Holidays

The main goal of my trip to DC, Seattle and NY was to visit friends and family. Second came the bakeries in Seattle (seriously justifies trip to west coast) and third came shopping.

To start with the latter: I had a few things I wanted to buy, which I did: a white iPad, Tory Burch flats, a Marc by Marc Jacobs handbag in a light colour, and books from Kramer's. I managed to get all that, plus picked up a nice DKNY workdress and jacket for the price of Warehouse stuff in the UK. All good, and the iPad has already become an addiction. What a fantastic way to read the papers in small spaces (like airplanes) or when abroad.

Seattle's bakeries were ace. And I managed to find the best sticky bun at Amy's Bakery in The Village in New York. That said, it is a good thing we don't have these bakeries in London, it would easily add a few inches to my waistline.

And friends and family? I had the best of times with them. Spent my days in DC with my bro and his colleagues mostly, and saw Ajax visit the White House and beat DC United. In Seattle I got to meet my friends' youngest, a brilliant kid named Ruby. We did so much I happily refer to my friend's blog for the list. She forgot to mention my highlight though, which was dinner at her parents'. Such wonderful people, and her dad made the best chowder EVER. In New York I browsed the streets of Soho and The Village, and visited the Guggenheim. That plus two playgrounds, as these friends also have two wee ones. Soho playgrounds are full of yummy mummies I noticed, some of whom were definitely models in their previous lives.

So there we go. Back in London after the best of times. Awfully jetlagged, and slightly in denial of the fact my days in London are almost over.

And that was it

Tomatoes
Originally uploaded by Gypsy Saskia

The last day of my hols. Boo. But I made the most of it. A lovely brekkie in Ballard was followed by a pedi and after lunch we headed outside Seattle for some wineries. Beautiful buttery chardy, soft cab sauv and other wines. Such a joy. We finished the day with some nice Mexican food and a bottle of the chardy at home on the couch with J&C's friends who'd been babysitting.

It's been an amazing few days here. Seattle is cool, and my friends are even cooler. It was five days of bakeries, catching up, getting to know my 2yo friend Ramona, eating great food and watching tennis. And eating loads of tomatoes from the farmer's markets we went to. I defo need to come back to this place. For the city, for the wines, for my friends, and to meet bub number two who will be born soon.

Sleepy in Seattle

Lights are on
Originally uploaded by Gypsy Saskia

It may only be 9pm here, my body is on east coast time and it's after midnight. So I am in my bed for the next few days in Greenwood, Seattle. So great to see my friends again after 2,5 years and finally meet the wee one who is the coolest todler.

The pic is New York of course, but for the next few days I hope to take loads of Seattle. Can't wait to explore more. West Seattle and the french prize winning bakery where a great start!

Oh, and flying Jet Blue was fantastic. Comfy leather seats, loads of leg room, very tasty blue potatoe crisps and.....live tv!! So I got to watch Safina's near-exit from Flushing Meadow while in the air. How cool.

Washington DC

Ted Kenendy's office in the Senate
Originally uploaded by Gypsy Saskia

A memorable experience in DC: visiting the Senate, and more specifically, Sen. Kennedy's office. Loved the Irish sign under his name. By the time his body arrived on Capitol Hill, I was on a train to NYC. But from what I've seen online, it was very impressive.

And now off to Seattle. Sitting in the Jet Blue terminal, waiting to board. Washington was great, New York was great, and Seattle can only be fantastic too. What a joy to spend time with my brother and my friends like this.

Outtahere

Have never been so happy to leave Old Blighty. Losing the Ashes hurt. Big time. I was in the Oval on Sunday, surrounded by 24,000 chanting Poms (three of whom had a vocabulary limited to c**t and f**k) and would have loved their chants and fanship if I wasn't such an Australia supporter. I can't read any papers or see Freddie bloody Flintoff and way too many colleagues mention it. And to top it all off, Liverpool lost to Villa. Not happy. Not happy at all.

But...in 12 hours I will be in a cab to Heathrow, on my way to DC. Then New York. Then Seattle. So life ain't too bad after all. Holiday!!!!!!!!!!!

Lovely piece of journalism

A black couple travels to DC, 60 years after their honeymoon, when it was still a segregated city.