It's not easy living in London. I know you may think that living in one of the world's most fascinating cities with history oozing from every pavement, is a piece of cake, but it's not.
Well, let me take that back--maybe you could call it a piece of cake. Stick with me here. In a tight circle surrounding the South Kensington tube station that I use, you find no less than nine shops selling sweets. Starting with the Hummingbird Bakery...
and its infamous cupcakes
known worldwide,
the spiral of shops beckons you at every turn.
Ben's Cookies
in competition with Miss Ellie's cookies.
SNOG with its frozen yogurt and selection of toppings is a big favorite! You'll enjoy their cute website here where, Oh my goodness, they've just announced a new shop opening next month just steps from my house on King's Road.
Le Pain Quotidien, which originated in Belgium, is known for its communal tables and open face sandwiches,
but many jump straight to the pastries displayed in the window.
Another cute Crêperie, that I've been meaning to try.
Paul's, a French patisserie and boulangerie, and you know what that means! Translate pastries and bread!
And the new guy in town--the Wafflemeister with their handmade Belgian waffles. Having spent a couple of years in Belgium, I have a nostalgic yearning for Belgian waffles.
They are offered with toppings, fruit, chocolate and ice cream, but
my favorite way is straight off the waffle iron, pure and simple. Of course, Belgian waffles have a sugar glaze, so even simple, they are sweet and tasty.
With all the options calling out for me every time I go through the tube station, I must remain strong. Stay focused. And to balance out a treat or two from time to time, I walk--I mean I walk a lot. Several miles a day just going to and fro. It's the trade-off, you realize, for indulging. And if you eat and walk at the same time--all the calories are cancelled.
Please don't try to educate me and tell me otherwise.