CRISTINE FARINAS

Bigger life decisions in the last three years compelled me to put travelling into a halt, albeit temporarily until priorities are fulfilled. However, sometime in October, my cousin asked me if I could take them around Paris because they had a friend visiting and they were not confident to go around on their own. I am not normally keen on playing tour guide to people I don't personally know because I might disappoint them with my itinerary, but my cousin was adamant that it would be okay. So, off I went to Paris on a day trip in Autumn- a trip that I never planned nor even thought of. I was actually excited as the last time I went to Paris was in 2018, and this was my first European trip in three years. We left King's Cross St Pancras International on the Eurostar train just after 6am. Upon arrival in Paris Gare du Nord, we headed to the Left Luggage area on the lower ground floor to secure my cousin's belongings as they were staying in Paris for two nights. My original plan

It's been two days since I wrote the title of this blog. Somehow, I lost focus and simply could not find the words to say. Perhaps because the reality that I left a job that I was quite happy with has not sunk in. Perhaps, I am anxious of starting a new job. But wait, I have not been this anxious before. I have changed jobs at least three times in the last two years, and I never felt this anxious. This morning I was very frustrated as I found myself pacing in our home office back and forth feeling so bothered, and I didn't know why. For the first time since I went back to St Thomas's from New Zealand after my career break  in 2017, I was feeling so insecure. I actually told J that I was feeling depressed- kind of an exaggeration, but honestly, I didn't know what I was feeling this morning. Until I was reminded of the "angel number"  1111 and what I think it means for me. I started seeing these numbers over two years ago. This year, I must have seen 1111 more

As much as I am not very keen on the cold weather, I must say that Christmas is my favourite season in London. London is of course beautiful all year round, however the capital really shows off during Christmas time. The lights surrounding the city are captivating and they bring so much joy even to those who don't necessarily believe in Christmas. By now, Oxford Street lights are switched on, and in the coming days, the rest of them will grace the busy streets of the capital. I have been lucky to have enjoyed most of my favourite lights away from the madding crowd during the pandemic, and on my early morning walks to work. And now that we are back to normal and I no longer work and live in Central London, I thought I'd write about my favourite Christmas Lights just in case some of you are planning to visit London during this time. 1. Regent Street - It's no doubt that Regent Street has the the most beautiful Christmas Lights in London. The long street connecting Piccadilly

One of the many things that I missed during lockdown was eating at a restaurant with J and my friends. Throughout the whole pandemic in 2020, J and I often had take-aways from our favourite restaurants to support them in what was probably one of the most difficult times in their business history.  So, when the lockdown was fully lifted in March last year, I couldn't wait to finally eat and catch up with my friends whom I didn't see for over a year. It was also last year that Jollibee opened a branch in Leicester Square. I guess it is important to share this here because having lived conveniently close to the fast food restaurant, I used to go there frequently, perhaps every month for the first four months when it opened. And when I got fed up of paying over £20 for slow and bad service, anaemic and tasteless spaghetti and just okay chickenjoy, I decided to spend my money elsewhere. Hence, a collection of London restaurant experiences that I am happy I am able to share with you

I have been quite lucky to have seen The Queen and the Royal Family three times in the last few years- first during the Queen's Golden Jubillee and subsequently twice in the last five years at Trooping the Colour. And having lived a few minutes walk away from Buckingham Palace for over five years, I had the immense pleasure of running past one of the most famous buildings in the world on most weekends during my morning runs. No matter how many times I have seen the Palace, until now, I still can't help but take a snap of this momentous building whenever I pass by. The Buckingham Palace became my favourite subject when I was trying to experiment on photography, taking photos of the building from different angles. Needless to say that this place has become a very special part of my Central London life.  That's why when I heard of Our Majesty's passing, I knew that I had to pay respect one way or another. Hence, that Saturday following her death, I went to the Palace at su