Settling In and Saddling Up

Visits from family and friends were getting very few and far between during our last 6 months in Dublin so it is with sincere elation that we recently enjoyed visits from Lou's sister, who is pregnant but was the ultimate power tourist, and our favorite francophile Tanya and her charming beau out from Brussels.

Thus, we finally took time to start enjoying our amazing, sizable city starting with the epicenter for all foodies - The Borough Market.  Open Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays, the market is a mecca for noise, crowds and amazing produce.   We arrived around 1pm and snagged some falafal and brautwursts for lunch.

If you are going to buy groceries versus browsing, I would plan on arriving by 9am, to beat the crowds as you often have to jostle for space.  The English blue cheese, Spanish charcuterie and locally-grown, affordable vegetables are particularly worth the trek.  Coffee beans are also high up on the list of market must-haves, as the line at a shop called Roast was easily an hour long.

After the market we walked over the Millenium Bridge, which provides an amazing view of the London skyline (if there is such a thing) and has been featured in Bridget Jone's Diary and the latest Harry Potter movies.

We also enjoyed a quirky meal of fusion tapas at The Providores down the street from our flat, which we highly recommend.   There is a white tablecloth style restaurant upstairs, but we preferred the busy, local vibe and communal seating on the main floor.  Note that they do not take reservations so you will likely have to wait for a table.

Last but not least, after viewing more than 30 flats, we are happy to announce that we have a new flat to call home.  Starting at the end of the month, we'll be living in Holland Park about four blocks from the Tube station.  The high ceilings and terrace sold us as we hope to buy a bbq and spend many nights sitting outside.