Whether it comes from under the tree or from somewhere else, Christmas is a time for surprises. Like running into the shoe god Christian Louboutin at Claridges and feeling self satisfied as he cast an approving nod in my direction. Specifically, at my luncheon selection- An impressively big, bulky cheeseburger accompanied by slender golden potatoes, … Continue reading
Category Archives: Dateline: London
Looks Can Be Deceiving
I’ll admit it did look a bit embarrassing the moment a worried British Airways official approached me during breakfast in the airport lounge. “Madame, I am sorry to inform you that we are not allowed to serve alcohol before 8:00 in the morning.” “I should say not,” I thought, but wondered why she was telling me this … Continue reading
Tired of London?
Several years into my retirement and several months into my husband’s I am reminded of the admonishment by Samuel Johnson who said that “when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.” I am in London. And although I am too busy to be bored, I do find myself a bit adrift. … Continue reading
DRESS UP
Given the choice I would always rather overdress than underdress. It’s more interesting. Not just for you but for those around you. I was so struck by this beautiful woman shopping with her partner and baby in London that I had to take her picture to illustrate the point that when you leave the house you … Continue reading
THAT’S AMAZING
This amazing picture does not happen by chance. It took Hungarian photographer Bence Mate 74 days to create it, which earned him first place in an international competition of wildlife photographers now on exhibition at London’s National History Museum. Bence, nicknamed ‘the invisible wildlife photographer,’ first constructed … Continue reading
The Call of Duty
Some people just go above and beyond the call of duty. It might be their upbringing, their training or simply their good character. Case in point. After disembarking on a flight from London to Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport aboard British Airways I realized that I had lost the sash to my coat. Not an outrageously costly … Continue reading
A GET WELL WISH FOR MAMA
We had just sat down for an early dinner at MACELLAIO’S after the overnight flight from Bermuda to London when I saw that my brother had emailed me. The complete text wouldn’t download properly, but my husband and I half expected that Richard was just checking that we had arrived safely. Or was calling to … Continue reading
How Much Do You Make ?
The most embarrassing thing you ever did at work was probably not the most helpful to your career, but the risk of shame didn’t hold you back from, let’s say, dancing like a stripper at the office Christmas party, did it? As you and humiliation are already well acquainted it … Continue reading
Song As A Great Leveller
Great levellers can yield great things. If you are open to them. Most people think they can sing even when they can’t. But we all get a pass at Christmas when carols call. That was basically the instruction from the very charismatic conductor of Candles By Candlelight at London’s … Continue reading
FLING OPEN THAT EMOTIONAL DRAWER
How much sentimentality is too much sentimentality? At a lovely English wedding recently the beaming couple could not have looked more happy. And during his speech the groom could not have not sounded more in love. It was very much a “you complete me” moment right out of the the movie, JERRY MAGUIRE. I … Continue reading