Walking near midnite...

And so the flocking begins...

But it's not just about spray paint anymore. Sparkles and sequins abide.

Happy Holidays!

Let the fish do the work...

Selfridges during holiday time is quite an amazing experience to stumble upon. The employees model everything from the latest in dresses...to the latest in skivvies.

And then there are the demonstrations...the fake snow that doubles given a drink of water; the remote controlled helicopter; and the new wave of pedicure via hungry fish.

....What???

Garra Rufa, a form of carp, hail from Turkey. Although they have traditionally been used as fish therapy for patients with psoriasis, now anyone can have a pedicure...for a price (approximately $80 per half hour session). The customer simply slips his/her feet into the tank of fish, sits back and awaits exfoliation. There are approximately 100-150 fish per tank, according to the Aqua Sheko representative. The fish put their sucking action to practice on the customer's feet by gravitating toward problem skin areas and gently removing dead skin. The sensation supposedly feels like minor pin-pricks, or 'pins and needles'. From various responses, it sounds like some people swear by it, and others found it a novel but not life-changing experience. The trend has spread across Asia and is making its way across the UK. Apparently in the US, the practice has been shut down by various state health departments. Perhaps I'll have to try this ichthyotherapy someday...

After...

The barricades are still up. However, no ghetto birds in earshot today.

The calm before the storm...

Anch’io non ho più fame.

Healthful, fresh ingredients and excellent service at this local Italian eatery. Spinach gnocchi scamorza hit the spot for a weary traveller seeking a comforting meal.

And let us not forget, they've a tiramisù that just won't quit...

Snaps from a cab

The cabby-ette took us for a bit of a whirl.

No snow. But plenty of cold to bundle up in.

Sun was loath to perform, but muddled through somehow.

It's grey...

London weather is living up to its reputation. Think grey, misty, rainy, blowy... and there you have it.

On the coldest day of the year so far, I had the fortune of communing with the wind with nary a scarf nor coat, due to an impromptu fire drill. Mishaps averted, we returned to the office. However, I do believe I lost my nose somewhere along the way...

A few snaps on the walk home...

To market, to market ...

A little Farmer's market tucked away in Pimlico, London caught my eye... and I had to explore. A universal about Farmer's markets, I'm finding ... they're nearly always well-attended, and jowl-by-jowl jam-packed with stalls upon stalls of delights for all.

First order of business... greens! Wild Country Organics Co., a regular at this market, also sells to select grocery and specialty stores. I was invited into the stall to experience the "full-grazing" policy, heavily-enforced by the lovely and ever-enthusiastic, Nathan, the salesman.

I felt like the luckiest rabbit ever! He passed me rocket (quite a pungent variety); after that, mustard greens (just about soared through the roof); and then, to take the edge off, he shoved a fistful of "red fingers," (tasted like potatoes...yes, really!! see photo) in my hands. The zucchini blossoms, kale, bok choi, fresh water- and land- cress, and all manner of herbs were most impressive. I walked away from his booth cross-eyed, in a legume daze.

Before I knew it, I was faced with... cheese... my next best friend!!! The cheese man explained that all of the cheeses on display were local, artisanal varieties. The "Lancashire Bomb" caught my eye, in its black-encased sphere-iness. Apparently, once you bust through the casing, the cheese is particularly good for melting on potatoes or pairing with eggs. So much choice and what terrific names, especially the goat's cheese variety... "Little Wallop"...

There was the baker, the fishmongers, and plethora of local fare stalls specializing in Mediterranean, French, and Indian food. There was even a hog roasted on a spit, for those who might fancy some..

Keeping Lambeth tidy...

On my way to work this morning, a pair of city workers cut the grass along the banks of the Thames. The smell was amazing!!! If only there were a way to capture it...

I wish I'd been quicker with the camera because the gardeners were quite mindful not to blow grass clippings in pedestrian's way, but alas...

The fragrant clippings were destined for packing into into this little lorry....