“Girl Day” London Version
japra | Apr 15, 2009 | Comments 26
Ever since Roxi was a little girl, she and I indulged in what I called “Girl Days”. Basically, they are mother-daughter dates that usually include a girly lunch, a bit of shopping, and maybe a visit to a museum or a movie.
Here’s our London version yesterday afternoon:
First a little lunch. We ate Café de Hong Kong. Roxi was SO pleased with her Iced Pearl Chocolate (bubble tea). I thought of the three things we ordered–bbq pork and roasted duck, these pan fried dumplings, and “instant noodles” with chicken–Roxi’s noodles were the tastiest. Best things about this restaurant? Close to Leicester Square tube stop, fast service, inexpensive.
The view from our table. We always get a kick out of London Fashion. How can people walk around Town in heels like this?!
We made a quick stop in the fabulous London Graphics to satisfy our inner artists.
And of course, we saw a show: ”The Woman in Black” in the Fortune Theatre near Covent Garden. If you like thrillers, this one is for you. We walked out of this theatre on shaky legs, jaws numb from being clenched for two hours. I think I might have even developed an ulcer–haha. Seriously, it was a fantastic play! Andrew Jarvis (who I think we saw in the London production of The Lord of the Rings Musical) and Timothy Watson were superb and so inspiring for my young actor. We cannot recommend this play highly enough. Roxi said, “More people need to see this!” If at all possible, do try to get seats in the Stalls. You’ll thank me later. We sat in the Upper Dress Circle (upper-most balcony), which was fine, but I truly think the show was at least twice as good from the Stalls. Good in a nerve-wracking, scare-the-Sam-Hill-out-of-us sort of way, I mean.
All photos in this post taken with a Casio Exilim 8.1 point-and-shoot.
Filed Under: Blog • Destinations • London
About the Author: JaPRA is an expat Texan living in England with her husband (Mr. DJ), their 17-year old daughter (Roxi), and their dog Trudy.
My Mum and I used to go on Girl Dates too! How lovely.
Roxi and I really enjoy our time together. We love to go out with Mr. DJ too, of course, but he doesn’t like to look at makeup and stuff ;-)
What a fun time! I love the street shot – I would be trying not to point and yell like an obnoxious American “Homer…look at that girl!”
Julia, there is always such good fashion on the streets of London. But when Roxi and I got back home to the train station in our little town, there was a group of three girls all decked out a la “Sex in The City” (or maybe “Gossip Girl”, though I’ve never seen the show). I swear those girls couldn’t have been more than 16, but they sure were tarted up in some really expensive looking clothes and gorgeous, skyscraper heels.
Oh I used have girl dates with my mom too! It was usually on a school day and I would walk in to her bedroom and say “ummm, how about we get lunch and go shopping instead?” and then she would make sure that I had nothing due that day at school and we would play hooky! It was great!
I love your mom. She rocks! What lovely memories you created together :-) I loved going out with my mom (and sometimes my dad!) when I was Roxi’s age. What fun we had!
I was continually astounded, when I was in London, at the number of women in really high heels! Given the uneven pavement and sidewalks, I would think orthopedist would be a very lucrative medical practice to have there…
Kathy, Roxi and I were out for six hours yesterday–though 2 hours sitting in a theatre–and another five today. My feet are sore just from that little bit of walking in decent walking shoes. I just cannot imagine what my feet would feel like if I had been wearing heels the whole time. I am VERY out of practice.
Fun photos! I can’t walk it high heels for long either.
Sarah, I brought a whole plastic bin of heels when I moved here from Texas two years ago. I have never worn them. NEVER! Ok, maybe one sling back pair. But only two or three times. I miss pretty shoes, but my feet thank me!
what a fun day out, no one does the food shots like you!
Christine, it’s because I love food so ;-) BTW, I took these photos with Roxi’s point-and-shoot! I think I really need to get one. I rarely carry my big camera around if we’re just going into Town to see a show. My poor shoulder!
What a fun day! Those dumplings look delicious.
And I love the new blog look.
Anne, the were rather good. I think the wrapper was homemade. The filling was mostly vegetables with maybe just a little bit of pork. And I am glad you like the new blog. I was worried people would have a hard time finding my daily posts.
I’d have to wear my slippers to walk round London for any length of time! :(
What a ‘girly day’ you had. I must make a note of the restaurant for when MWM and I next go to London. I like the sound of the show too. :)
Akelamalu, I know what you’re saying! Owie, owie, owie.
The restaurant is more of a quick bite to eat kind of place–not really a destination. So if that kind of thing appeals, it should hit the spot ;-)
Looks like and sounds like a wonderful day.
The new site is beautiful!
Anonymous Friend, it was such a joy to spend the day with Roxi. I am glad she still wants to hang out with her old mom.
Thanks for your kind words about the new site!
Ooh I love the dumplings. Making me peckish…
It’s so important to have Mummy/daughter time. A friend of mine (who just so happens to be 35) still has issues with her Motehr because she never had time alone with her. It means so much more to the children than we can possibly imagine. Well done x
Maternal Tales, me too! LOL
I feel very fortunate to be a stay at home mom and spend so much time with my daughter. Every time I think about getting an office job, I remember how important this time is for her… and me as well!
Now THAT’s what I call food!
Amen! I imagine you have a good selection of Asian food in Australia.
What a great idea, these girl days. They must be a nice way for you and Roxi to bond. You seem to be an example to follow when it comes to parenting. And the food looks amazing!
I treasure this time with Roxi, Xoan-Wahn. Since the first moment she was placed in my arms, I was aware that our time with her as parents was short. That being said, I know I am very fortunate to be able to be a stay at home mom, especially in a place like this!
And yes, we were really happy to find that restaurant. Roxi was especially thrilled with the Bubble Tea. Do they have that in Spain? Back in Texas, we could get it in lots of places.
Beauty and the blog! I love your new site.
Happy days, dear! Love, Mimsy
Thank you, Mimsy :-)