mac.hunting

Yesterday I mentioned that I have been carrying the little brown bag across the London streets, tubes and even on the flight...

Those are the little sexy macarons that need a lot of loving care to handle as they are too delicate and fragile... Actually my highest point of the London trip is actually hunting down the macaron.

The Laduree boutique at Burlington Arcade, such a petite outlet that glitters in gold color wall and colorful arrays of macaron

My macaron supply... assorted flavors but I already know what is my best...

Then a few steps away from Laduree is this La Maison du Chocolate, they are famous for their chocolate but they also have macarons of which most of them have chocolate fillings....

A small box of 6 macarons from La Maison du Chocolate...

There are a couple more shops/patisseries offering macarons such as Paul, Fortnum & Manson but thinking that I cannot finish them all in short time so I didn't go on with the macaron hunt ... well... save it for the next trip...

fly.back

Well, it's early in the morning but I am getting ready to fly back, I have enjoyed myself here in London even though it is a short less than 48 hours turnaround...

My new winter jacket in red and I have to hand carry the little brown bag from La Maison du Chocolate as there are two boxes of macaron in there that need tender loving care...

Breakfast at Starbucks at London City Airport while waiting for my flight. This airport is so so convenient to navigate.

View from Fokker 50, almost leaving the mainland of England

I slept for a few hours in the afternoon as I was so tired from lack of sleep in the last 2 nights in London, but now I have caught up with my sleep...

It will be a busy week at work in preceding to the next meeting in London again next week.

london.sights

Well, it's been a long day... I started the day with serious walk (in drizzling rain) and of course serious work at 60 London Wall. The meeting went well and the sky also cleared up by the time we are done with the meeting...

It is my first time exploring London wall area, the stony wall still exists today although most of the area is overwhelm by the high rise office buildings..

Met up with JH for lunch at Barbican center, she seems to fall in love with this arts center. After lunch, I went back to change and then hit the city... First checking out the Laduree at Burlington Arcade, Fortnum & Maison, Maison du Chocolate, all located at Piccadilly area, also a pleasant discovery of the Royal Academy of Arts, an oasis of the busy Piccadilly.

Then I walked from Piccadilly to Regent Street and cut over to Oxford Street, the Christmas lights already on and the Holiday atmosphere is already here... Also it seems that every other lady is carrying a blue paper bag "Jimmy Choo by H&M". I walked pass one and took a snapshot of his glittering and affordable collection at H&M.

Here are some lights and window display... Don't you think Christmas is already here?

Goodnight everyone, tomorrow I will be flying back to the rainy Holland...

And guess what, I will most likely come again next week, but I don't really excited anymore as I have spent enough money to boost London's retail economy today...

hello.london

It's been awhile since I last stepped into London, I think it must be at least 3 years already since my last visit. I arrived London at around 4pm local time, the flight was as smooth as silk, no turbulence and beautiful sunlight and superb bird's view throughout the short 50 minute journey.

Top Left: view from Dockland Light Rail (DLR), Bottom Left: Descending to the London Tube at St. Paul's station, Right: Ever charming and quiet St. Paul's cathedral

Travelling to London city airport is really hassle free..., easy transfer to city by DLR - cheap and efficient...

Get out at Piccadilly circus station adjoined to Regent street, here is the beautiful street light of Regent Street

The ever busy and bustling Leicesters Square

My dinner at a Malaysian Restaurant C&R in London China town, and a good long chat and catch up with JH.

Now is the time to prepare for my meeting tomorrow...

london.calling

Just booked my air ticket to London this morning. I did mention about the possibility of making a business trip to London and as of Thursday's meeting at the client, it is confirmed that I am going instead of my supervisor.

The chance comes by rather sudden and I have been in fact thinking of making a trip to London before Christmas since we won't be making any trip between Christmas and New Year.

As my idea conceived, the chance came right in front of me. The reason why I SHOULD be going is simply because I am the only one who has exposed to the client's UK operation few years ago through another project. Secondly I already know a few people that will be present in the Monday's meeting and of course since I am still 50% sick, my supervisor is quite hesitate for me to go but he happened to be moving house this weekend and thus is not in favor to fly, so it landed on me!

Anyway, I am thrilled with the idea of flying again, it has been awhile since I am making any business trip and the chances is down to zero with the economic downturn. I has also been awhile since I commute to London on weekly basis... But, I know it is the Lord that grants me this desire of my heart... Now I am not only going to London but on company's expenses. Well, I have to foot my accommodation because this suppose to be just a day trip and my supervisor is okay for me to staye with my own expenses....

And why this photo, because 60 London Wall is where I am going....

It's Friday again, have a good weekend!