After 5 years still a surprise. Poor waldo. Look what they’ve done to you!

Former stables that yes, housed real horses for the neighbouring homes have been refurbished and now make up some very expensive real estate. Yes, your flat can cost well over a million pounds and you’re still living in a barn

Portabello road, well past the touristy bit. Great breakfast, great coffee, tiny cozy little place.

I will miss this place – love it!

Opened today in mayfair. That’s right internet. you read it here first. Not on timeout or squaremeal, but britlog.

Flatwhites, latte art, aussie accents and in mayfair of all places.

Sure, its like a year away. But the city is gearing up (as we’re gearing down!). But, if you’re going to say tea cosy and brolly, should you say rucksack too?

Until then, you can follow us on: http://taiwan.slaughter.com/

But it makes for a nice walk

Although this morning, it was about 15C cool, windy and I had to cut it short due to the fabulous British drizzle settling in. Very english.

Funny enough a friend popped in for a visit in the afternoon, and as the weather was better we went for a walk on the canal making our way to Camden and back. Notice the amazingly nicer weather??

house boat cat

It’s also home to one of Jason’s favourites: Benito’s Hat

and lots of little pubs:

I actually had the MasCalzone – half pizza and half calzone, all delicious.

We also got to see a bunch of friends have a meal and a few drinks together and say our goodbyes.

And since its just around the corner form Portobello Rd, and it was a Saturday, I couldn’t leave London without one last trip to the famous market. It was one of the first things we did when we moved here, and in my first year here I spent so much time in this area:

Image c/o urban75.org (my camera phone took crap photos)

While inside i took a bit of a wonder. The library may not look like much from the outside but from the inside its really nice!

This shot here is the enormous book collection behind glass running several storeys. A cafe surrounds it (makes me sad i didn’t discover this sooner because its a really nice place to enjoy a coffee and a read):

Also while i was there i got to check out the giant new Apple store – the biggest in the world now:

Its in a gorgeous old restored building – beautifully done.

Then a walk through the back shopping streets (plus coffee from Manmouth Coffee):

And finally a stop at the British Museum on my walk home. I think i’ll miss the British Museum most of all:

After my stop there I took a walk down Sloane Street and into Belgravia. I haven’t been here in ages! 3 years ago i worked in this area, and i spent many a lunch hour wandering the streets. Belgravia is one of the nicest looking neighbourhoods, but the emptiest. Hardly anyone actually seems to LIVE there. Oh, and its always under construction. Someone is always renovating a wing, or gutting one of the huge homes.

Like the Rolls parked out front?

Some of my best memories of London are from here. Trying to salsa dance at La Floridita with Jason, my brother and Rachel. Endless cups of coffees at the 3 of the best coffee shops in London (f&w, flat white and milk bar). Karaoke with coworkers and actually far too many after work pints with coworkers too.

Today i just a nice wander through the neighbourhood, a bit of shopping and of course stopped for a coffee.

As enjoyed at the Harrison at Kings Cross

Its come up quickly I’m leaving london in only 10 days. So, as the count down is on its time for our last favourites.

Day 10 – exmouth market on a sunday. Sleepy, quiet (accept the few cafes that are open) , and completely untouristy this is london for londoners (and immigrants in the know). Huge leafy trees, outdoor patios and great coffee. Oh and within walking distance too!

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This is the cycle point across from st pancras station. The other day it was full, so far the scheme seems popular Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

Literally just a small room, one counter and 2 tiny little benches to sit. Outside a few extra stools and benches, but otherwise this is a very bare bones place. Great coffee though!

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As we’re wrapping things up in london getting ready for our short term assignment in taiwanb its time to do some last things in london. Today was a busy day, afternoon coffee with a friend in soho, a quick chat with another friend in mayfair then a trip to primark to pick up some baby clothes. Finally, a walk half way home including a trip up marleybone high street, london’s prettiest high street.

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… Who loves the flower boxes outside of london pubs. Quite pretty in victoria close to the taiwanese embassy.

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After lots of press, London cycle is has launched today. Interestingly, most cycle points were half empty. Seems very popular!

The kellogs brand is called frosties, and the no name is called frosted flakes. What the…?

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