Slingbox--I love you!

When my son and daughter-in-law moved into our London home with us this summer, they brought along with them some pretty amazing technology. I am now a new and devoted fan of Slingbox.  Slingbox is a TV streaming device that enables us to watch our American shows, both live and recorded, here on our computer in London. That means while I'm working on my personal laptop, I can be keeping up with the Today show, The View, Ellen, Oprah, and all our recorded shows on the desktop computer.  Since we are 6 hours later here than in Houston, we won't be watching the evening shows live, but with the click of a mouse we can record them here in London to be watched later at our convenience.

Here's a picture of our computer screen. On the left, you can see an exact replica of our remote control and on the right is the live TV. Clicking on the remote with the mouse enables to scroll and select whatever we want to view--live or recorded. Once we've selected, then we can view it full screen. It just blows my mind to think that my TV in Houston is being controlled with a remote so far away.

The only glitch is when Cristen and Jason want to watch a show in London when we are in the States  watching a show in Houston. In a blink, we're bumped off of our shows while they select their choices. I can tell you one little 2 year old who is not happy when Dora the Explorer is interrupted by her aunt and uncle in London!  It remains to be seen how we shall settle those little tug of wars across the Atlantic, but in the meantime, I can keep up with all the new premieres starting this month. 

I hear that there is a Slingbox app that will allow me the same luxury on my iPhone, so that's my next quest to explore. Isn't technology grand??

Tex-Mex in London

Two years we lived here in London, searching for some good Tex-Mex of the quality we enjoyed in Houston. We took excursions and short day trips to several places suggested by the locals, including the Texas Embassy, but always ended up shaking our heads in disappointment. Was it too much to ask for some good fajitas and burritos in a city this size?

And then this year, our prayers were answered in a big way with the opening of two places we love. For our burrito fix we now go to Chipotle's on Charing Cross Road. Adored by Americans, this chain of almost 1000 stores, has now launched its first European store here in London, with hopes of others to follow. 

You, too, can stand in line to order, where the ingredients are laid out in front of you so that you can order a burrito, bowl, salad, or taco to be prepared just like you want it.

Did you know that there are 60,000 possible ways to enjoy your meal? Will it be pinto or black beans,  their yummy cilantro-lime rice, carnitas, steak or chicken? Along with all the sides--guacamole, sour cream, cheese and sauces? 

We opted for a burrito (extra cilantro-lime rice please) and a burrito bowl. 

I've had the pleasure of meeting "Mrs. Chipotle" who is now a friend of mine, and whose husband is responsible for opening the European stores, and she tells me that other stores in Europe are now in the planning stage, so stay tuned.

For months we had heard rumors of Cantina Laredo making its entrance into the UK food scene, so I corresponded with the "movers and shakers" who made it happen, and lo and behold, it finally opened this spring.

Located near Covent Garden, and more importantly, right down the street from my husband's office, we have eaten there several times. Actually, truth be told, my husband has eaten there more times than he can count, even eating there as many as 3 times in one week. He thinks it's his role as an ambassador of Texas to introduce his colleagues and out of town guests to what good Mexican food should taste like.

We've enjoyed fajitas, of course

chicken enchiladas,

soft tacos,

and enchiladas. My fellow Texas friends, what do you think--looks pretty authentic, don't you think?

And one of the best perks, is that you can get a "doggie bag" for any food you can not finish, as well as free refills on soft drinks--very unique for a European restaurant. I count them as winners in my book, for sure, and look forward to our next visit.

Many thanks to Mya who gifted me with this award last week. In the midst of no internet service and being on holiday, I was not able to acknowledge her kindness. Jump on over to her blog and find out for yourself just what a great gal she is!

Albert Memorial

I spent an afternoon at the Albert Memorial a few weeks back. Commissioned by Queen Victoria to honor her husband, Price Albert, who died of typhoid at the young age of 42, the memorial was opened in 1872, 11 years after this death. It was designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott in the Gothic Revival style and is truly a work of art.

I'm including this shot of me beside it, so you can get an idea of its size. It stands 176 feet tall and took 10 years to build.

The statue of Albert himself was seated 3 years after the opening, and it was covered with gold leaf in the late 1990's when it underwent some restoration work.  Prince Albert faces 

the Royal Albert Hall, an arts venue that also honors him.

The canopy features mosaics from Murano, Venice,

while the spire is crowned with eight statues of the moral and Christian virtues, and above that, you see gilded angels with their arms extended towards heaven.

On the four corners are two sets of allegorical sculpture. One is a group representing the Victorian industrial arts and sciences, and the other group is of the four continents. Shown here is Europe

and the Americas. My two homes for this time of my life.

One of the most spectacular features of the Albert Memorial is the Frieze of Parnassus. Around the base of the memorial are 169 life size statues representing the arts.

Represented are sculpters

poets and musicians,

architects,

and painters.

Reading about the great love story between Victoria and Albert will whet your appetite to learn even more. Their love story is timeless, and this memorial is a testament of Victoria's adoration of her husband, and the accomplishments of Prince Albert in his lifetime.

I love Apple!

You know there are some icons that just transcend translation. In any language, I know what's Apple! I've been won over to the happy side--with a Mac book and my new iPhone 4, and now our joint iPad. Don't tell my husband I said that--it was really his birthday present, but only because I insisted he needed it (i.e. I needed an excuse to get my hands on one.)

Apple stores in the States are pretty incredible, but the Apple store here on Regent Street in London is awesome!

At 28,000 square feet it was the first European store Apple opened, back in 2004.

The company's senior VP of retail has proclaimed it to be the busiest Apple store in the world. It takes in more cash per square foot than Harrod's, making it the most profitable store in London for its size.

I love the 64 seat theatre which hosts drop-in free workshops all day long for beginnners to pros.

I love how friendly and helpful the staff is, even when they are packed wall to wall.

The store went crazy with the sale of iPhone 4! I love that you can buy an unlocked iPhone4 in the UK, choose from many options for a carrier, or even do a pay as you go. All that adds up to much cheaper rates than in the US. AT&T, are you listening?

I love that little fairies realize how magical the Happy place is, and choose to shop there.

And most of all I love that an even bigger store, the 300th Apple store, and the largest in the world, has just opened in Covent Garden since I was last in town, and I can't wait to check it out and report back to you.

Worshipful Company of Carmen

Believe me, London has its fair share of ceremonies and traditions, but one of the most obscure ones I've seen took place in July in the Guildhall Yard located in the section of London called The City. Hosted each year by the Worshipful Company of Carmen, one of the Livery Companies of the City of London, this ceremony has been taking place for the last 500 years.They originally controlled the supply of carts and wagons allowed in the city, so each year they would brand the carts with a mark for that year to certify that is was valid for use.

The tradition continues today, although the vehicles are a bit different than 500 years ago. Dignitaries, Chelsea pensioners, and special invited guests were invited to this year's ceremony to view the physical branding of vehicles both new and old as they passed in front of the viewing stand of the Lord Mayor.

This year, the vehicles were branded with the letter S, in the spirit of the old tradition.

Many passed by in review to be branded including this 1910 dust cart,

and this early "moving van."

Several buses made their way through including this 1952 Leyland Royal Tiger Coach

and this 1950 Bedford Sea Front Bus.

A 1959 wood paneled truck for carrying livestock

and a 1921 Burrell Road Locomotive, which made quite an entrance.

Full of gents and ladies in formal dress, this 1926 Char-a-banc, which was popular for sightseeing trips to the seaside or country ran just fine until it approached the entrance to the Guildhall Yard. At that point, it just "played out," and much to the dismay of all its posh passengers, it had to be emptied and pushed up for branding.

Amidst all the innovative new vehicles and the vintage cars and trucks, slipped in this 1939 Rolls Royce which has been used in service to the queen as her luggage car.

I leave you with a photo of the Guildhall, taken on a calmer day, because I think it is one of the prettiest buildings in London. As the Cart Marking Ceremony came to a close, the Lord Mayor and distinguished guests slipped inside for a champagne reception and lunch, making for a proper finish to one of the quirkier ceremonies still taking place in London today.

London: A to Z

Do you like quizzes? You might enjoy this tribute to London done by artist, Laura Seaby, using some of the well known sights of London. The print can be ordered through Keep Calm Gallery, along with many other prints which might catch your fancy.

The key is in the lower right hand corner, and I might have to buy it to identify all the icons--I'm stumped on a few! How about you?

Carmel

Earlier in the week I posted about a wedding of friends that we attended in Pebble Beach. Black tie dress on the lawn of the 18th hole--perfect setting for a couple who love golf.

One of the bonuses of going to Pebble Beach was a chance to stay with friends from London who now live part time in Carmel-by-the-Sea. I fell in love with their home seen here.

A

Walking the streets of Carmel-by-the-Sea, you find "cottages" of all styles,

B

including several that look like they could be straight out of the Cotswolds in the English countryside.

C

Fascinating to me was the regulation that the trees can not be cut down when there is any home construction. Isn't this tree amazing?

D

This house is called The Bark Tree by the locals.

E

This was one of the favorites from the outside, beautifully landscaped and actually for sale now, and we lucked into a Sunday afternoon open house.

F

For $2,395,000 million dollars, it can be yours. Three bedroom, 2 bath, 1600 square feet. Take a peek here.

The gardens of many of the homes were spectacular.

G

Love this one,

H

especially the front gate.

Trimmed in blue, this house stood out.

I

And this is the house that faces our friends' house. If you could pick one for yourself, which one would it be? I've labeled them with letters.

J

Clint Eastwood, former mayor of Carmel, has opened this restaurant and inn, Mission Ranch,

with a beautiful vista out the back patio. Formerly an 1800's ranch and dairy, it was rescued from being developed into condos by the former mayor.

Shops in the area ooze with charm,

and tempt visitors and locals alike.

And did I mention, they LOVE their dogs there?  The famous Cypress Inn, partly owned by Doris Day, is probably the most pet friendly hotel in town, as well as the beaches where dogs run free, and many restaurants which are happy to have your furry friends as guests along with you.

We fell in love with the casual, welcoming spirit of this city of artisans and Pacific breezes. Did you spot a place where you might want to live?