Natural History Museum – A Fantastic Day Out in London

Posted by Ozlem on Feb 11, 2012 in A Slice of England | 2 comments

My son Mark wanted to have a day out in London for his 8th birthday – which we all embraced happily!- NHM, Natural History Museum is one of his favorite spots in London. NHM is a home to more than 70 million wonderful specimens from the natural world. In their permanent galleries, the museum has a broad range of exhibitions about Earth and Life on Earth. My son especially loves the age of dinosaurs  - check out the terrifying T.rex!- , marvels at the blue whale, the largest animal in the world.

Red zone in the museum hosts our ever changing planet, space and the natural forces that shape it. You can even experience what it feels like to be caught in earthquake and witness the devastating impacts of volcanic eruptions.

 Above all, admission to NHM is free of charge, what a fascinating place to explore for all ages, if you are inLondon. The wonderful museum building is a piece of art itself, and it looks magical with a touch of snow

And right across the NHM is the wonderful Victoria and Albert Museum, one of the world’s greatest museums of arts and design. One of the Exhibitions they are hosting at the moment features the photographs of the Queen Elizabeth II by royal photographer Cecil Beaton. This exhibition celebrates Her Majesty in her roles as princess, monarch and mother and coincides with the 60th anniversary of her accession to the throne. This museum is also free of charge and a fascinating spot to explore.

Hope these get you in the mood for exploring fascinating sites, happy travels!

Blossoms and exotic butterflies at the RHS Wisley Gardens

Posted by Ozlem on Feb 1, 2012 in A Slice of England | 6 comments

We have had a mild winter in England so far (and now we’re feeling the chill in the air!), which resulted in early blossoms in the trees.

We were at the RHS Wisley Gardens at the weekend, and it was incredible to see blossoms and buds on the trees, even daffodils – little too early!

Snowdrops are everywhere and gorgeous to look at. We are expecting some frost and colder weather, so here is the hope for the blossoms to survive.

RHS Wisley Gardens are hosting the exotic butterflies at the Green House until February 26th and that really is worth seeing if you are around.

They are absolutely beautiful, and the tropical plants and the warm air transport you to exotic locations.

Hope you enjoy the butterflies!

Time to be Thankful and Share the Love of Food

Posted by Ozlem on Nov 23, 2011 in A Slice of England, Uncategorized | 2 comments

I prepared a Turkish stall for my son’s school’s Christmas event; there were yummy Turkish Delights all the way from Istanbul (my heartfelt thanks to my sweet sister Oznur and my parents who very kindly provided them); lovely Turkish “blue eyed” key chains and necklaces; wonderful dried peppers, baby okra, aubergines (eggplants);

I made some spinach and cheese fillo pastry and let folks try them. There were copper pots, Turkish coffee pots and lovely little hand painted pottery for spices and dips. It was just wonderful to talk about food, hear everyone’s happy memories visiting Turkey. And it was wonderful to share all good things Turkey, my homeland has offered.

I just wanted to express how grateful and thankful I am for all the support from my family, friends and you all, who kindly share love of cooking.

I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving and Festive Season; it is time to be thankful. And why not revisiting some wonderful appetizers like the cheese & spinach pastry, or red pepper paste & walnut dip or a lovely aubergine (eggplant) recipe from the blog to share with family and friends? I feel they all taste better when shared

My best wishes,
Ozlem

Anissa Helou’s Middle Eastern cookery demostrations at the Leighton House Museum, London

Posted by Ozlem on Nov 7, 2011 in A Slice of England, Uncategorized | 3 comments

Last Thursday, I had the pleasure to attend the wonderful food writer and the cookery author Anissa Helou’s -www.anissas.com- Middle Eastern cookery demostrations at the Leighton House Museum, London. She kindly shared with us her extensive middle eastern ingredients and explained us how they are used in classic dishes. A very informative class, learned a great deal on especially Persian cuisine – it was also wonderful to sample the delicious Turkish dried apricots and sumac berries!- Anissa will continue to be the chef-in-residence at the Leighton House Museum on November 10th and 17th for more demonstrations on Middle Eastern cuisine. Delightful and very informative sessions, if you can make it. For more info, please visit http://www.nourfestival.co.uk/courses1.php

Autumn Heatwave in England!

Posted by Ozlem on Oct 3, 2011 in A Slice of England, Uncategorized | 0 comments

We have been enjoying a glorious Indian summer here in England over the last 10 days or so. In the last few days, the temperature reached its peak to 30 C (86F), breaking the records! So we are back into shorts and sandals, fantastic!It is quite surreal to see the beautiful autumn colors on the trees and kicking the leaves at the unsually warm weather, enjoying while its here!:)

We were in Malmesbury last Saturday, visiting friends. This photo is from the 12th century Abbey in Malmesbury with lovely autumn colors.

And here is the French Market in Malmesbury at the historic Market Cross,

and the Turkish Delight stall,what a pleasant surprise!

The flower baskets looked gorgeous in front of the Old Bell Hotel in Malmesbury, regarded as the first hotel in England.

It has been wonderful to be back to Malmesbury; and even more special to see friends.

Wishing you a good week ahead!
Ozlem

London is Calling – It’s the London Fashion Week!

Posted by Ozlem on Sep 19, 2011 in A Slice of England, Uncategorized | 2 comments

London is buzzing at the moment, it is the London Fashion Week (16-21 September) and the wonderful Somerset House, home of the British Fashion Council has been hosting various shows. My sweet sister-in-law, Judith, very kindly took us to a few shows – thank you Judith! , the whole experience is amazing -Scottish designer Holly Fulton won the hearts! By simply people watching at the Fashion Week, you appreciate how London embraces and celebrates diversity; folks from all sorts of ethnic backgrounds – and outfits!- blending and existing in harmony. A feast to the eye!

Any excuse for going to London is welcome, what a fascinating city. This is one of the best views of London; you simply need to walk over the Waterloo Bridge and look both ways! One side is the City and the glorious St Paul’s Cathedral,

On the other side are the Big Ben, House of Parliament and the London Eye, quite a spectacular viewing – and free!