L'appartement

The salon. Complete with tv,
ipod-compatible stereo
and phone with free calls to US.

The terrace filled with plants.

The view from the salon and bedroom

The view from the terrace this morning
I need to adjust the camera since the Eiffel Tower
is not as far away as it appears here.

The view last night.

Paris, so very nice to see you again!

Today I arrived in Paris via the Eurostar (the train that goes through the Chunnel). It was a smooth, easy journey. I was so happy to see Thomas Ung at Gare du Nord--with a sore knee and two overstuffed bags, I would have had a terrible time getting on/off the metro. He carried my bags up and down about a thousand steps, the last set just a couple of blocks from the apartment. Alexandre was waiting outside since today was the first nice day in Paris in awhile. The apartment is so beautiful--it is clear this is not just a business, but a loving endeavor. The layout is so thoughtful with the bath and toilet cleverly hidden but easily accessed. I got back from roaming with Thomas too late, but I will post photos as soon as possible.

WARNING: if you cannot tolerate photos of decadent food, stop reading now (I am talking to YOU, Leslie Lawson).  You have been warned.
Montmartre (Amelie's neighborhood for fans of that movie) was crazy packed with tourists, so we headed down the hill. There is palace at Place de Concorde that Thomas suggested we see, but the line was 2 hours wait. So headed towards La Madeline. I took him to see the beautiful toilets there, but they appear to be abandoned--so very sad.
We stopped in a patisserie for some chocolate goodness, coffee for me, tea for Thomas and some macarons to share. I chose the flavors: chocolate, raspberry, pistachio, and rose petal.

A light snack to hold us over until dinner.

The stairs in the apartment building.

Un tres bon ami--Thomas Ung

We ended up on what I will now refer to "Rue des creperies." This was a street that one creperie after another.

the view from my balcony, and this photo doesn't even do it justice.

I will be working in the office tomorrow, so not too much to tell about my exploits.

Bon Soir,

Juliette

Enabling Friends, Take Away Thai and Saying So Long

I didn’t post Friday night since I was really tired after dodging children in the Natural Science Museum then spending time in the National Portrait Gallery.  I also made a first attempt at jamming all my stuff back into my suitcases. I’ve really tried to only take on as much as I’ve used/tossed/given away, but it is really hard with so many treats, books, fabric, etc, etc. I was really good today and only bought one piece of fabric.

Last night the wifi was so weak I couldn't do anything.

Friday was my last day in the London office, and I was really sad to leave. It was so nice to meet folks I’ve worked with for months, and I was happy to provide some help using my database skills.

Jon Woodhouse
Cannot understand most of what he says though
 he swears he is speaking English.
Excellent tester in any case.

Friday lunch from EAT.
Thanks for that tip, Claudina!

Stylish Manuela

Sarath and Kumar trying to look
 like they are working...

Friday dessert compliments of Manuela.

The team here is great, and incredibly accommodating to the US teams they work with. Most of the people on the testing team have hour + commutes on public transport, longer when there are issues on the lines.

Best hummus I've ever had.

Yesterday morning I met up with Rachel Kurland and her husband, David in front of the V&A to see the “Treasures of the Royal Courts” exhibit. This included really intricately engraved/jeweled jewelry, elaborate plate, portraits and tapestries. Sorry for the lack of photos--not allowed in this exhibit. After that exhibit, David went on his own for about an hour while Rachel and I visited the Fashion wing. It is so nice to look at historical costume with someone who has a similar background and interest. Not many people would stand looking at a single garment for 20 minutes trying to figure out how the fabric was woven and finished. In the book store and gift shop there were so many books I would love to have, but the thought of lugging them to 2 more countries helped me control my purchases.

I can't remember what this was called (and am too lazy
to look it up right now), but it was really delicious.
Spiced lamb, chunks of crispy pita, pomegranate seeds,
grilled onions and pomegranate seeds.

Next we headed to lunch near the South Kensington Station at a Lebanese restaurant. After some croissant and coffee at Paul and a stop at my flat for my coat (the day started out nice, but turned cold and rainy quickly. 

We decided to find a fabric store near Clapton Common and were not disappointed. It was a small local shop, but they had far more Liberty cotton than the Liberty store. Rachel talked me into one piece of woven striped cotton for napkins. I know I’ll think of her and London every time we use them.

Serious discussion on fabric with Rachel Kurland

 

Take-away Thai for dinner.

After the fabric shop, Rachel and David headed to find tickets for a show, and I headed back towards South Kensington.

 I stopped at a restaurant for Thai take-away and came back to flat for my final dinner in London. 

This is what I expected in London, and I got it.
Even in the rain, its a great city

I am so happy to have had the chance to visit London and spend some time with friends here. I hope I get a chance to come again, hopefully with Wayne Kimes who will enjoy London more than he thinks.

Today I head to Paris.

A bientot!

Juliette

Brilliant British Fare

The view as I approach the Abbey.

Many thanks to Claudina Padovani for suggesting a visit to Westminster Abbey. With the encouragement of Kumar (EU Test Manager), I took a long, early lunch today to visit. The Abbey is only about 15 minutes’ walk from the office. I arrived just before it opened, and the queue moved quickly. I got some photos of the outside, but photos are not allowed inside. 

Just a couple block furthers you can see Big Ben just
to the left of the abbey.

The abbey

It is hard to describe this amazing complex. The oldest part was built in 960, it is full of famous people (passed, of course), and still used for major ceremonies including coronations, weddings and funerals. Since I couldn't take photos inside, I bought one of the books that shows the highlights.

Manuela had found a restaurant that specializes in seasonal British fare, so she, Kristin (visiting from Frankfurt) and I headed to Chelsea after work. Sadly none of my photos of the food turned out, but it was all very good. Manuela and I both had the Charter Pie, which is a pot filled with chicken, bacon, onions, mushrooms in a creamy sauce and topped with flaky pastry. Kristin got the leg of lamb, which she said was very good. For dessert Manuela had hot chocolate with orange and Kristin and I both had Sticky Toffee Pudding. I really wanted to try this and was not sorry. The cake soaked up the toffee sauce and almost melted. Served warm with vanilla ice cream, it was delicious.

A really cool building on the way
back to the office.

Tomorrow is my last day in the London office—cannot believe this week has gone by so fast, and pleasantly surprised at how much work I’ve gotten done. I’ll be giving training on DW and DB tomorrow. I hope to spend some time in museums after work since a few are open late on Friday nights.

With the end of my visit to London looming, I have to say I am terribly disappointed that I’ve not seen a single chimney sweep, matchstick girl or anyone selling flowers for toppins. London, you have really let me down.

Juliette

Walking-Challenged in Chelsea

I’m staying in this evening since my knee is really acting up. Not sure what I did to it other than walking more than I usually do. It’s good that I’m working otherwise I would be really frustrated. I’ve gotten familiar with Boots (pharmacy chain) buying ibuprofen and a knee brace today, and of course, another crunchy bar.

Since I’m in the flat I thought I should talk a little about it. It is in Chelsea Cloisters on Sloane Ave a few blocks from the South Kensington Station. I chose the location for a few reasons: safe neighborhood, good restaurants and close to the V&A. My flat faces the center of the building rather than the street, so it is very quiet. It is small by American standards, but has all I need (though if I make this trip again, I will try to get a flat with a clothes washer so I can travel even lighter).

The tiny but complete kitchen.

I couldn’t tell from the photos/description of the flat, but the kitchen is a separate room with a full cooker (stove and oven), microwave, euro-size fridge and electric kettle.

The bath is small, but has a nice size tub. The bath and kitchen are each about 8 x 6 feet.

The main room has a double bed, small built in cupboard (more on that later), fold out table, wall mount tv shelf and built in cabinets (around the bed). It is about 12 x 10. Not huge, but perfect for one and cozy for two. The kitchen has a small window, the main room has one the is and 2/3 the width of the room. Both are European style.

 

A few of the things I've picked up at the local stores.

There is a Sainsbury Local which is sort of a convenience store, but nicer than a 7-11. They have prepared meals, salad fixings, individual containers of sliced fruit and a decent wine and beer selection. The Waitrose on Kings Road is a little nicer and larger—about 6 blocks away.

The first time I used the water kettle, I thought, “Dang, that water boiled fast.” Then I remembered that everything is 220 here—so it should heat up faster. The other thing is the garbage. There’s this cupboard right inside the door—the top is used as a nightstand and the top interior has the fuse box for the unit. The bottom section is where you put your garbage. Someone comes by twice a day and takes it out through a door in the hallway. I noticed similar doors in some of the houses in the neighborhood.

I had a really nice lunch with Sarath and Kumar at an Indian restaurant near the office. It is too bad that you miss so much of a person’s sense of humor remotely. Kumar is a flat-out smartass (which I totally respect) and Sarath may be quiet, but he is REALLY observant.  I love hearing all the different accents in the office. I have to say our IT departments have made it really easy to travel from one office to another. One example: I didn’t have to do anything to connect to the corporate wifi since the login info is the same as Austin. Was very nice to power up and start working with no hassle.

I hope to take a long lunch and visit Westminster Abbey tomorrow (thanks for the tip, Claudina!), and dinner with Manuel and Christina (who is visiting from the Frankfurt office) after work here in Chelsea.

I've got 3 full days left here in the London. If there's anything you're curious about or want a picture of, let me know!

Cheers,

Juliette

Delightful!

I had another nice day here in London. This time I remembered to set my alarm, but I was already awake when it went off. Maybe my ability to adjust to London time is some gift from all my ancestors that came from here:

Grandmother on father’s side—she was from the part of London where it always snows and everywhere you go is uphill. There was apparently a severe butter shortage at the time since she never had anything but lard for her toast. She emigrated to America in her early 20’s, but her good English upbringing ensured she had a miserable life no matter where she lived.

Great-grandmother on mother’s side—family lore has it that she sewed for the Queen before emigrating to American. It would have been Queen Victoria. Seemed impressive until I read that Victoria often used local crafts people when she travelled. Still, it’s better than her having been a charwoman or the one who emptied the night jars.

Parliament and Big Ben

Leslie Howard, mother’s father’s first cousin—If you’ve seen Gone With the Wind, he was the ever-simpering spineless Ashley Wilkes. He missed the premier of the movie since he was due for duty--he flew for the Royal Air Force, and never came back from a mission.  Huh—just realized that one of the memorials I saw the other day was for blokes like him. Nice.

I figured out the camera and got some photos of the view from the office.

Buckingham Palace private gardens. Queen HATES that anyone has this view.

Have you ever seen a coffee maker like this? that thing on the right--milk fridge. Yep,  steams your milk automagically.

Had a tasty lunch at a Spanish restaurant right downstairs—I chose shrimp and calamari, and had a taste of a couple other things. I’m eating as much seafood as I can.

Got a fair amount of work done, and had some good chats with a couple of the devs here. Never thought working on the database would make me so popular.

After work Manuela and I headed to Liberty. She wanted to look for patterns for knitting gloves, and I wanted to apply for a VAT refund. Ended up getting a pattern book, some English wool yarn and larger needles. I wanted to get the yarn for a sweater, but there’s no way I’m bringing back 16 skeins of yarn, so I’ll make a scarf—6 skeins seems much more reasonable.

At the risk of disrupting the space/time continuum, I asked Manuela to take a picture of me wearing a shirt I made of Liberty cotton that I got from April of Fabricker in Austin, holding a bolt of the same fabric, standing in front of yet more beautiful cotton in the Liberty store.

I apologize for any abnormal behavior exhibited by your computer…

Okay last item tonight: a happy accident.

I left Manuela in the Oxford Circus station and headed back to the flat. I still needed fish sauce for curry and was happy to find the nearly Sainsbury Local had what I needed, as well as yogurt (Rachel’s Organic is very tasty), wine, champagne and washing up liquid (dishwashing soap in America).

When I got back to the flat, I realized that I had forgotten to get curry powder and that Thai Red curry is nothing like Indian red curry paste.

The good news is that it turned out anyway—tastes very much like Thai coconut soup.  Yum!

Drawing a bath now since there is a bath. The bathroom is tiny but very functional. I can sit on toilet and brush my teeth at the same time—the ultimate in multi-tasking.

Cheers,

Juliette