We all want our world to be a better place, don't we? We want life to be better, easier, more human for everyone, don't we? Of course we do, passionately - the trouble is, we don't want to have to do anything about it ourselves, but expect 'someone else' to do it, to get involved, to bring about change.
The Japanese, practical people, say that in order to change by 100% you can change 100 things by 1% each, surely no great achievement; this put life into perspective properly and takes away our excuses, but still we procrastinate. And the Japanese have had to endure change, embrace it, move their country forward after WW2, effectively and with dignity.
But what do most people do, western or otherwise? We read about things, talk about them, debate the alternatives, choose to ignore them or form societies and charities to deal with them; a small minority of us even get involved in making our world better in some way. The rest of us, well:
We are horrified that the seas are inundated with plastic, but still cannot be bothered to re-use our bags at the supermarket and so cut down on the packaging that we utilise.
We are upset that our children are more vulnerable to diseases because of the prevalence of antibiotics in our lives but still take them at the first sign of a sniffle, and despite the fact that doctors explicitly warn us against it. And we do not boycott meat suffused with antibiotics because it's cheaper.
We cannot be bothered to walk or use public transport despite overwhelming pollution strangling our cities and poisoning our children.
We leave our cars idling needlessly so that we don't have to switch off and forego cool air from the air-conditioning for a few seconds, or because we just can't be bothered to switch them off. If we can't see pollution it's not there, surely.
We eat crap food produced cheaply despite lots of evidence showing how food production is poisoning our planet, destroying nature and, ultimately, our (and our children's) health. Cheap is cheap, after all, and why should we worry.
We continue to put our needs first and ignore our fellow human beings despite abundant evidence that civilised societies can only operate within systems and parameters based on mutual respect.
We then have the cheek to wake up in the morning and wonder why our world is a mess, and who is going to do something about it...
Oh, please! We can change the world, we can make it better, but it involves trying, putting ourselves out; it simply will not happen by itself, or only through the efforts of others. Get real, get busy, get changing, get on improving. A little at a time is fine.
Sunday, 17 September 2017
Monday, 11 September 2017
Pet hates, part one
It had to happen sooner or later... There are certain things in life that get me really wound up, that I actually dislike intensely; I feel that now is the time to make you aware of them, before our relationship gets too cosy. But this is not a finite list so I'm preparing a first installment for now and see how we go from there. And, incidentally, you may contribute to this with your pet hates should you so wish and I can do a post featuring them semi-anonymously at a future point. Life is a participation sport, after all.
In no particular order my pet hates (the first few anyway, more where these came from...) are:
Rude and/or inconsiderate people
The easiest thing in the world is for us to take into account others and behave accordingly. Mankind has developed all sorts of systems to enable us all to co-exist in cramped and crowded cities and all we have to do is respect them, and our co-residents.
But we don't, or some of us don't, harming everyone in the process. I'm not concerned about spurious etiquette here or funny little middle class rules of life, but actual day to day behaviour. The people who are not prepared to respect others or refuse to understand that their freedom ends where the next person's begins behave appallingly in my book and should be shamed and shunned.
Stupidity
One of the most frustrating things is coming up against or consorting with stupid people, who are either intellectually lazy or deficient - when God (whichever one you believe in) was raining brainpower they were clutching an umbrella. I know people who seriously tell me - some even brag about it - that they believe the very same things they did in their twenties, now being in their sixties... And their favourite phrase: 'I don't care what you say to me, I will not change my mind'...ugh!
Bad drivers/riders/cyclists
Everyday life is short and full of danger, so it is incumbent upon us to try and minimise the risks when we take part in activities that could cause harm to others. Driving carelessly is terrible, riding a motorbike without paying attention is dangerous to self and others, riding a bicycle without respecting the law and being thoughtful is disgraceful and dangerous in the extreme. For some reason there appear to be quite a few cyclists who seem to think that they are above any law that does not suit them, ignoring traffic signals and riding on the pavement... NO!
All drivers/riders/cyclists should respect the safety of others around them, without exception, and observe the rules of the road, and the law.
-isms
Should you voice an opinion about something without following current trends, political correctness or just if you happen to have a different viewpoint you will immediately be labelled with the personal form of -ism (-ist), the most common and widely used of which is sexist, closely followed by racist and fascist; you are then attacked, usually only verbally, on the basis of that label. I detest this process, which seeks to circumvent reasoned dialogue and replace it with hurled 'beliefs' and accusations. In this way we replace the need to think with barracking and colour discussions with negativity, most often where there should be none.
And please, before you start labelling me, I also detest any attempt to classify/judge/value people based on race, gender, colour, religion or ethnicity.
Smoking
Since I was a little boy (don't think about it, lost in the mists of time...) I have hated the smell of cigarette smoke of any kind, how it lingers in the air making it harder to breathe, how it permeates clothing, furnishing fabrics, even human hair. And the smell of dead cigarettes...ugh! If you add to that the effect on a smoker's health it is incredible to me that we still find it socially acceptable, albeit on a diminishing scale. As for the addictive nature of smoking, need I say more?
When I make this point I am often asked about cigars or pipes, and the fact that their smoke is far more aromatic and interesting to the senses. While I do not disagree with the basic premise I still find their smoke offensive, overpowering and worse for permeating everything than cigarettes.
Addiction of any kind
Many years ago I consciously decided that I would never allow myself to be addicted to anything. I view enjoyment, even to excess sometimes, as acceptable; dependency on the other hand I abhor and cannot accept for myself in any way, shape or form. There are many things in life that I enjoy greatly - well, wine for a start - but I can live without them if I have to, so deplore the inability of some people to rid themselves of one addiction or other, be it smoking, soft drinks, alcohol, illegal drugs or anything else.
There is a theory that there is an 'addictive gene', so that we are born to do certain things and have little control over our behaviour if we are born with it. While that may be so, I feel that a lot of addictive behaviour comes down to habit, routine, pursuit of pleasure; we are then seized by certain active ingredients in things that take control out of our hands.
Please, if you are an addict of anything - yes, even chocolate - rest control back before it's too late!
Pushy people
I grew up in a household where being pushy was regarded as almost a crime, so I view worthless self-promoters as pests or vermin and detest the way they manoeuvre constantly to gain some advantage, not due to their abilities but through intrigue. People with ability should be promoted and feted, their qualities recognised, admired, utilised and, if possible, rewarded appropriately. Snake oil salesmen should be 'tarred and feathered', then 'driven out of town'.
Thanks to self-promotion, today every Tom, Donald and Harriet is a star... Please! Ugh!
And now that I've stopped complaining for the time being, here's something to improve your mood: an image from a good friend, the distinguished painter Kyriakos Lazarides!
In no particular order my pet hates (the first few anyway, more where these came from...) are:
Rude and/or inconsiderate people
The easiest thing in the world is for us to take into account others and behave accordingly. Mankind has developed all sorts of systems to enable us all to co-exist in cramped and crowded cities and all we have to do is respect them, and our co-residents.
But we don't, or some of us don't, harming everyone in the process. I'm not concerned about spurious etiquette here or funny little middle class rules of life, but actual day to day behaviour. The people who are not prepared to respect others or refuse to understand that their freedom ends where the next person's begins behave appallingly in my book and should be shamed and shunned.
Stupidity
One of the most frustrating things is coming up against or consorting with stupid people, who are either intellectually lazy or deficient - when God (whichever one you believe in) was raining brainpower they were clutching an umbrella. I know people who seriously tell me - some even brag about it - that they believe the very same things they did in their twenties, now being in their sixties... And their favourite phrase: 'I don't care what you say to me, I will not change my mind'...ugh!
Bad drivers/riders/cyclists
Everyday life is short and full of danger, so it is incumbent upon us to try and minimise the risks when we take part in activities that could cause harm to others. Driving carelessly is terrible, riding a motorbike without paying attention is dangerous to self and others, riding a bicycle without respecting the law and being thoughtful is disgraceful and dangerous in the extreme. For some reason there appear to be quite a few cyclists who seem to think that they are above any law that does not suit them, ignoring traffic signals and riding on the pavement... NO!
All drivers/riders/cyclists should respect the safety of others around them, without exception, and observe the rules of the road, and the law.
-isms
Should you voice an opinion about something without following current trends, political correctness or just if you happen to have a different viewpoint you will immediately be labelled with the personal form of -ism (-ist), the most common and widely used of which is sexist, closely followed by racist and fascist; you are then attacked, usually only verbally, on the basis of that label. I detest this process, which seeks to circumvent reasoned dialogue and replace it with hurled 'beliefs' and accusations. In this way we replace the need to think with barracking and colour discussions with negativity, most often where there should be none.
And please, before you start labelling me, I also detest any attempt to classify/judge/value people based on race, gender, colour, religion or ethnicity.
Smoking
Since I was a little boy (don't think about it, lost in the mists of time...) I have hated the smell of cigarette smoke of any kind, how it lingers in the air making it harder to breathe, how it permeates clothing, furnishing fabrics, even human hair. And the smell of dead cigarettes...ugh! If you add to that the effect on a smoker's health it is incredible to me that we still find it socially acceptable, albeit on a diminishing scale. As for the addictive nature of smoking, need I say more?
When I make this point I am often asked about cigars or pipes, and the fact that their smoke is far more aromatic and interesting to the senses. While I do not disagree with the basic premise I still find their smoke offensive, overpowering and worse for permeating everything than cigarettes.
Addiction of any kind
Many years ago I consciously decided that I would never allow myself to be addicted to anything. I view enjoyment, even to excess sometimes, as acceptable; dependency on the other hand I abhor and cannot accept for myself in any way, shape or form. There are many things in life that I enjoy greatly - well, wine for a start - but I can live without them if I have to, so deplore the inability of some people to rid themselves of one addiction or other, be it smoking, soft drinks, alcohol, illegal drugs or anything else.
There is a theory that there is an 'addictive gene', so that we are born to do certain things and have little control over our behaviour if we are born with it. While that may be so, I feel that a lot of addictive behaviour comes down to habit, routine, pursuit of pleasure; we are then seized by certain active ingredients in things that take control out of our hands.
Please, if you are an addict of anything - yes, even chocolate - rest control back before it's too late!
Pushy people
I grew up in a household where being pushy was regarded as almost a crime, so I view worthless self-promoters as pests or vermin and detest the way they manoeuvre constantly to gain some advantage, not due to their abilities but through intrigue. People with ability should be promoted and feted, their qualities recognised, admired, utilised and, if possible, rewarded appropriately. Snake oil salesmen should be 'tarred and feathered', then 'driven out of town'.
Thanks to self-promotion, today every Tom, Donald and Harriet is a star... Please! Ugh!
And now that I've stopped complaining for the time being, here's something to improve your mood: an image from a good friend, the distinguished painter Kyriakos Lazarides!
Wednesday, 6 September 2017
So you want to exercise, do you?
Many people have written about exercise and have given advise as to how to pursue it and how it can change your life. Not all the advice given is universally helpful, nor is it always accurate or sensible, especially when appearing in the popular media. A lot of the 'advice' given focuses on appearance, which is only one result of correct exercise, almost a bonus for a job well done; it should not be the whole story.
Alas as with so many other things in life, the profit motive is the strongest factor in this marketplace, but it is often hidden behind generalisations and platitudes. The emphasis is places largely on the young, as they are less suspicious and cynical, and spend more of their disposable income on their appearance. Social media make this even more powerful, spreading messages of the ideal, perfect beauty of the body, desirability, success. Under these circumstances it is not surprising that the young - males especially - are tempted to seek shortcuts, much in the same way as athletes, Olympic level or otherwise, may be tempted to adopt performance-boosting measures that are effective, but illegal. All this would matter less if the measures taken were not, almost universally, also extremely harmful to the users.
But enough of negativity - how should the average person first approach fitness, or get involved again after years of inactivity? Well, carefully, patiently and with sound expert advice.
It is extremely important to be sure that there are no drawbacks to taking up exercise, and for that you should consult your doctor and, if necessary, undertake whatever tests may be needed. While this may seem excessive, especially if you are still relatively young, it is vital to ensure that you are able to pursue your chosen activity without serious risks to your well-being.
Anybody who has been largely inactive for a time period in excess of a few months should start by walking a few days a week; 20-30 minutes at a time at a sensible pace (not very quickly), increasing after the first two weeks to 40 minutes and a slightly faster pace. By the end of month 2 you should be comfortable walking for over an hour at a brisk pace. It is essential that you increase both distance and pace slowly, wear appropriate clothing (especially shoes/socks) and listen to your body - if at any time you feel unwell do not ignore it!
After the first two months you will have created a basic level of fitness from which to progress and on which to base your further progress. It will, therefore, be useful (but not essential) to start measuring what you do; the easiest way is either by activity tracker, heart rate monitor, smartphone app, or a combination thereof. Should you so wish you may also start measuring your weight, fat % or lung capacity; undertaking a fitness evaluation using specialist equipment (e.g. MIE FitQuest) could be invaluable in tracking your fitness progression over time, and it's best to start after you have established a base level. A good fitness professional will add value to this (again, useful but not essential so long as common sense prevails) by discussing your needs and guiding you in pursuing the best course to fulfill them.
Any fitness program for both men and women should include some strength work, to a lesser or greater degree, general at first but subsequently tailored to the individual; there are substantial benefits to health from this and it does not involve becoming muscle-bound. Core exercises (abdominals/lower back) are especially important for good posture and a healthy body.
It may seem counter-intuitive but it is a good idea to have a good basic level of overall fitness before participating in sports, whether group or individual. As we age (I mean once we are past our early thirties, don't laugh) our body becomes more vulnerable when subjected to unusual forces, sudden movement and changes of direction, and we need to prepare with more care for competitive activity. For every sport, from running to football to tennis, there are maintenance exercises to be done (in the gym or elsewhere to suit) to help us be more effective, efficient and less prone to injury.
If that sounds like hard work, it isn't really - just consider the pain and inconvenience that a sports injury may bring. This is especially important for anyone who takes up exercise to improve their health and feel better... think about it!
Alas as with so many other things in life, the profit motive is the strongest factor in this marketplace, but it is often hidden behind generalisations and platitudes. The emphasis is places largely on the young, as they are less suspicious and cynical, and spend more of their disposable income on their appearance. Social media make this even more powerful, spreading messages of the ideal, perfect beauty of the body, desirability, success. Under these circumstances it is not surprising that the young - males especially - are tempted to seek shortcuts, much in the same way as athletes, Olympic level or otherwise, may be tempted to adopt performance-boosting measures that are effective, but illegal. All this would matter less if the measures taken were not, almost universally, also extremely harmful to the users.
But enough of negativity - how should the average person first approach fitness, or get involved again after years of inactivity? Well, carefully, patiently and with sound expert advice.
It is extremely important to be sure that there are no drawbacks to taking up exercise, and for that you should consult your doctor and, if necessary, undertake whatever tests may be needed. While this may seem excessive, especially if you are still relatively young, it is vital to ensure that you are able to pursue your chosen activity without serious risks to your well-being.
Anybody who has been largely inactive for a time period in excess of a few months should start by walking a few days a week; 20-30 minutes at a time at a sensible pace (not very quickly), increasing after the first two weeks to 40 minutes and a slightly faster pace. By the end of month 2 you should be comfortable walking for over an hour at a brisk pace. It is essential that you increase both distance and pace slowly, wear appropriate clothing (especially shoes/socks) and listen to your body - if at any time you feel unwell do not ignore it!
After the first two months you will have created a basic level of fitness from which to progress and on which to base your further progress. It will, therefore, be useful (but not essential) to start measuring what you do; the easiest way is either by activity tracker, heart rate monitor, smartphone app, or a combination thereof. Should you so wish you may also start measuring your weight, fat % or lung capacity; undertaking a fitness evaluation using specialist equipment (e.g. MIE FitQuest) could be invaluable in tracking your fitness progression over time, and it's best to start after you have established a base level. A good fitness professional will add value to this (again, useful but not essential so long as common sense prevails) by discussing your needs and guiding you in pursuing the best course to fulfill them.
Any fitness program for both men and women should include some strength work, to a lesser or greater degree, general at first but subsequently tailored to the individual; there are substantial benefits to health from this and it does not involve becoming muscle-bound. Core exercises (abdominals/lower back) are especially important for good posture and a healthy body.
It may seem counter-intuitive but it is a good idea to have a good basic level of overall fitness before participating in sports, whether group or individual. As we age (I mean once we are past our early thirties, don't laugh) our body becomes more vulnerable when subjected to unusual forces, sudden movement and changes of direction, and we need to prepare with more care for competitive activity. For every sport, from running to football to tennis, there are maintenance exercises to be done (in the gym or elsewhere to suit) to help us be more effective, efficient and less prone to injury.
If that sounds like hard work, it isn't really - just consider the pain and inconvenience that a sports injury may bring. This is especially important for anyone who takes up exercise to improve their health and feel better... think about it!
Thursday, 31 August 2017
As I get older
The Beatles were going on about 'when I get older, losing my hair,.... when I'm sixty four' but that was not something I ever had to worry about, since I lost most of my hair by the time I was twenty five! In any case, growing older has nothing to do with the precise years of our life, more about our state of body and, perhaps more importantly, mind.
Such a funny thing getting older, bringing pleasure and pain in equal measure, along with a different perspective on life and what is left of it. Please don't get me wrong, this has nothing to do with wanting to live forever or the state my life is in at present. I'm in a bit of a philosophical mood, that's all.
What troubles me is how, around me, the people I have either admired or loved are now popping off and leaving me in the lurch, feeling lonely and somewhat lost. Favourite authors, esteemed politicians (yeah, I know, but there are a few), admired teachers, close family and friends are biting the dust even as I hang on, however tenuously. It is as if a whole layer of my life is being dismantled, maybe even more than one, and it leaves me feeling bereft, upset, incomplete.
'What is the alternative, you idiot?' I hear you ask and, I must confess, I know not of one that can be realistically applied, as death is inevitable, natural and comes to us all sooner or later. Indeed the longer we stick around the more we are likely to experience loss all around us, near us. And this hurts, deeply, but it is a pain we must learn to live with, not expunge.
Still, age has compensations, especially in the accumulation of, for want of a better word, wisdom (well, that will fit nicely with our theme...) and the better understanding of our world, our fellow humans, the past, present and future. Every day we are alive we learn something new, add a little bit to our store of knowledge, improve our comprehension, become more complete. Alas just as we get closer to this holy grail we also discover that we are thought of by many as dinosaurs, classified as useless and largely ignored, if not actively scorned, by a society that worships youth and appears to applaud ignorance and inexperience. Talk about ironic...
Part of the problem is that we've been around too long, have become cynical (only a tad, though!) and seen too much to be easily impressed by a lot of the bullshit that flies around at any given moment - when you've seen/heard one generation of b/s verbalisation you've seen/heard them all and spot them a million miles away. After all, only the details vary, the hot air is still the same.
Our body is another problem, as age takes its toll, though all that's needed is a bit of care and attention to the mechanics to function at least adequately. Yes, we have to nurture and protect our body and, indeed, our mind; exercise, done sensibly and with appropriate guidance, will help us stay in good condition for much longer.
Sexual desire diminishes, of course, but for a man (and I am indeed such) it may be no bad thing, as it ceases to be a dominant - and sometimes destabilising - influence on our day-to-day lives; we start valuing quality before quantity, depth before length. Sure, performance (ha-ha) can be less predictable but equally, if not more, pleasurable for that - yes, even without viagra or whatever other stimulation you can think of.
So I feel happy getting older and not only considering the alternative. I may despair more at the state of the world, the incompetence of politicians or the mess my own life is in, but do so from a far more enlightened and informed position, which alters slightly every day as I learn or understand something new; my reactions are guided more by comprehension than prejudice, cause and effect rather than dreaming.
This piece is highly personal and written from my perspective, even if it includes a plethora of generalisations. It is not intended to portray objective truths, though I feel it probably largely does. And to make it even more personal, I would like to hereby make it absolutely clear that the day I cease to learn and absorb new influences, the day I cease to evolve is the day I would like to cease breathing as well, for I will have stopped living.
Such a funny thing getting older, bringing pleasure and pain in equal measure, along with a different perspective on life and what is left of it. Please don't get me wrong, this has nothing to do with wanting to live forever or the state my life is in at present. I'm in a bit of a philosophical mood, that's all.
What troubles me is how, around me, the people I have either admired or loved are now popping off and leaving me in the lurch, feeling lonely and somewhat lost. Favourite authors, esteemed politicians (yeah, I know, but there are a few), admired teachers, close family and friends are biting the dust even as I hang on, however tenuously. It is as if a whole layer of my life is being dismantled, maybe even more than one, and it leaves me feeling bereft, upset, incomplete.
'What is the alternative, you idiot?' I hear you ask and, I must confess, I know not of one that can be realistically applied, as death is inevitable, natural and comes to us all sooner or later. Indeed the longer we stick around the more we are likely to experience loss all around us, near us. And this hurts, deeply, but it is a pain we must learn to live with, not expunge.
Still, age has compensations, especially in the accumulation of, for want of a better word, wisdom (well, that will fit nicely with our theme...) and the better understanding of our world, our fellow humans, the past, present and future. Every day we are alive we learn something new, add a little bit to our store of knowledge, improve our comprehension, become more complete. Alas just as we get closer to this holy grail we also discover that we are thought of by many as dinosaurs, classified as useless and largely ignored, if not actively scorned, by a society that worships youth and appears to applaud ignorance and inexperience. Talk about ironic...
Part of the problem is that we've been around too long, have become cynical (only a tad, though!) and seen too much to be easily impressed by a lot of the bullshit that flies around at any given moment - when you've seen/heard one generation of b/s verbalisation you've seen/heard them all and spot them a million miles away. After all, only the details vary, the hot air is still the same.
Our body is another problem, as age takes its toll, though all that's needed is a bit of care and attention to the mechanics to function at least adequately. Yes, we have to nurture and protect our body and, indeed, our mind; exercise, done sensibly and with appropriate guidance, will help us stay in good condition for much longer.
Sexual desire diminishes, of course, but for a man (and I am indeed such) it may be no bad thing, as it ceases to be a dominant - and sometimes destabilising - influence on our day-to-day lives; we start valuing quality before quantity, depth before length. Sure, performance (ha-ha) can be less predictable but equally, if not more, pleasurable for that - yes, even without viagra or whatever other stimulation you can think of.
So I feel happy getting older and not only considering the alternative. I may despair more at the state of the world, the incompetence of politicians or the mess my own life is in, but do so from a far more enlightened and informed position, which alters slightly every day as I learn or understand something new; my reactions are guided more by comprehension than prejudice, cause and effect rather than dreaming.
This piece is highly personal and written from my perspective, even if it includes a plethora of generalisations. It is not intended to portray objective truths, though I feel it probably largely does. And to make it even more personal, I would like to hereby make it absolutely clear that the day I cease to learn and absorb new influences, the day I cease to evolve is the day I would like to cease breathing as well, for I will have stopped living.
Friday, 25 August 2017
London's little gem, hidden away
Alfie's Antiques Market is fairly obscure, so that not even many Londoners know it well, or even know it exists. It is on Church Street, NW8, off Lisson Grove, broadly speaking in the general area known as Marylebone. It is an entire building devoted to antiques of varying descriptions and it contains many stalls, some weird and wonderful and others just wonderful, spread over 4 floors. Well worth a visit if you like to browse or even buy antiques, it has a unique atmosphere somewhere between the exotic and the seedy.Well I love the place, despite the fact that I don't buy antiques in my current impoverished state. Being a North London boy for the best part of the last forty years, I used to live just up the road from Alfie's for many years and was vaguely aware of its charms, but it is only in the last few years that I have fallen head over heels, especially for the rooftop restaurant and cafe.
London used to have many bohemian places hidden away in different areas, often basements or little sidestreets, looking after an eclectic if not always financially robust clientele; in the last few years these places have dwindled, chased away by the growth of chain restaurants and cafes. By definition bohemian places cannot be cloned and made into chains but must be individual and unique, odd and characterful - there is nothing more depressing than a place pretending to be individual, with the designer touch and artefacts bought in by the lorry load to look authentic and different. The branded restaurant philosophy is the exact opposite of eccentricity, craves uniformity and is more about consistency and reliable standards. It brings about the death of individuality and quirkiness, pays no mind to authenticity, is no labour of love but a business product.
Within Alfie's, though, in fact right at the top of it, is a very London place, individual and bohemian in an endearing way; it is imaginatively called the Rooftop Kitchen at Alfie's, would you believe. I urge you to visit it at once and enjoy not only reasonably priced, well-prepared food but also a lovely terrace of the kind rarely found these days. This is a simple, laid-back place, much like the rest of Alfie's but with a unique roof terrace that is just lovely, amid West London's residential jungle. In nice weather you can spend hours up there, enjoying the calm and whiling away the time, eating, drinking or just having a coffee and some cake. I did just that when celebrating my birthday some months ago, helped by just a drop or two of wine.
Modesty is the word here, and the menu is simple and not elaborate, though the daily specials can be adventurous. The small open-plan kitchen delivers honest food cooked well and served with warmth and respect in my experience. Fare varies from the various brunchy items (Eggs Benedict, Full English etc.) to an excellent beefburger, falafel wrap and fish cakes. The chips are pretty good too.
The staff are friendly and unpretentious, but efficient, to go with the spirit of the place. You do not come here for starched tablecloths, formality and haute cuisine. You do not come here for flashy patrons, wealth or fashion, nor for displays of self-importance from either customers or staff. Instead, you come here to relax, drink in the superb London atmosphere and eat decent food, lovingly prepared. The people here want you to have a good time and they have assembled a simple wine offering to help you - one each of white/rose/red and Prosecco, why complicate life unnecessarily? They also offer several bottled beers, other drinks too, and a thirst-quenching Italian lager (Poretti, now owned by Carlsberg) on draft. Ah, I could spend hours eating and drinking on that magical terrace, or just sitting there with a cup of coffee - yes they do tea, coffee and cakes rather competently also. But I also find the interior space pleasant and relaxing, though obviously not quite as special as the terrace.
If you are a Londoner who likes bohemian, individual places and have never been here, hurry up and redress that, you'll love it.
If you are a visitor to London, especially from abroad, this place is particularly noteworthy because it is not expensive, unlike so many of the restaurants aimed at tourists. Forget everything you have been told about London, if you are restrained it can work out pretty cheap but, in any case, it is very, very reasonable no matter what you do. It is off the beaten track, off the radar of 'places you must visit' guides and is relaxed, fun and very London. It can be your special, secret, place in this bustling, sometimes inhuman city.
Alas it's not all good news: the Rooftop Kitchen is only open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 in the morning to 6 in the evening, restricted as they are by the hours of the Antiques Market (though they do have special events very occasionally, check with them), so neither you nor, more importantly, I can spend long decadent evenings on the glorious little terrace, drunk on atmosphere or something stronger. But if you happen to have some free time during the day, pop down (or up) there and you'll see what I mean when I say that we need this place, and others like it, to survive and thrive, in all their eccentric individuality. I love this little gem, and I think you will too - I just wish I could go there more often!
P.S.: For the cynical among you, no, I have no connection with the place whatsoever and will benefit not at all from your visit, even if you appear clutching a copy of this blog and singing my praises. But go anyway and help !
Tuesday, 22 August 2017
Country of Contradictions - a 1st glimpse
Let us start with the positives: Romania is a beautiful country, with varied scenery and some attractive architecture which the years of communism failed to completely eradicate. Some of this hails from the distant past, with castles aplenty, citadels and fortified churches / monasteries and are in differing states of repair according to importance, provenance and means. Other buildings are just survivors of the prosperous time in the early part of the 20th century when the well-off and the growing middle class were investing in what they thought was a better future. I even saw an impressive if over-the-top vanity project - Pelesh Castle, but really a palace - built for Carol 1, first king of Romania, above the resort town of Sinaia in the mountains as a country retreat.
But while architecture may help set the scene it is the people who make it real and bring things to life. Much has been heard about the awfulness of some Romanians, who go to places like London or Paris to live a parasitic existence on the back of generous welfare availability and a credulous population - modern-day vultures of sorts; in my, admittedly limited, experience they are the exception. Most Romanians I met are good people ravaged by years of communism and corruption and suffering under difficult economic conditions. Immigration is for them an attempt at economic salvation, as their country is in a tight spot at the moment.
Why is this? How can a country that is fertile, blessed with oil and not overpopulated be in the financial doghouse to the extent that Romania is? This is not, on paper, a poor country.
The Romania that we see is a relatively modern creation, carved from the body of the collapsing Ottoman Empire at more or less the same time as other neighbouring Balkan states. Its transition from a feudal backwater to a modern state was not a smooth affair, caught as it was between powerful empires pulling and pushing, vying for control. The pace of modernisation was ponderous despite the efforts of an educated elite (mainly metropolitan, I believe), and met resistance from various quarters, some of whom were protecting their long-established privileges and others manoeuvring to acquire some. This explosive mix was not helped by two World Wars and numerous regional conflicts, nor by the rise of Fascism.
The arrival of Communism wiped away the old ruling classes and replaced everything with the party system, in which you were in or out. Whilst the Romanian communists may not have been as brutal as Stalin would have liked, their economic policies were just as utopian and unproductive as their counterparts elsewhere in the communist world; corruption, already a factor in the local way of life, became endemic and institutionalised. I am told that the fall of communism and the return of a democratic system (no King, though...) has seen little change in both the people in control and the levels of corruption: communist-era people largely still pull the strings, often behind the scenes, and corruption remains a major factor in everyday life.
So this large country, whose wheat once fed Europe, whose oil reserves made it wealthy and which had a very active trading economy on the Danube and the Black Sea languishes in poverty, with many Romanians seeking to make a life elsewhere. I am told (but have no first-hand knowledge) that doing business in Romania is a bit like the Wild West, something that, together with the rampant corruption, will make foreign investors reluctant to take the plunge. In a country with so much to offer that is nothing short of a tragedy, one whose effect the Romanian people are enduring every day.
I realise that this post barely scratches the surface, and would like to do a more detailed and extensive one on Romania once I've had the chance to study it a bit better. It may take awhile... If anyone out there has information that could help, I would be grateful. And do visit the place, there's a lot to see!
P.S. : I apologise that I have no 'gritty' photographs for you, no urban blight, no ruins with 'for sale' signs, no poor people selling tat so as not to be looked upon as beggars. I photographed in my ham-fisted way only beauty, in buildings and nature.
The Romania that we see is a relatively modern creation, carved from the body of the collapsing Ottoman Empire at more or less the same time as other neighbouring Balkan states. Its transition from a feudal backwater to a modern state was not a smooth affair, caught as it was between powerful empires pulling and pushing, vying for control. The pace of modernisation was ponderous despite the efforts of an educated elite (mainly metropolitan, I believe), and met resistance from various quarters, some of whom were protecting their long-established privileges and others manoeuvring to acquire some. This explosive mix was not helped by two World Wars and numerous regional conflicts, nor by the rise of Fascism.The arrival of Communism wiped away the old ruling classes and replaced everything with the party system, in which you were in or out. Whilst the Romanian communists may not have been as brutal as Stalin would have liked, their economic policies were just as utopian and unproductive as their counterparts elsewhere in the communist world; corruption, already a factor in the local way of life, became endemic and institutionalised. I am told that the fall of communism and the return of a democratic system (no King, though...) has seen little change in both the people in control and the levels of corruption: communist-era people largely still pull the strings, often behind the scenes, and corruption remains a major factor in everyday life.
So this large country, whose wheat once fed Europe, whose oil reserves made it wealthy and which had a very active trading economy on the Danube and the Black Sea languishes in poverty, with many Romanians seeking to make a life elsewhere. I am told (but have no first-hand knowledge) that doing business in Romania is a bit like the Wild West, something that, together with the rampant corruption, will make foreign investors reluctant to take the plunge. In a country with so much to offer that is nothing short of a tragedy, one whose effect the Romanian people are enduring every day.I realise that this post barely scratches the surface, and would like to do a more detailed and extensive one on Romania once I've had the chance to study it a bit better. It may take awhile... If anyone out there has information that could help, I would be grateful. And do visit the place, there's a lot to see!
P.S. : I apologise that I have no 'gritty' photographs for you, no urban blight, no ruins with 'for sale' signs, no poor people selling tat so as not to be looked upon as beggars. I photographed in my ham-fisted way only beauty, in buildings and nature.
Monday, 21 August 2017
I'm a little piglet...
Oink, oink!
'Face it, you're a pig' said my friend Mervyn the other day, not without affection but simultaneously critical. He had been reading my blog (I have at least one reader...!) and had reached his conclusion, unclouded by doubt and only confirmed by my less than svelte appearance. 'You simply overdo it' he said, or words to that effect.
Well, I was intrigued, even a bit upset, as I don't view myself quite like that. Was he right? Do I just overdo it all the time, stuffing my face and pouring enormous quantities of fine wine down my gullet? Was my existence not one of Spartan denial and abstinence but an endless round of gastronomic consumption, of almost gargantuan proportions?
Yes and no, as that wonderful creation Sir Humphrey would say in Yes, Minister (for my money the best comedy series ever). I do eat and drink, sometimes to excess, but hardly ever in an uncontrolled fashion with no rhyme or reason. And I try, when I have exceeded my self-imposed limits, to balance things out during the days that follow. Generally, though not abstemious, I live a pretty controlled life eating and drinking-wise.
Having said that, I find food and wine endlessly interesting, intriguing, challenging, from the lowliest fast food to the finest haute cuisine, treating everything I consume with great seriousness, literally everything. Food and drink are very important in my life, their tastes/textures/smells, not so much in terms of quantity as quality; they are a big part of who and what I am, what I enjoy in life. Not everyone feels that way and I understand and accept this - many other people I know are far less interested and/or more restrained, so perhaps they can be critical of those who are different. Should they be, though?
To my mind there is nothing finer in life that sharing decent food and wine with good people, friends or potential friends, nothing more civilised and civilising. It is unthinkable that I would ever be barred from doing so and, if that were to happen, I would seriously consider departing this life; if shown incapable of it, would spend the rest of my days in misery. Food (and wine, like the two bottles shown) is something I take very, very seriously, evaluate constantly (always in context) and enjoy in solitude or, preferably, with company. Though not entirely an omnivore, I do enjoy trying new things, new tastes and textures (not slimy, please...).
Do I eat to excess? Sometimes I do, at other times I am very restrained. Do I eat uncontrollably, just gobble down food till I cannot eat any more? Never. Am I greedy? Yes, but rarely to excess. Do I eat fattening things? Of course I do, some of them are healthy (pistachio nuts, avocado etc.) and others less so. Would I benefit from losing weight? Certainly, if I were ten kilograms or so lighter it wouldn't be a bad thing, and I'm aware of that.
But next time somebody places an interesting plate of food in front of me I will consume it with gusto and maybe ask for a little more. I'll enjoy thinking about the ingredients, how they were brought together and if there could be a better way of doing so. Then I'll wash it all down with a nice glass of wine or an interesting beer, critically judging the combination. And I'll clear up my plate, mopping up the sauce with some decent bread, to the great satisfaction of the cook/chef, usually earning me a big smile of appreciation.
I wonder if pigs do that sort of thing?
P.S. : The two wines shown were enjoyed on two separate occasions.
The 2015 Coriole Chenin Blanc from Australia (unusually from McLaren Vale, mainly red wine country) was everything you'd expect from a well-made CB - crisp, with some depth, good structure and long on the palate. It was enjoyed with my friend Richard over a simple but excellent pizza lunch on a very rainy August day.
The Vasse Felix 2013 Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon is a typical Bordeaux blend, ages beautifully and has a lovely depth of flavour (lusciously white peachy), is complex and long with a gentle woody backdrop. A superb glass of wine and currently on offer at under £8.00 - a super bargain!
'Face it, you're a pig' said my friend Mervyn the other day, not without affection but simultaneously critical. He had been reading my blog (I have at least one reader...!) and had reached his conclusion, unclouded by doubt and only confirmed by my less than svelte appearance. 'You simply overdo it' he said, or words to that effect.
Well, I was intrigued, even a bit upset, as I don't view myself quite like that. Was he right? Do I just overdo it all the time, stuffing my face and pouring enormous quantities of fine wine down my gullet? Was my existence not one of Spartan denial and abstinence but an endless round of gastronomic consumption, of almost gargantuan proportions?Yes and no, as that wonderful creation Sir Humphrey would say in Yes, Minister (for my money the best comedy series ever). I do eat and drink, sometimes to excess, but hardly ever in an uncontrolled fashion with no rhyme or reason. And I try, when I have exceeded my self-imposed limits, to balance things out during the days that follow. Generally, though not abstemious, I live a pretty controlled life eating and drinking-wise.
Having said that, I find food and wine endlessly interesting, intriguing, challenging, from the lowliest fast food to the finest haute cuisine, treating everything I consume with great seriousness, literally everything. Food and drink are very important in my life, their tastes/textures/smells, not so much in terms of quantity as quality; they are a big part of who and what I am, what I enjoy in life. Not everyone feels that way and I understand and accept this - many other people I know are far less interested and/or more restrained, so perhaps they can be critical of those who are different. Should they be, though?
To my mind there is nothing finer in life that sharing decent food and wine with good people, friends or potential friends, nothing more civilised and civilising. It is unthinkable that I would ever be barred from doing so and, if that were to happen, I would seriously consider departing this life; if shown incapable of it, would spend the rest of my days in misery. Food (and wine, like the two bottles shown) is something I take very, very seriously, evaluate constantly (always in context) and enjoy in solitude or, preferably, with company. Though not entirely an omnivore, I do enjoy trying new things, new tastes and textures (not slimy, please...).Do I eat to excess? Sometimes I do, at other times I am very restrained. Do I eat uncontrollably, just gobble down food till I cannot eat any more? Never. Am I greedy? Yes, but rarely to excess. Do I eat fattening things? Of course I do, some of them are healthy (pistachio nuts, avocado etc.) and others less so. Would I benefit from losing weight? Certainly, if I were ten kilograms or so lighter it wouldn't be a bad thing, and I'm aware of that.
But next time somebody places an interesting plate of food in front of me I will consume it with gusto and maybe ask for a little more. I'll enjoy thinking about the ingredients, how they were brought together and if there could be a better way of doing so. Then I'll wash it all down with a nice glass of wine or an interesting beer, critically judging the combination. And I'll clear up my plate, mopping up the sauce with some decent bread, to the great satisfaction of the cook/chef, usually earning me a big smile of appreciation.
I wonder if pigs do that sort of thing?
P.S. : The two wines shown were enjoyed on two separate occasions.
The 2015 Coriole Chenin Blanc from Australia (unusually from McLaren Vale, mainly red wine country) was everything you'd expect from a well-made CB - crisp, with some depth, good structure and long on the palate. It was enjoyed with my friend Richard over a simple but excellent pizza lunch on a very rainy August day.
The Vasse Felix 2013 Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon is a typical Bordeaux blend, ages beautifully and has a lovely depth of flavour (lusciously white peachy), is complex and long with a gentle woody backdrop. A superb glass of wine and currently on offer at under £8.00 - a super bargain!
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