Home For Halloween

Putney Pumpkin Patch. London

 

Yup --I'm writing about it again.  Halloween is by far, my most favourite time of the year. And nowhere does it better than my home town in Cape Breton. (Actually 'Town' is a big word for the small community where I grew up --but let's use it for lack of a better word.) 

 

The above picture was taken in London.  My friend Pam (another relocated North American) decided to have a pumpkin carving party the weekend before Halloween.

 

It gave me some good practice before the main event.

 

Our Front Yard View

 

Living and working in London definitely has its advantages. For a major city, mixed in amongst its centuries-old historic landmarks, it has many beautiful green and country-feeling spaces. 

 

 But how can you beat having this view from your front yard?  You can only get this untouched beauty on The Bras d'Or Lakes, in rural Cape Breton. (Perhaps I am biased...but just look at that view.)

My Miami Sound Machine Moments

Doing my best to make friends with the locals..

 

Miami drums up all sorts of late 80's, early 90's cheesy TV imagery for me.  Flashbacks of Miami Vice, Gloria Estefan, The Golden Girls are all still firmly lodged in my childhood memory. (Growing up, I think I had a 'Miami Mice' T-shirt I shouldn't be admitting too..)  

 

As I am not a sun worshiper (Casper has a better tan than moi.) places like Miami don't usually pop up on my radar. Boy was I wrong to overlook this sun-drenched pleasure mecca. 

 

Cruising down Ocean Drive

 

At first, I spent a great deal of time in downtown Miami (Don't waste your time.  It has all the charm of a newly built Arab mega city.) but with South Beach only 20 minutes by taxi, I soon discovered the 'heart' of Miami and relocated to Washington Blvd.

Celebrating Christmas in London, Paris, Edinburgh and ...Bras d'Or.

Let Christmas Begin at the Market

 

Like most of you, I am thrilled with the arrival of December 1st.  It is official --we are finally allowed to be excited about Christmas and all its tinsel-clad glory!!

 

Covent Garden Market in London

 

Yes, I know --Covent Garden Market is open year-round. But there is something distinctly magical about giant, glittering baubles hanging from its Victorian structure, that injects a sense of joy into your soul. 

 

You can find truly unique gifts here, or simply enjoy an afternoon of meandering through the many stalls.  

 

Warm yourself by the fire..

 

No afternoon of exploring around Covent Garden would be complete without stopping by one of the many neighbourhood pubs.  A glass of warm mulled wine near a roaring fire --yes, please!