This and That...and everything everywhere

"the world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper"

Hi Friends,

How is everyone doing? It’s been a wild couple of weeks. I know the world news has been grim so I hope you are doing ok and taking good care of yourselves.

I have been moving the last couple of weeks. Winding up my time in Italy, which went by way too quickly (I was there 2 months but it felt like it raced by!), and hopping over to London for a quick visit before taking the train to my next destination: Edinburgh, Scotland. This is my first time in Scotland and I could not be more delighted. More on Edinburgh and its many wonders very soon. 

Here is a mish-mash of this and that from the last two weeks that gives me comfort and joy and I hope one of these brings you some too.

Tarot Pull of the Week: Ace of Roots - Enchantment

This is such a beautiful card both in art and message and energy. A perfect card for upping the ante on creating magic and finding beauty in what you can grow.

This card speaks of moments in which we realize how amazing the world is, how wonderous our lives are, and how so many things work together to produce the miracle we call ordinary life.

Ace of Roots reminds us to pause a moment and become aware of how everything fits together. It also indicates a hopeful, new beginning. And finally, that life on Earth is a miracle.

I am sending you lots of good wishes for enchanting experiences this weekend and the week ahead.

Long walks on the Arno. Long walks anywhere. Everywhere. 

Do you enjoy walking? I really thrive while out walking. I don’t feel right unless I walk at least an hour per day. While I’m traveling I find that walking helps me discover places and people that I never would otherwise. I took my last long walk along the Arno, and up to the Piazza Michelangelo, on a sunny Saturday, the day before I left. It is about 6-8 miles and takes me through the Ponte Vecchio and by my very favorite parks and nature nooks and alleyways. I will miss it. Until next time. Ti amo. 

Kings Cross Dishoom - the magic place

I flew into London Gatwick (first time) and trained to Kings Cross to watch the sun set (around 5ish). I quickly freshened up in my flat and headed out the door with one destination in mind: Dishoom! 

The staff at Dishoom is AMAZING. The food is beyond compare and no matter how long it has been since I have visited, it is always excellent.

I had dinner, breakfast, snacks, tea, and chai and buns. I visited 3 times in 48 hours. Delicious. Wonderful. Magic. Perfection. 

Train Travel - taking the long way around 

My whole reason for flying to London from Florence (other than dining at Dishoom at Kings Cross) was so I could take the train, the slow way, to Edinburgh. I booked a first-class seat on LNER trains and was thoroughly delighted by my experience. The staff was wonderful, my seat was comfy and the views were unforgettable. 5 hours wizzed by as I watched the scenery, the animals, the ocean. The charming and wonderful seaside town above is one example.

Slow travel. It is magic.

Taking the long way around - the Chicks 

I haven’t listened to this album in a long time. It’s really good. Highly recommend.

Scottish Seaside Towns  

Sardine Paté 

While I was in London, I popped over to Suprette in Islington, which is one of my favorite little shops. I had forgotten that they stock my absolutely favorite Sardine Paté. I became obsessed with Sardines and Sardine Paté while staying in Portugal for 5 weeks in 2019. How I lived this long without both, I have no idea. Order some online through tin can fish and see what the fuss is about.

Eddie - my very Scottish Taxi Driver

Upon arriving at the train station, I asked the information booth staff where I could get a taxi or should I use Uber? They recommended taxi and directed me to the taxi stand (very kindly and warmly). There I got in a taxi with Eddie - a lovely Scottish gentleman who gave me the BEST ride ever. He turned up the “Scottish” and called me a “wee lass” several times which I very much enjoyed. He also gave me so many tips about places to see/visit, museums, restaurants and more. He was a DELIGHT. 

Some of my very best experiences, recommendations, and conversations are with taxi drivers. I really recommend chatting them up. 

Edinburgh Castle

This Orange Wine from Sicily 

So SO delicious. Juicy but dry. A Perfect Wine! No Notes!! 

Have a magical weekend friends.

Thanks so much for reading.

Let me know if you have any questions, comments, or advice.

Love to hear from you!