Visiting the city of smoke

London is sometimes referred to as "The Smoke". It received this nickname as a result of pollution from coal fires in homes and factories. The smoke from the fires would mix with the fog that is common in London, and would cover the city. Air pollution laws finally corrected this problem, but the nickname remained.

It is a hop and a skip away from Paris and takes little over two hours to reach by train. I think I could get used to a little escapade to London from time to time. The weather might be the same in both cities but the vibes are decidedly different!

Gare du Nord on a Wednesday afternoon 

Arrived just in time for the legendary afternoon tea at The Claridge's

English roses

When the breakfast in your hotel does not inspire you and 

you pop around the corner to enjoy the best French toast ever!

Frida Kahlo's personal belongings shown outside of Mexico for the first time 

at the The Victoria and Albert Museum

A view from the Ceramic floor onto the V&A entrance

Shopping in Oxford Street

John Lewis department store is already selling Christmas decoration at mid-September 

Liberty, a store opened in 1875 selling ornaments, fabric and objets d'art from Japan and the East.

Today's department store continues its tradition for fashionable and eclectic design in furniture, fabric, clothes and jewellery.

Happy Hour at The Claridge's with its art deco-influenced interior... as one does!