A palace fit for a king

One beautiful Summer day, my friend Bridget and I went to Hampton Court Palace.  A massive palace, the size of a small town, with the most amazing manicured lawns. 

The grounds and buildings are immense.  I guess they had to be in order to house King Henry VIII, his million wives and then Mary Queen of Scotts and Queen Elizabeth.

We tried out the maze which looks pretty pitiful from the outside but trust me, you do get lost once you're in there.

It was amazing being in the sun, strolling through the gardens.  I won't even start on the palace kitchen which is quite renowned and encompasses about six different rooms - 1 for fish, 1 for meat, 1 for cooking, 1 for cooking.  You get the picture.

Hampton Court is technically in Surrey and the little town which it is part of is also quite darling. 

Enjoy the photos xox

Rye, Hugh's 30th and a harbour with no water

Our good friend Hugh was turning 30 so we decided to celebrate with a mini getaway in the UK.  Lucky for Hugh, his birthday fell on a long weekend.

We went to Rye in East Sussex on the south coast of England - a mere 1.5 hours on the train from London.  Rye is a beautiful little town with tiny cobbled stone streets, handsome Tudor homes, an abundance of antique shops and a buzzing art scene.  It's also famous for old style tea houses and haunted pubs.

The houses had cute names like Honey Pot House; the Mermaid Inn; Sea Gull House; the House with the Chair; the House Opposite and the House with Two Doors!

The highlight for the boys was the inflatable hot tub on the back deck of our apartment - hours were spent in the bubbles.  We enjoyed a yummy meal for Hugh's 30th at the George - Rye's only upmarket boutique hotel.  Followed by a drink in the only pub open after midnight, where every single "chav" from around the area seemed to hang out.

On very bad recommendation from a local, we took a walk to Rye Harbour Town.  Now, let me tell you, Rye Harbour Town is very very different to Rye.  It should not even be called a harbour because there was no water and it was another 30 minutes walk to the sea (which is quite pretty when you get there).  This place was awful; like out of a horror movie - squawking seagulls, an hour walk through an industrial estate with no one in sight, a squeaking fence and freaky carousel noise.  We missed the turn for the scenic route through Romney Marsh - whoops.

Rye has a fascinating history.  Many famous authors, like Henry James, have lived there at some stage.  It was also once home to Sir Paul McCartney and his children went to school there.  Although now sitting on top of a hill, Rye was once on the waterfront and used as a defence port against the French.

It was lovely to get out of London for some fresh air.  The traffic, pollution and congestion can get a little bit much sometimes.

E&S
xoxo

Off the West End

S and I have recently taken a liking to 'Off the West End' theatre.  There are hundreds of fabulous independent small theatres dotted around London that showcase alternatives to the glitz and glam of the big musicals.

The Kings Head is one our locals - a small, intimate theatre inside an old pub.  We recently saw a musical rendition of The Great Gatsby and earlier this year we saw Constance by Oscar Wilde.

We have also found the great Southwark Playhouse situated under the arches of a railway line - it was dark and mystical.  We saw a fabulous play called Mack & Mabel - a story about a famous producer and actress from 1920's Hollywood.  The singing, the dancing and the acting were incredibly impressive.

The actors and actresses have huge talent and because they theatres are often smaller, it feels way more intimate.

We can't forget the many wonderful big productions we've seen though - Matilda (by far my favourite); Lion King (fantastic music and costumes); Wicked; One Man Two Guvnors (absolutely hilarious); Blood Brothers; Legally Blonde; Priscilla the Queen of the Desert.....

E&S
xoxo