Afternoon Tea at Andaz Liverpool Street Hotel

Every time my friends ask me for a list of traditional British things to do when they’re visiting London, I always put ‘afternoon tea’ on the long list of suggestions I give them.  More importantly, I always add a note: “there’s nothing more quintessentially British than Afternoon Tea, and you must do it at one of the historic hotels in London.”  More often than not, they’d consider my suggestion and tell me later on that either “they enjoyed it or it’s just not their cup of tea.” 🙂   Continue reading “Afternoon Tea at Andaz Liverpool Street Hotel” →

by Elna Categories: Tea Rooms & Restaurants

Things I have learned about the British Culture: They love to talk about the weather (Part 1)

Let’s face it, those of us who come from far flung countries like the Philippines or Japan, have no full comprehension of the British culture even after living in the country for over a decade. If you’re like me, the first few months of living here must have brought some culture shock to your system. And I’m not even talking about any difficulty you may have encountered in trying to understand the British accent (it can be a challenge), but rather I’m referring to the British way of life; how the Britons conduct themselves and what motivates them to behave in a certain fashion.  I deem the topic of such interest that I decided to do a series of post about all the things that I have so far learned about the British culture in the last sixteen years. I’ve lived in England that long, I’m afraid! 😉 Yet there are far too many things I don’t understand about my adopted country.  But let’s not even go there, I’m here to talk about the things I have come to fully understand and eagerly embrace.  Here’s the very first one . . . Continue reading “Things I have learned about the British Culture: They love to talk about the weather (Part 1)” →

by Elna Categories: Uncategorized

Life Below Stairs, Allison Maloney (A Review)

The award winning ITV television mini-series Downton Abbey, piqued my interest about the  social history of the Edwardian Period.  I have only watched the first series (on youtube) simply because I am not fond of soap operas, and I must say that Downton Abbey is a posh soap opera.  Rather than watch the whole series I decided to read books on social history of the era, which is so much more profitable and enjoyable.

Continue reading “Life Below Stairs, Allison Maloney (A Review)” →

by Elna Categories: Books & Articles

Charmed by The Lakeland: Ancient and Historic Landmarks (2/3)

William Wordsworth once said, “I do not know of any tract of country, in which, in so narrow a compass, may be found an equal variety in the influences of light and shadow upon the sublime and beautiful.”  The English poet was, of course, referring to the Lake District National Park which he immortalised in his poetry.  As mentioned in my previous post I was absolutely captivated by The Lakes.  Unarguably, it is the best known part of Cumbria, but there is more to this county than the Lake District.  Continue reading “Charmed by The Lakeland: Ancient and Historic Landmarks (2/3)” →

by Elna Categories: History & Travel

The World of Downton Abbey by Jessica Fellowes (Book Review)

The author Jessica Fellowes, niece of the creator and writer of Downton Abbey, Julian Fellowes, was not only privy to the inside scoop of the production of the series but she is also an author and journalist and well qualified to write the book. Equally important is the photographer Nick Briggs, who captured awe inspiring images of the production that would transport Downton fans back into memorable scenes. Creator Julian Fellowes rightfully opens the book with a brief introduction, offering us insights. Continue reading “The World of Downton Abbey by Jessica Fellowes (Book Review)” →

by Elna Categories: Books & Articles