Serenity now

London is full of parks where you can fully immerse yourself, relax, slow down and escape from the hustle and bustle, even if only for a couple of hours. I have visited most of them already - Hyde Park which is conveniently across the road from Harrods and my fave macaroon store Ladurée. I did a few workout sessions at Holland and Primrose Park with Khoa, Dot and Khuong during the warmer months. Lazed around on long summer evenings at Regents Park which also hosts major events like Taste of London and Frieze Art Fair. Have passed by Shoreditch Park many a time on the 141 bus, and let's not forget Alexandra Park with its 'palace' (totally overrated, it looks like some rundown concert arena and it's not old enough to look regal) at the top of the hill. My favourite has to be Hampstead Heath though. I have been twice, once when it was bloody cold and a group of us were having a picnic on the top of a hill. Second time in Summer when London was going through a heat-wave (I use this term loosely as that is anything over 24 degrees which we consider mild back in Oz) and people were sunbaking in their bikinis on the grass. I guess Londoners have to make do without a beach nearby! Hampstead Heath is smack bang in the middle of lovely Hampstead, like a quaint English village with cobblestone alleyways, big yet boutique celebrity homes and a really famous creperie stall with a constant queue snaking behind it. Oh, and did I mention the Heath has a fabulous view of the city?

So, keeping on the topic of parks, I've decided to visit Holland Park again, but not for an outdoor workout. I have been told there is a lovely Japanese garden hidden there somewhere and I intend to find it! Perhaps bring my Elle magazine and have a bit of a flick through provided I can find a bench nearby and it's not raining. Here's hoping! Since I'll be on the west side of town, which is a rarity nowadays (Soho/West End is as 'West' as I go...I much prefer the East Side), I've decided to pay a visit to Westfield. We're not talking about the shitty Donnie version in Melbourne (I heard it's been renovated. About time too!), but the recently opened super-dooper mall filled with high street goodie and luxe labels. Time to whip out the credit card and give it a workout.

From this I conclude that I've reached a balance: serenity and shopping. It will be a perfect day!

Westfield London

Japanese Garden in Holland Park

M xo