And just as we got back to the base the life took off up the curve like nothing happened. First week at work - Audit fieldwork at a Client's, first Monday back in town - Von Zobel's client's corporate event to attend as if there was no jetlag. First Saturday back - PT session to attend, with stronger calfs though, and a friend's Birthday party to go to. It always felt surreal to me - how easy it is to drop out of day to day life, with your agenda full or places to be upon your return, and then just to come back and take over with your to-do list, like nothing happened. You show up for an event, party or corporate meeting - everything looks the same, meanwhile you've lived a short life and are not the same on that event.

I'm obviously missing this weekend's Gup test due to my vacation and US Open Championship, so time to improve training for September.
Chill Sr's Kindergarten begins in a month. It feels like it's time to book the next vacation now.  Say, Mexico, January :)
This July marks 10 years in CO. On we go.

The Universe made me a little gift for the end of Tax season this year

and among all the flat options  throughout London I was looking through the one that jumped out at me was a 2 floor flat with "master bedroom" separated; with washer and dryer right next to Belsize park area, between 2 subway stations, close to Haverstock Hill road with all the grocery shops, bakeries and restaurants. A small grocery shop is a minute away from us, so I get there almost every day for food supplies, water and snacks, and -oh, my Buddha, what amazing olives, charcuterie and duck liver pate I get from just this ordinary small shop.
The area is quiet, the rent is absolutely modest given the prices in this neighborhood. Definitely, this little flat in a quite court was saved specifically for us.

Kids can finally watch Peppa Pig in... her native habitat and I swear, they can eat a whole pack of strawberries, grapes or donut peaches while watching it.

The closest pub, Washington is 2 minutes away and Von Zobel enjoys it on his nights out, since in the days of FIFA World Cup in the evening the entire London is out in pubs and on the streets (those who would not fit the pubs) and it looks like it is fun for him to dive into the pub-and-football culture especially now.

My nights out generally include jogging to and in the Belsize Park, exploring the neighborhood, and trying to breath in as much London air as I can while still here. And the view from the top of the hill obliges to pull yourself together, admire what you have and what's still to come, and make some strong, meaningful promise to yourself.
I made a couple.

Brighton looks small half the life down the road.

I remember it greener, cleaner and more spacious sixteen (bloody hell!) years ago.
Chinchillas and Von Zobel love it though: colourful pebbles, sea gulls, Peppa Pig and Bus kids machine rides, ice-cream and... a great playground! After exploring the town we spent probably 2 hours at the playground and pool area.

Travelling anywhere in the UK with kids is great, provided you have enough water, sunblock and there's food and ice-cream within walking distance. Great public transportation helps - Chills fell in love into the real trains and the tube! Oyster card makes it convenient to get on board and visit all major sights.

Also, I did not expect to run into so many great playgrounds across London. Most of them have water, sand, company of local kids - so it's really hard to persuade Chills to walk away even when they're all soaking wet and barely stand on their feet.

And what sense of joy I get from reading on the fruit and vegetable package that it's fully recyclable:  Both the cardboard box and the wrapping film! Almost everything is recyclable and can be dropped off in recycling bins on major street - so you don't have to feel like a pig traveling with a large family... You can get pretty much anywhere with a stroller (theoretically though; the crowds in the center were still an issue...). Streets are neat and clean and I can not imagine what it takes to keep such a diverse, busy megapolis clean, safe and well organized.

I can't believe I was just recently planning to book a trip this year- for the upcoming 2019; and even sooner than that - here I am, along with boys who love their summer vacation! So good to be home; it had to be done years ago...

This city is shiny, dazzling, inspiring, breathtaking.
It whirls you, pushes you up, carries you away and throws you into the depth and  thickness of parks, flowers, joggers, double-deckers, crowds, business suites, pubs, black Range Rovers, play-grounds, red brick, heat coming up from the pavement, corner stores, bikes, glass skyscrapers, dogs, strollers, ice-cream stands and meaty leaf ivy sprouts across brick fences.

Home at last.