10 Greek Street

I’ve had to have dinner in Soho a few times and every time I drag people to number 10 Greek Street, hoping that they’ll have a table free. I’ve only eaten there 3 times, but every time I’ve left wishing I could eat there again. The food is very European, but in the right way. They source their ingredients well and even a plate of their carrots would be amazing (if they served that). 

They have a very Mediterranean feel about their food and they combine flavours very well. Its not cheap, but generally you spend 30 pounds per person with a glass of wine. The ambiance is lively around meal times, but the last time we got there at 14:45 and the place was starting to get a little quieter. If you want to enjoy food but can’t handle a loud room go during the afternoon, they serve smaller dishes at this time but everything is still amazing. 

The room is decorated very simply, the sides are lined with black tables, but the front and back walls have small with tiles on them. When you walk in you can already smell the amazing food, and after you order the wait is never long. They’re very nice about splitting the bill and they’re not the kind of place that tries to rush you out if you’ve finished your food.

The menu is written on blackboards around the restaurant, and the drinks menu is a little scroll placed in-between the table’s cutlery. Next to the cutlery there is also a dish of salt and a bottle of olive oil, showing their Mediterranean feel. 

Here’s their website: http://www.10greekstreet.com/

Richmond

One rainy day in London we went to Richmond park to have a picnic under a big tree, and see the deer. We chose to take the bus to the park (371) and get off at the American University stop, near the Richmond Entrance of the park. We discussed what the defines a park, I think I came to the conclusion that a park is any area of nature/green land which is somewhat monitored and controlled by humans. As we were walking through the park towards the lake we noticed that a section of the woods had wire around it so the animals of the park wouldn't damage the plant growth. 

After enjoying our picnic under a large group of trees we walked through the path in the middle of the lake and looked at a few ducks. At this point Daniella intelligently jumped from one side to the other landing in the water making her foot soaked. So we relaxed on a bench while she tried to get dry. We then walked through  an area of the park where the deer were grazing. They were just all relaxing together, eating, pooing, you know the usual things deer do. But we were able to get pretty close to them without them getting frightened which was pretty cool. After we took about a billion photos of them we walked further on near where the young "Bambi's" were. They were a lot more scared of us than the other older deer.

We then went to relax and read our books in a shaded covered forest area, where we were lucky enough to see some bunnies pass by. I think that was the highlight of my day. The cold weather made it difficult to enjoy the nature around us, but it was fun to be out of the city in a group and see what a less populated area is like. I recommend going to Richmond, but not on a rainy day. 

Here's their website: http://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/richmond-park

Last Day in Marrakesh

We were able to do a lot on our last day in Marrakesh. We had planned on seeing the important cites at the south side of the Medina on different days, but we then played with our schedule a bit and decided to see them all at once, after all they're all only a few streets away from one another. 

We started the morning at the Saadian Tombs, where you pay 10 MAD for entrance. The building is at the back of an important Mosque and the tombs are spread out in little different rooms with a green courtyard between the different rooms. Each tomb has at least one door way, where people could go to pray and visit their loved ones. The tombs are decorated with colourful tiles, engravings in wood and brick and many other little decorations. 

It was interesting to see so many tourists looking at the architecture, because that's what we see when visiting very different places such as Morocco. However to the locals it probably means a lot more. I would have liked there to be a more descriptive panel posted near the tombs explaining the background of the tombs so we could all gain a little more insight for why this particular tomb is such an important landmark. 

We then visited the Bahia Palace, which was wonderful. There were indoor and outdoor gardens, and so many small decorative details that we no longer see in Europe. The tiny tiles blended in well with the painted ceilings and stone engravings giving each room character even if it was empty. Moroccans tend to show their wealth by having fountains, because if you can waste water it shows that you have enough money to do so. I think that's an interesting mentality behind a decorative feature. 

The Bahia Palace only had windows when looking into the courtyard but never towards the exterior. This was strange to me because it gave me the impression of being closed off. Their windows however have beautiful curved metal wiring. This is where decoration works well with practicality. 

Lastly we visited the Dar Si Said Museum which was off the main roads. The rooms were dark but there were interesting historical objects showing the Moroccan and the Berber cultures very well. Intricate wooden doors and windows were displayed as well as a group of old fire arms and beautiful praying rugs. The museum had several small staircases which we used to see the different rooms, and we were able to visit most of the building which was an old rich man's house. 

Each different landmark we visited we tried to soak in and understand the most possible about the country and the culture. I truly enjoyed learning so much on my own where each discovery was new to me because I organized the trip myself without much previous knowledge about Moroccan culture. 

Souks Marrakesh

Shopping in Morocco is very different from walking down Oxford Street. There are not many "real stores" in Marrakesh unless you go to some of the malls in the new part of the city. The main stores in the Medina are the Souks. Souks are small individual stands which sell regional items and are generally owned by two people. One of these people stands or sits inside the shop and the other one stands outside and tries to lure you in. If you even look at one person's items they will notice that you looked and therefore convince you to look into the store for a better view. 

There are different zones for the different key items being sold. There are specific roads and areas for leather, slippers, jewelry, clothes, lanterns, and clay goods. However they do sort of all blend into one. You will find at least one jewelry store mixed in with all the leather ones. 

Its nice because you can browse at which ever speed you like, and unlike in Europe you can haggle prices to very low and they will still give you the product. You just have to know how to bargain. After the first few days I started getting the hang of it, and I rarely changed the original number I gave them but Daniella was very good at it from the start. You have to be firm and not let them scare you. Try your best not to show them you want their product. 

I loved looking through the crowded jewelry displays and all the other interesting things they had for sale. But thankfully we didn't happen to walk past the animal section of the Souks on any of our visits. 

One thing that people will often tell you is that you will get lost in the Souks, its true. But its ok, after you buy something just ask the seller where you are on your map and how to get to the road you want. Do not ask people on the street because they'll ask for money, or will only tell you where the square (Jemaa el Fna) is. Be alert, but try to enjoy the different experience. We had a lot of fun! 

Jardin Majorelle Marrakesh

The Jardin Marjorelle are in the new part of the city of Marrakesh. They are the botanical gardens of the city as well as gardens where Yves Saint Laurent worked and produced some of his most incredible controversial ideas. 

The designer who made the first female pant-suit and created the modern pret-a-porter concept was also interested in nurturing countries such as Morocco. Him and his partner Pierre Berge restored the botanical gardens to something much more beautiful than it previously was. There is in fact a memorial for Yves Saint Laurent within the gardens. 

This garden however isn't only a garden, it also includes a Berber museum, showing the population of the Atlas mountains and some of their traditions. The museum is organized in a very modern way compared to the other cites of the city. There are sheets of information in French, Arabic and English for each visitor to read while looking at the different displays. There also is a whole room dedicated to Berber jewelry which Daniella really loved. 

There is a room near the museum showing collages created by YSL showing the yearly cards he sent to his clients and friends for each new year. He sends his love, with the collage by writing the word "love" on each card every year. 

Next to this room there is the garden's restaurant which happens to serve a very interesting cold tomato soup which I found very refreshing and tasty. The spices in the soup give it a kick but its so cool that it slides perfectly down your throat in the blazing heat. This cafe also has some very interesting drinks which cannot be found else where so I advise you to stop there if you're looking for a refreshment. 

Sadly the Jardin Majorelle was really crowded throughout the whole time we were there and it was difficult to take good photos without several people in the background. But if you're looking for something a little different to do and see I really recommend it because nothing else throughout our whole trip was like this garden. 

Here's their website: www.jardinmajorelle.com

Camel Rides Marrakesh

During our trip to Marrakesh we had to go camel riding, because my parents would never let me when I was a kid. So we got the hotel to book us a camel ride in the Palmarie north east of Marrakesh. We got picked up near our hotel at 9am and joined a group of people who were also going camel riding. 

Upon arrival we paid our 300 MAD (Moroccan money) and lined up with the others to get our heads wrapped in traditional Saharan headscarves. We were then chosen one at a time to mount our camels. I was at the end of one of the lines of camels. 

Its a very strange feeling when the camel sits down or stands up, because their legs bend inwards, which is different from most mammals. We were then all lead on to the road, our line of camels leading the way. We got to stop for photos and to drink mint tea (a Moroccan specialty). 

We were able to gallop with the camels after learning key words to make them speed up such as "yalla yalla" and "zit zit". It was a fun experience and we got to see a much more deserted area of the country while doing something we had never done before. 

But I left with one major question in mind, why are there one hump and two hump camels? I later discovered that the one hump camel is also called the "Arabian Camel" but really it is dromedary. Two hump camels are the traditional type of camel and a dromedary only has one hump instead. We rode dromedaries because the saddle we were seated on was created around the single hump of the animal. I found that pretty interesting. 

Riad Clementine Marrakesh

Riad Clementine was a beautiful oasis. Coming from outside, I was surprised to see a white door in the red/brown madness of Marrakesh. We knocked, and walked in. The big wooden door opened and one of the workers greeted us and took our luggage. We then walked through into the courtyard of the hotel. Where there was a beautiful fountain and a couple of cute tiled tables. We sat down at a sofa, and were asked to fill out a few forms discussing our stay. When we finished the owner of the hotel spoke to us, about how to get to the hotel and which routes were best for getting to the souks and the square. She gave us a detailed map that I looked at often over our holiday. We were then shown to our room, on the top floor of the hotel. 

The room was incredible, a cute little coffee table was the first thing we saw and we were happy to notice several other cute small details throughout the room. However the best surprise was the bath tub. It was a huge clay, tile rimmed, bath tub. Big enough to fit two people and deep enough for you to shower in it without a shower curtain and not make a mess. Little silver cups held q-tips, cotton buds, shampoo and shower gel. Everything seemed so well placed. There was even a safe inside the closet. Everything had personality but it didn't overwhelm the other details of the room.

The hotel pool was a great size, big enough to have a few people lazing around by it but not too big, showing you it was a place to relax and escape the crowds of people rather than a place to exercise. Every lawn chair had two yellow towels and a hat on it, so you didn't need to bring your own and you didn't have to be worried about getting your head sunburnt. 

The people at the hotel were all very friendly, booking a camel ride and taxi for us, as well as serving us incredible breakfast everyday and a wonderful dinner the last day. The breakfast was probably my favourite part of my stay there. The staff came out with a tray with freshly squeezed orange juice, little yogurt pots and fruit salad. They then laid out tiny pots of jam for the bread and Moroccan pancakes they later brought us. They also served us coffee (or tea) and a tray of cheese, ham, cakes, and dates. 

I really really enjoyed my stay there and would really recommend staying there because the Riad is located within the Medina but its not a noisy area. Also I felt very safe there compared to on the streets of Marrakesh. It was a great place to come back to from the "hustle and bustle" of the city and I would love to stay there again. On a side note, if you don't like waking up to birds chirping its not a place for you. 

Here's their website: http://www.riad-clementine.com/

Kaffe Fassett

At the Fashion and Textiles Museum in London there is currently a Kaffe Fassett exhibit. He started out as a painter, then fell in love with knitting and needlepoint work. His work has been featured in Vogue and other fashion magazines. He is best known for his use of colour and at the show there is a video where he explains that "a gold next to a green is very different from a gold next to a pink".

His artistic journey is displayed very well in the few rooms of the museum, setting up his background and slowly showing his growth as an artist. I like to call him a composer, because he aligns the colours and patterns so well and particularly focuses on the composition of the whole piece. The rooms are also very colourful but they don't distract from his work.

There is one wall called "Kaffe's feeling wall" and you are allowed to touch the different fabrics he uses, as well as some small bits of fabric he knitted. It was a really cool experience, and it gives you a very different perspective on the world we live in. We are made aware of so many more colours and patterns.

The exhibit costs 5.50 pounds for students, and 8 for everyone else, and it closes on the 29th of June. The gallery also do knitting and textile workshops within the art gallery. This show is really worth seeing.

Here's the museum's site: http://ftmlondon.org/ftm-exhibitions/kaffe-fassett/

and here's Kaffe's own site: http://www.kaffefassett.com/Home.html