learning to like london

purpleman and sheesergirl reunite! disgusting as it may sound, six weeks apart was far more difficult than i thought it would be, even with the phone calls and frequent instant messaging. when i finally arrived in south kensington, purpleman was waiting for me with red, teary eyes. but as it turned out, it was just because purpleman had a cold and couldn't stop coughing and sneezing... one of those nasty flus that one can only get in cold and damp london. despite that, he made sure i had a fun week and i eventually began to like the city and forgive its many annoyances --the weather, severe shower problems and delays on the underground for starters

some highlights of my trip:
re-visiting the victoria and albert museum. my favorite section was the indian textiles (nehru gallery), where i spent hours just looking at the intricate embroidery and weaving on display. the v&a was also doing a special exhibit on diane arbus. i went in without any expectations and came out feeling quite disturbed, i can't explain why. i hadn't really been moved by art in a long time, and for a few hours i just walked around hyde park.

for our special dinner, purpleman chose chutney mary. it was indian food presented in a way i'd never experienced. the curries were good but i was impressed most by the appetizer we shared, chickpea dumplings with a savoury pesto-like sauce and a sweet compote, garnished with little bits of pomegranate. i also liked vama, another indian restaurant on king's road. it was chosen by purpleman's brother who works in the neighborhood.

lastly, window-shopping at harvey nicks, liberty's and harrod's. harvey nicks has so much character, even though the clothes selection at isetan is far superior in many ways. and liberty's and harrod's have gorgeous interiors that make me want to just live there. so i feel satisfied just walking around the different floors, even without actually buying anything -- a very good thing given the prices and a depressingly weak yen.