Jackie's Birthday

It was Jackie's birthday on Thursday. I took Thursday and Friday off work but we didn't have anything planned, we weren't going anywhere. 

Every other year we've been over here we've gone away for Jackie's birthday. We've been to Nice, Alicante, Rye, Paris and Bournemouth for Jackie's birthday over the past five years. This year we did London.

On Thursday morning Jackie had breakfast in bed and presents.

Theo had his morning snooze and then Jackie went to Balham for a pedicure. Theo and I met her for lunch at the French Cafe, which is right next to where she was having her pedicure. We both had three courses, it was all yum. After lunch Jackie went back next door for a massage. After that was a bit of shopping and a coffee on the way home. On Thursday night we went to a friend's house, it was also his birthday, and he did us and a few other friends a bbq which was great. It was nice to sit outside for a bbq and enjoy some half decent weather. 

Friday we had planned to go out for brunch and then venture in to the big smoke. We had brunch in Balham at a place called Milk. It was yum, pictures below pretty much give the low down.

After brunch we caught the train in to town, we walked past Buckingham Palace and through Green Park, there are lots of Olympic tourists already in town and the city is getting geared up for the big event starting in less than a week. 

From here we made our way to the Royal Society of Arts where the Summer Exhibition was being held. We've always wanted to go but somehow have never made it. The exhibition is open to entry for anyone. Most of the artwork is by Royal Academicians but anyone can enter, Jackie is inspired to enter next year. It's tough to get work in, very competitive but still worth a try. All the work is for sale with prices ranging from £15 for a print, to at least £60,000 for pieces by some of the more well known artists. We bought a postcard at the gift shop. It was a spectacular exhibition, helped by inspiring surroundings.  

Following the exhibition we walked via Picadilly Sq to Trafalgar Sq for a coffee.

Picadilly Sq, the big smoke. 

Then on to the Southbank for a drink by the river. It was sunny when we decided to have a drink, before long it was pouring with rain and blowing a gale. We were outside but under shelter so it was a bit like camping, we really enjoyed it. 

It was then home via a food market, picking up tickets for an Olympic Torch event on Monday and a long bus ride. It was a very long day by our standards but was a great reminder of why we love living in London. Theo was very well behaved throughout which was an extra special treat for Jackie.