all the fun of the river(side)

The weather may not be perfect but apparently summer is here - in all its forms - so an ideal opportunity for a leisurely wander, or power-walk, by the river. Should you get the chance to visit Kingston-upon-Thames, take the time to enjoy life on the towpath.  To get there, walk to the end of Clarence Street, cross over Kingston Bridge, (admiring the view as you go), turn left and you're in Barge Walk.

You'll understand the name as you take-in the many house boats and transient visitors moored-up at the scenic riverside setting. There's always a happy - usually serene - line-up of swans here too, often in a row, grooming themselves, debating their next move.

From this side of the river bank you'll find no restaurants or cafés to distract or delay you - only from the distant perspective of the other side - but it can be interesting to watch the contrasting hive of activity over there from this, more tranquil, perspective.

As you move on up, you'll encounter training rowers, happy boaters, leisurely and speeding cyclists, fledgling and earnest runners, picnic-ers and romping dogs with their owners. It's a great antidote to city life.

If you fancy exploring the full-stretch of the towpath, it's about two-and-a half/three miles up towards Hampton Court with more to enjoy as you go. The trees are glorious, the houses attractive, the riverside nooks and crannies varied - with a feeling that they remain part of another era.

As you reach the end of the towpath, you'll come across the stunningly regal, ornate golden gates protecting Hampton Court Palace's Privy Gardens. Why not check-out the surrounding recommendations on Qype to make your day complete?

lunch in provence

Set in a typical Provençal village, with its own authentically sleepy charm (at least on the Sunday we visited, when almost everything was closed) is Aups' Auberge de la Tour. Fortunately, during our exploration, we chanced upon this pretty hotel with its sheltered terrace restaurant.

We enjoyed the village and people-watching as we sat and savoured our leisurely lunch. I started with a local drink which might sound strange: violet-scented local white wine. It was fragrant and deliciously refreshing, like a lighter, more summery version of a kir. I moved-on to a tasty and filling goats cheese salad, served in a superfine pastry basket (akin to the finest filo pastry). I'm not renowned for having a huge lunch appetite but I relished each mouthful and cleared my plate (aside from the couple of tastes speared by my companion). We then shared a bowl filled with a couple of flavours of sumptuously smooth and unctuous ice-cream, followed by a restorative coffee.

The small hotel on-site has a surprisingly modest two stars; although I can't vouch for whether the rooms surpass this rating, as we only indulged ourselves by spending time on the terrace. If you are visiting this lovely spot, don't miss-out on a wander through the village square and surroundings combined with a drive to take-in and admire the breathtaking beauty and serenity of the nearby Lac de Sainte Croix.

little things...

How often do you stop to think about the little things that brighten your day?  Not necessarily the most important things in life like good health, great friends etc., but little things that give you joy when you stop to look at them, or to savour them.

Yes, today is another very wet and gloomy Bank Holiday Monday in the UK, so two of my little joys have been glancing over at my fresh white jug of  Sweet William flowers - every time I pass-by - as they sit on my little mosaic table, that was a great bargain find 10 years ago. And relishing my afternoon cup of hot green pomegranate tea in my favourite new mug...  

How about you?  What are yours and how often do you stop to enjoy them?

adopt a smoothie:-)

When the weather is fine, or at least clement, what better way to start the day than with a delicious - and easy - home-made smoothie! For a sunny, vitamin-infused, anti-oxidant-packed breakfast, there's little better.  The berry variety used to be my favourite until I experimented today and made a new discovery: mango spice! 

I set the scene, yesterday, when, for the first time, I bought a large pack of frozen mango cubes. This morning, all I needed to do was to throw a large handful into the blender, with half a large sliced banana; half-a-cup of apple-juice-sweetened, organic, soya milk and a (very) generous sprinkling of ground cinnamon.  Whizz-away, until smooth, and you're guaranteed to launch the day with a smile and a healthy burst of energy...yum!

BoJo's progress report...

I confessed, previously, that I didn't vote for the blonde one but he made a good start with his acceptance speech and his actions have impressed me since. What I especially appreciate, is that - so far - he isn't just a man of words, he has started to make things happen.  His 'newty' predecessor could talk for England and was constantly telling us of his plans.  Much (most?) of it was just talk, whereas Boris, almost instantly, moved-on with the Oyster card.  Within a few days it was officially accepted on one train line (with more to come?); something that Ken had been 'promising' for a long time, with no concrete progress.

BJ appointed three(!) deputy majors, each with responsibility for a specific area.  I was impressed when I heard the Deputy Mayor for Policing, Kit Malthouse, talking on the radio with a practical, no-nonsense approach.  His stated priority is to improve safety for Londoners - making inroads and a positive impact on reducing the horrendous proliferation of knife crime on the capital's streets.

Surprisingly, Boris' mayoral fee is greater than that of his New York counterpart; indeed we have much to learn from their success in countering violence, street fear and intimidation.  The freshly re-instated 'stop and search' policy is seen as contentious by some but together with the implementation of 'knife-arches' and a mooted zero tolerance stance it might just put - at the very least - a slight halt on the deeply shocking levels of  preventable and tragic youth deaths.