I managed to briefly visit Windsor and Eton College this weekend, despite promising myself to spending more time to study for a finance course i signed up for.  A very small town, picturesque nonetheless, with the castle as the central (and only) attraction.  Unfortunately there was so many people queueing to go in, I didn't have time to go inside it.

 

There was a wedding going on in one of the small churches/townhall as well.  The bride is very lovely and beautiful, can't resist a shot.

 

So here's a collection of my sojourn visit for a morning... and now it's back to studying!

Dear Friends,

 

After long period of discussing which city is the most expensive in the world and concludingthat it's London from various news and anecdotes , I think I've found a city to beat that now: it's Stockholm, Sweden.

 

Believe my amazement to discover that prices are more than a few percent higher than here.  Scandinavians do have a high standard of living: very clean city and good facilities (hence high tax rate, unfortunately).  A good place to live if you have the money; truly natural and quiet escape.  Tasty ice-cream as well, comparable to Italy.  The waffle cones are made on the spot, so very tempting...  One thing I found disturbing is the commercial crudeness of the place.  Je ne sais quoi, but I found the bare advertisements once one got off the plane and into the airport, signposted 'Don't forget to buy gifts' or 'Money exchange here' or 'Discount only if...' a bit stark and too imposing.  Compared to London, where Heathrow Airport is lined with HSBC advertisements too, but the adverts focus more on different point of view and what a global MNC can offer.  I think that's more market-subtle hence benign.

 

Nevertheless, I enjoyed this trip to Stockholm.  The stereotype of Scandinavians being tall, blonde and fair is really true.  Can't believe the abundance of beautiful woman and good-looking man.  They are indeed tiny waist, blonde and clear blue eyes type, with fair skin.  Highly recommended sojourn for the lover of beauty.  It must be in the genes!!!

 

On Sunday night (with the sun still shining at 9++ pm), went for a walk in the woods with Topp and his  friends  and did some wild berry picking.  The wild, fresh rasperries really do taste different.  So sweet and fragrant as oppose to those sour one (though bigger) in supermarkets.  Found some others as well, such as cherry and apples, which were excellent.  Thanks Topp and his friends for making the trip a good one.

 

So, another happy and worthwhile weekend.... though i'm happy to be back in London.  Definitely a city-monger!