were happy waiting…sun … Continue reading →

The post 4/6 – 5/6/2026 Salt Spring Island; Ladysmith and Chemainus appeared first on For The Love of Travel.

]]>

We set off for Salt Spring Island, the largest and most populous of British Columbia’s Southern Gulf Islands, renowned for its vibrant arts community, organic farms, and natural landscapes. The ferry was late in arriving but we were happy waiting…sun shining, birds singing! The only thing interrupting my serenity was the ichiness on my arms, and back. Called my hotel to discuss whether there could be a bed bug issue…’I’ll call my manager’ was Irena’s response, from reception.

A 20 min journey by ferry and we soon driving to Baynes Peak (on Mount Maxwell), which involves 4kms of bumpiness – on a steep, narrow, and unpaved logging-style gravel road featuring large potholes and rugged stony terrain. Us brave ones, with Jacqui driving the dependable Subaru Crosstrek, made it ….to see the amazing vistas.

Saltspring Island Cheese was our next stop – to sample goat cheeses, as you do. Jacqui loved a truffle chevre (she had sampled previously) and I loved a soft-washed rind cheese called Romalia, paired with onion and thyme jam – delicious. So we got some of both to take home.

We lunched @ Wild Cider on a terrace with a delightful view of the picturesque farm, overlooking mountains. Jacqui and I sampled a float of ciders, she loving the Happy Apricot and I, the Saskatoon Berry. Jack tried Fentimen’s Cola. And we had a delicious lunch from the tapas menu – mushrooms, pesto on brioche; cauliflower bites and chicken karaage – yummy.

Arrived at the ferry half an hour before its scheduled departure, as had a lot of other cars, trucks and RV’s. We were one of 2 last cars that were squeezed onto the back of that ferry – so we luckily didn’t have to wait in a queue for another hour or so for the next to arrive. Just as well, as there drama back at my hotel.

I discovered the hotel maintenance man HAD found a bug problem in my room. And, there was no other available room at the (Buccaneer) Inn. I packed up my luggage and took up Jack and Jacqui’s kind offer to stay with them overnight. Leaving my suitcase on their patio, I took all the clothes out and put them through a double hot wash and dry. Jack drove to the local hardware and got me a can of bed bug killer to spray into, and onto my luggage. Also picked up a couple of pizzas for us for dinner, which we munched while watching Canadian football.

The following morning, journeyed to Ladysmith Old Town bakery for breakfast – I had a jalapeno cream cheese danish and mine hosts had scones. (The scrolls were huge and were dripping with icing – too much for the 3 of us). We love this artwork on the wall of the bakery.

Next, we visited the Westholme Tea Company so Jacqui could buy some green tea (she’s not a coffee drinker). We were offered a sample of the daily ‘special’ green tea, the smoky flavour of which, Jacqui loved. Bargain, tea bought! I loved the rustic Cowichan tea cosy display. And the garden around the tea house was a delight.

Jacqui and Jack wanted to introduce me to another bakery they love at Cowichan Bay – ‘True Grain’. Had to try their apple strudel and energy bar – took them home to share later on.

Last stop was at Chemainus, a scenic seaside town famous as the ‘mural capital of British Columbia.’ Historically a logging town; facing severe economic collapse in the 1980s, the town re-invented itself by progressively painting massive outdoor murals on its buildings, now 50 of them.

A delicious lunch was had, sampling the products we had purchased at Salt Spring Island yesterday. And it was time to catch the Hullo ferry back to Vancouver for the last leg of my holiday. Thank you Jacqui and Jack for a wonderful time as always.

The post 4/6 – 5/6/2026 Salt Spring Island; Ladysmith and Chemainus appeared first on For The Love of Travel.

]]>
9575
3/6/2026 Malahat Skywalk, Abkhazi gardens, Fishermen’s wharf https://www.thefortheloveoftravel.com/3-6-2026-malahat-skywalk-abkhazi-gardens-fishermens-wharf/ Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:52:45 +0000 https://www.thefortheloveoftravel.com/?p=9538 Jack and Jacqui have the ‘day off’ today :). I hired a car so I could travel south to the capital Victoria. Along this pathway, the Skywalk is an uplifting coastal forest-to-sky experience, a place to wander at your own … Continue reading →

The post 3/6/2026 Malahat Skywalk, Abkhazi gardens, Fishermen’s wharf appeared first on For The Love of Travel.

]]>

Jack and Jacqui have the ‘day off’ today :).

I hired a car so I could travel south to the capital Victoria. Along this pathway, the Skywalk is an uplifting coastal forest-to-sky experience, a place to wander at your own pace….and it’s accessible to all. 360 degree views from the top of the Mt Baker, Finlayson Arm, the Saanich Peninsula and islands stretching into USA as well as Canada. And there’s a 20m spiral slide (‘the sizzler!)….you hear periodic screams from those unprepared for the fun and fast ride….. :), and that’s a bit unnerving.

Artist Tanya Bub glues together thousands of driftwood pieces to create her striking sculptures – cougars, bears, an owl and bald eagle – all native to Vancouver Island and part of Tanya’s Wild Art collection – they are nestled throughout the Malahat SkyWalk experience.

I chose to see the Abkhazi garden this visit, as I saw the incredible Butchart gardens last time. Amazing history too – in 1920’s Paris, Marjorie (Peggy) Pemberton-Carter meets the exiled Georigian prince, Nicholas Abkhazi and they form a firm friendship. Both were separately interned in prisoner-of-war camps during WW2. Peggy made her way to Victoria post war and bought the large treed and rocky lot that would become Abkhazi garden. In Jan 1946 she received a letter from Nicholas…they reunited and soon got engaged and married in Nov 1946. They worked together on the garden for over 40 years…they called it ‘their child’. I particularly loved the Rhododendron Woodland section and water lily ponds.

Fisherman’s Wharf in Victoria, is a colourful floating village just a short walk from the Inner Harbour. Each painted in bright hues and boasting quirky designs, each house is unique in its own way, and as you walk up and down the marina, you wonder about the local lifestyle and what it would be like living in the interesting tiny homes. Then, there’s the marine life. I kept my eyes peeled for harbour seals but didn’t see any playfully bobbing in the water…a common sight apparently, but not for me today.

Took a drive down Belleville St to see the Houses of Parliament and Fairmont’s Empress Hotel – wow, they are both as I still remembered – so impressive in their architectural impact.

Really enjoyed the day, and keeping the steps up…7,101 today.

The post 3/6/2026 Malahat Skywalk, Abkhazi gardens, Fishermen’s wharf appeared first on For The Love of Travel.

]]>
9538
1/6 – 2/6/2026 Vancouver Island https://www.thefortheloveoftravel.com/1-6-2-6-2026-vancouver-island/ Wed, 03 Jun 2026 06:06:52 +0000 https://www.thefortheloveoftravel.com/?p=9499 It was a fab 9 hour flight from London to Vancouver by British Airways. My AirB&B accom was finally okay, but had to negotiate a different room from the initial assigned, with resident onsite manager. Caught the Hullo ferry to … Continue reading →

The post 1/6 – 2/6/2026 Vancouver Island appeared first on For The Love of Travel.

]]>

It was a fab 9 hour flight from London to Vancouver by British Airways. My AirB&B accom was finally okay, but had to negotiate a different room from the initial assigned, with resident onsite manager.

Caught the Hullo ferry to Nanaimo the next morning. Jacqui and Jack are my hosts for the next few days and they spoiled me with a lovely lunch (see below) and then a ‘smoking’ dinner. 🙂 Jack cooked smoked ribs, Jacqui the salad and potato salad, Yummy, yum, yum!

We headed for Comox the next day, a one and a half hour drive north. Jacqui and Jack wanted me to see the Filberg heritage park. In the 1930’s, Comox timber baron, Robert Filberg built Filberg Heritage Lodge (now Grancuna Lodge), as a summer home for his wife and 2 children. Spectacular view of the Goose Spit, the Strait of Georgia and the magestic Beaufort mountains (still with some snow on the peaks). Its a real gem – nine acres of breathtakingly landscaped waterfront gardens. The park features 130 varieties of trees, seasonal gardens, and hundreds of rhododendrons. It’s become a popular venue for picnics, weddings, art shows and special events including the popular Filberg Festival held in August.

Wow, an absolutely beauty of a day, and park. Blue skies, green grass and trees, flowering bushes and more peonies (I think I’m getting obsessed)…water views galore.

Jacqui, a very bad influence :), introduced me to yummy ‘Empress 1908 gin’. Love the purple colour. And Comox marina.

View from the Oceanside route on the way back to Nanimo…

Deep Bay….

Enjoying a lunch @ the Bluefin pub in Comox (tide out) and then in late afternoon…back at Nanaimo, the Irish pub, ‘Carlos O’Bryan’s’.

The post 1/6 – 2/6/2026 Vancouver Island appeared first on For The Love of Travel.

]]>
9499
29/5 – 30/5/2026 London https://www.thefortheloveoftravel.com/29-5-30-5-2026-london/ Sat, 30 May 2026 21:32:36 +0000 https://www.thefortheloveoftravel.com/?p=9479 Hopped onto the no.88 bus, for a 50 minute journey, to Clapham Common. There was an annoucement mid route that the bus was terminating at Stockwell ….and passengers patiently waited there for another no.88 to come along. Arrived at friend … Continue reading →

The post 29/5 – 30/5/2026 London appeared first on For The Love of Travel.

]]>

Hopped onto the no.88 bus, for a 50 minute journey, to Clapham Common. There was an annoucement mid route that the bus was terminating at Stockwell ….and passengers patiently waited there for another no.88 to come along. Arrived at friend Diana’s home and we had a lovely catch up and lunch in the local Abbeville village.

I booked a ticket to see ‘Inter Alia’ @ the Wyndham Theatre last night. The play has been written by Susie Miller (who previously wrote Prima Facie) ….and looks at what happens when a top criminal court judge’s own son is accused of rape. Miller’s writing uncovers the hypocrisies and horrors at the heart of our courts — how the issue of consent in sexual crimes is used by defence lawyers to tear down victims, and an unpoliced internet hellscape is poisoning the beliefs of young men.

Rosamund Pike does an incredible job with the role – she is Jessica Parks, a judge trying to be everything to everyone: a mother, a feminist, a staunch supporter of women in the courtroom, and an accommodating wife to her lawyer husband. A good friend, a kind neighbour, a fun dinner party host – the juggle and balance that successful women attempt in a world not designed for them. As an audience, you get to hear what’s going on ‘inside her head’, a remarkable feat crafted by Miller’s prose and Justin Martin’s smart directing. A searing examination of motherhood and masculinity.

My last play on this visit is Fran Kranz’s stage adaptation of “Mass” @ the Donmar Warehouse. The play is an unflinching, emotionally devastating, and essential look at grief, accountability, and restorative justice. Centred on two sets of parents, Linda (Monica Dulan) and Richard (Paul Hilton) versus Jay (Adeel Akhtar) and Gail (Lyndsey Marshal), meeting years after a shared tragedy involving a mass shooting, the play unfolds almost entirely around a table; one that slowly rotates, subtly shifting our perspective as the emotional ground beneath the characters moves far more violently. Aktar’s restrained fury and Dolan’s haunting grief were, in particular, extraordinary to watch. Despite the weighty conversations surrounding an all-too-real kind of tragedy, I left the theatre light on my feet, believing in the power of conversation and restorative justice, and what a beautiful message for a story to have.

Stepping out into the sunshine I walked past Seven Dials Market and monument…jeez, there was a lot of activity!

I decided I needed a gelato….I thought of Amorino on Charing Cross Rd. Oh yes, can highly recommend! Delish and beautifully presented in the form of a rose…a work of art.

I have my last fancy schmancy restaurant booking tonight @ Elystan St. Caught the Picadilly line to South Kensington and walked to the Chelsea area. The Petrossian caught my eye on route and I wandered in…goodness me, lots of different flavoured caviar, smoked salmon and lots of different vodka…had to try a small flute of spicy vodka…which was very acceptable.

Elystan St offered seasonal, gimmick free dishes which are full of vitality and flavour. I had a double-baked cheddar cheese souffle, with a trifle emulsion, leeks, mushrooms and a small green salad. Yummy!

Last night in London! Its been great and I’ll hopefully be back in December.

The post 29/5 – 30/5/2026 London appeared first on For The Love of Travel.

]]>
9479
28/5/2026 London https://www.thefortheloveoftravel.com/28-5-2026-london/ Fri, 29 May 2026 23:38:32 +0000 https://www.thefortheloveoftravel.com/?p=9454 Walked to Leicester Square and then past the Hippodrome to Leicester Station tube – easy to purchase a ticket, just a £1.75 flat rate for each trip by tap at gate entrance. Love Magic Mike and great its fun that’s … Continue reading →

The post 28/5/2026 London appeared first on For The Love of Travel.

]]>

Walked to Leicester Square and then past the Hippodrome to Leicester Station tube – easy to purchase a ticket, just a £1.75 flat rate for each trip by tap at gate entrance.

Love Magic Mike and great its fun that’s it’s still happening…the Hippodrome has incredible statues on its roof. Took the Picadillly line to Kensington and had a look at Harrods. Its the same labyrinth of a store I remember from decades ago. Cafe Erol in Kensington High St is new though – catering for anyone who loves middle eastern savoury and sweet flavours.

I booked to go to one of my fave (Polish) restaurants in previously experienced London 5 decades ago at least….’Ognisko’. It was like old home week…with a menu that had been jazzed up for international expectations. I ordered a delicious pierogi starter…..

and a pork schnitzel ‘main’, and spicy pear cocktail. Yumm!

I got notice that there’s an EID festival happening on Saturday @ Trafalgar Square, so to take a pic before the event management crew came in…… here it is…(note to self, must find a venue out of this area!).

You have to line up to see plays in London…this wasn’t a terribly long one, thank goodness. And I loved this 15thC chappy at St Martin-in-the-Fields wall.

‘Oh Mary’ @ the Trafalgar Theatre has rave reviews, billed as an uproarious black comedy about the life of Mary Todd Lincoln, wife of Abraham Lincoln, in the lead up to the time of Lincoln’s assassination. It’s panto, it’s big, it’s loud. And it’s won BAFTA awards. So I got a ticket. OMG, you can “see the jokes coming around the corner before the punchlines drop. The camp comedy contains less subversion, more American-pie level of puerile humour'”(thank you Guardian review). I endured 1.5 hrs of this and was grateful to leave. Despite Catherine Tate being one of the lead characters.

I discovered a lovely ‘hidden’ bar called Larry’s, (part of the National Portrait Gallery) just around the corner from my hotel. Loved the 1985 portrait of Michael Caine and Bob Hoskins…and 1983 of Annie Lennox!

The post 28/5/2026 London appeared first on For The Love of Travel.

]]>
9454
27/5/2026 London https://www.thefortheloveoftravel.com/27-5-2026/ Fri, 29 May 2026 17:27:56 +0000 https://www.thefortheloveoftravel.com/?p=9364 First cab off the rank was a visit to St Dunstan in the East, a church first built on the site of this garden in Saxon times. It was restored by St Dunstan in 950 AD and then rebuilt by … Continue reading →

The post 27/5/2026 London appeared first on For The Love of Travel.

]]>

First cab off the rank was a visit to St Dunstan in the East, a church first built on the site of this garden in Saxon times. It was restored by St Dunstan in 950 AD and then rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire in 1697. Only the tower of the Wren church survives. The garden was laid out following severe damage in the blitz and made available to the public in 1967. Back on the main road, spied the incredible Sky Garden building, vaulting over the top of older buildings below. Makes quite an impression.

Happened to passby an ‘Atis’ food chain store, “real food that fuels your next move”. I looked them up and I believe there are 15 across London…all protein/veggie meals-focussed, that you take away. You order via computer on store entry, queue to confirm order with staff, then pick up bowls and pay at the end of the circuit…and either sit and eat at available tables….or go to benches in St Dunstan’s gardens over the road.

No.1 – Chick pea, harissa, tahini; No. 2 – Chicken jalapeno taco! No.3 – Green Goddess + Harissa Honey Thigh…and there are mnay, many more combos. You get dietary info also, cals and nutrient analysis.

Caught the no.15 bus to Aldgate East station and walked to see Brick Lane street art. Was a tad disappointed with the offerings as most of the ‘art’ was tagging. But nevertheless managed to find some interesting ones…see what you think.

Met Adrian Boswell in his studio…..he’s a well-known East London collage artist who mixes the surrealism of Salvador Dali with the humour of Monty Python. Adrian says about his work: “I enjoy collage, finding the right material in magazines and photographing objects. The exciting thing about surrealism is that you create a fantasy world where everything is right”. He’s exhibiting soon in Sydney and told me he has $6m in pre-orders – of which he gets 30% from his promoters, so he’s very pleased! 

When I got to Waterloo Place to go to dinner @Wild Honey, there was a fabulous blue hue to the light and the Crimea Memorial looked amazing…

I also noticed the ‘Iconic Image Gallery’ over the road…..so glad I went in. Such fabulous images. I didn’t take a pic of my fave because the lighting on it created streaks and shadows, making it ugly to photo…but an incredible shot of an iceberg/shelf calving. But for my and your pleasure…love these ones below!

Woo hoo…dinner tonight is at Wild Honey St James, a highly acclaimed, one-Michelin-starred restaurant located at the Sofitel London St James, which offers a ‘bistronomy approach’ pioneered by chef Anthony Demetre since 2006 – where British produce is prepared using classic French techniques. I had the Cumbrian lamb slow-cooked shoulder, celeriac fondant, with chermoula and walnut as my ‘main’. Tasty.

For dessert, I had to order the the signature “Custard Cocktail”, a creamy, indulgent blend of vodka, custard, cedro lemon, milk, and nutmeg, designed to be paired with the restaurant’s famous “It has to be Custard” dessert, which features a silky custard tart. The custard was heavenly and I loved the thin and crispy pastry base so much, I asked one of the wait staff about it… I soon got the chef himself Anthony D coming to my table (pâte sucrée he confirmed) ….suffice to say we got into a conversation about Australian gastronomy; the theatrical talents of Lesley Manville and one of her previous partners, Gary Oldman; Anthony’s soft spot for anything with dairy in it; the importance of bees; bicycling in the mountains; French auberges and his passion for aromatised wine. Wow, quite the wide-ranging conversation. He was delightful.

The Sofitel London St James offers afternoon tea in another area of the ground floor, especially designed for the event…what do you think??

Amazing news…Transport Canada ( after many weeks of me asking ‘what do I need to do to be able to fly my drone in your country’)…has finally sent me a link to an exam I have to pass, and told me then to submit the pilot certificate (if I’m successful), with the application form for a SFOC (Special Flight Operators Certificate), that I need as a foreigner. Well, you’d be pleased to know that I passed exam with flying colours, and am now waiting for the operators certificate! OMG! As my friend Christine said, “anyone would think you’re applying to fly a drone in the Ukraine, rather than over beautiful Mounties 🙂 scenery and wildlife!” 🙂

Got news just this minute that I’ve been approved an (SFOC) Ops certificate…. Yay!…When I’ve left the country, I’m going to helpfully suggest some amendments to their existing processes.

The post 27/5/2026 London appeared first on For The Love of Travel.

]]>
9364