Like decades of civilized Londoners, as the mercury rises to an uncomfortable heat, we join our Victorian role models in looking for an escape from the city, retreating to the seaside. Even though it seems donkey rides on the foreshore and “bathing machines” have fallen out of favour, we grabbed our sunnies, sandals, and puppy … More An afternoon by the seaside: Whitstable, UK
One of Carrot’s favourite things to do is to go for car rides and bark at people out the window. As a special treat, we rented a car for the weekend to allow her to pursue her passion.And also for us to explore another part of England. Our first stop was Winchester, lured by the … More Dress-up at the round table: Winchester, UK
1.5 hours from London is a mystic circle of stones that have baffled and mystified people for centuries. We had visited Stonehenge 2005 as part of our Herstomceux Castle adventures but figured we were due for another visit to “re-charge” at these ancient stones. In the past 5 years, the stones have been fenced off … More Absorb the magic in the inner circle of Stonehenge
In the latest in the series of extraordinary adventures of the #DykxhoornDarlings, we walked through the wardrobe into Narnia. Alternately known as Lister Park in Bradford. But before this magical frosty morning, I got to see teacher-extraordinaire Miss Dykxhoorn in her school. This was the first time I have been in a secondary school in … More Dykxhoorn Darlings in Bradford
Getting out of London on the weekend is some kind of magic for my soul. Even though I live in a wonderful neighbourhood and have lots of green space available to me, the constancy, the frenetic energy, the density of people still wear on me and I crave some silence and stillness that abound in … More Scenic views of the English countryside: Ivinghoe Beacon
I am so lucky to live with two wonderful ladies. Together we make the unstoppable and delightful “Highgate Honeys.” Even after having [more than] a few beers at the pub last night, Nastassja and Emma were keen to get out and enjoy the rare sunny Sunday. Our destination for the day was the Hampton Court Palace, … More Hanging with royal ghosts @ Hampton Court Palace
It’s time for another adventure! I have been looking forward to a few of the Dykxhoorns travelling around France and decided the best way to pop up in Paris was on two wheels. Unfortunately, it meant that I saddled the blue babe down with a really heavy load. In addition to my usual cycling and … More London to Newhaven on my blue bicycle
Sunday morning dawned bright and beautiful, with only a hint of ominous clouds in the distance. Caley is part of the Cowley Road Condors Cycling Club, and she told me they had a “superfun 75ish k ride through the Cotswolds.” “It says it is not going to be hilly” she reassured me. Lies, all lies. … More 80 miles in the Cotswolds: Slow, sweaty, smiling (while sometimes silently swearing)
After my longer-than-expected ride yesterday, I skipped out on Caley’s cycling group Saturday ride, choosing to laze in bed. When she returned, we rode to the city centre to explore the quaint streets. Oxford, as you might expect, is beautiful. You can almost taste the prestigious history of this “city of dreaming spires.” Wandering around … More An afternoon in Oxford
Yesterday was a weird day to be in the UK. As I had spent the previous evening glued to BBC coverage, refreshing news sites, and scrolling through Twitter as the EU Referendum results started rolling in, I was sleep deprived and shocked to wake up to the “out” decision. The dozens of conversations I had … More Riding away: London to Oxford
Lovely Outliers 