Diamond Jubilee Celebrations

Trumpet fanfares; gilded State coaches; pristine ceremonial uniforms; centuries of heritage and precisional planning contribute to create the fabulous pageantry that Britain does so well.  As I write this with the television on in the background, crowds of people waving flags are gathering in the Mall and outside Buckingham Palace for the balcony appearance of the Queen and Royal family on the fourth day of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations.  Truly an inspiration, the unique continuity provided by Her Majesty throughout her 60 year reign is awesome.  In true English fashion the weather has been challenging, but our steadfast Queen Elizabeth II has carried on regardless.  The huge energy, enthusiasm and patriotism of the British people supporting the occasion of the Diamond Jubilee has been incredible, but more so the uplifting reality of the Queen's dedication to her role.  Claxons sounding and the roars of the crowd drew me back to watch the televised fly past.  Impressive and moving to see.

Joining in my local neighbourhood party to mark the occasion on Sunday, I baked a traditional Victoria sponge decorated as the Union flag to share.  Everyone loves cake and what a great sense of community to come together and enjoy honouring our Monarch in a time honoured way with afternoon tea.  Long to reign over us, God Save The Queen.

Find the Ducklings

I was going to call this post 'reasons to be cheerful' following the run of grey, wet weather lately, which seemed to have dampened everyones' spirits and then I went for a walk locally to where I live and was enchanted by seeing a rather glamorous duck with her six baby ducklings flitting along the stream in a beam of sunshine.  Mill Road running along the side of Arundel Castle is a joy in all weathers, lined with tall majestic beech trees and displaying the wonders of nature in all her glory year round.  Seeing the adorable little chicks chirping away as they explored their new home was so delightful.  It made me realise we're surrounded by miracles every day, sometimes we just need to stop and appreciate them.

Another uplifting pleasure has been entertaining friends for dinner which gave me the excuse of baking something delicious for dessert.  The best feelgood factor that chocolate always delivers is hard to beat, so I decided to make a dark chocolate roulade filled with black cherries soaked in kirsch, lots of whipped cream, black cherry conserve for added zing and extra shavings of Montezuma's plain chocolate for decoration.  Illiciting responses of 'wow' I'm not sure who enjoyed the indulgence most, either my friends thinking they were in seventh heaven eating it, or me having the benefit of the aroma of baking filling the house and being in my own world preparing the treat.  Everyone was happy and with the bonus of leftovers the following day.

I've since made a double batch of chocolate almond cupcakes as a thank you gift and also to take to another friend who has just left hospital; plus made lemoncurd which is a firm family favourite.  So although I haven't ventured very far lately either for work or leisure, I have lots of exciting travel plans on the horizon to keep me in ancitipation of new directions ahead, but in the meantime have made the most of being somewhere I truly love to be, home.

Herald of Spring

The season of hope, new beginnings and the celebration of life, Spring ushers in an energy boost to raise spirits and with it the chance for reflection on the year's natural rhythm.  My small courtyard garden is currently a joy of fresh growth, vivid shades of green and Spring flowers.  A jug of cheerful "tete-a-tete" scented daffodils sits on my kitchen table.  I feel invigorated after my annual Spring detox, a gentle regime to loose that bloated feeling of putting on a few extra pounds over Winter.  Waistbands no longer feel tight and it's a relief to be comfortable again.

A natural time for de-cluttering Spring's a great time to have a sort out.  You have to let go of the old in order to make way for the new to enter.  Be realistic about what no longer suits your life and what you don't need.  Simplify, streamline and enjoy the sense of clear space.  Even being relatively tidy most of the time, I find those piles of magazines seem to multiply, full cupboards become ever denser, clothes that won't fit in wardrobes are packed away in spare suitcases and storing 'things that may come in useful' overflow into the garage and makes me realise I really do need to focus on taking stock of holding on to so many possessions.  Combined with a vigorous session of Spring cleaning, the end result of which always gives pleasure far beyond the motivation needed to tackle the task in the first place, de-cluttering truly re-energises your home.

I've subsequently been pondering on simple pleasures and easy changes to implement that make a big difference to the quality of life, so to share these thoughts with you:  Choose to spend time with people you find uplifting, not those you don't.  Make the most of each day, wear clothes that make you feel fabulous, raise the effort to look your best.  Be happy.  It's a state of mind acquired by daily practise. Ring the changes, see things from a different perspective, take Spring's fresh new growth as inspiration to try something new yourself.   Sow seeds for the harvest you'd like to reap in your own life as the year evolves. Breathe. Deeply. Smile and be thankful.  Life is for living.

Miss Sheila Scotter AM MBE

I've lapsed from writing my blog lately, no reason why and not for the lack of content, but as often happens in life the longer you leave doing something the harder it seems to become, even if the task is pleasurable.  Today I'm back on track, although for a sad reason as an extremely dear and close friend has just passed away.  It's her voice in my head encouraging me to just get on with it (infact giving me short shrift for procrastinating).   So in loving memory of Sheila Scotter I'd like to share some thoughts as to why she has been such an amazing inspiration in my life and the privilege of knowing her will continue to influence me even in her absence. 

Some people have incredible presence and Sheila was one of those, always dressed in her signature style of black and white.  I first met her through mutual friends 20 years ago when I went to live in Melbourne, Australia, having embarked on the type of adventure one undertakes in one's twenties that just evolves.  A Londoner by birth England was home and my original plan was to go to Sydney for a year to broaden my horizons.  I never did get to live in Sydney but  decided instead to go to Melbourne, even though I didn't know a soul there.  Described to me as 'formidable but loving' Sheila lived up to their words and took me under her wing.   

When I first knew her Sheila lived at 'The Stables' in Millswyn Street, South Yarra.  Professionally decorated there was a beautiful small walled garden planted only with carefully chosen green shrubs and white flowers, lit at night to become a delightful feature bringing the outdoors in.  Her subsequent home was my favourite of the two - a spacious, comfortable and chic apartment in the heart of Albert Park, Melbourne.   Ideal for entertaining as Sheila was the perfect host, the table was always beautifully laid and thoughtful touches of things on display relevant to her guests' interests were complemented with stunning flowers.  Having returned to the UK after my stint of living in Australia subsequently seeing Sheila on trips back over the years was always a highlight of my travels.  Our friendship continued through cards and phone calls across the miles and I shall miss the sound of her voice.  Even to the last, at the age of 91 her erudite advice and sharp observations had the same clarity of when I first met her.

Although Sheila's autobiography "Snaps, Secrets and Stories from my life" is widely known in Australia, not many people know of her earlier book "The Bedside Cookbook" - a fascinating collection of stories and recipes sourced through her own experiences of so many amazing people and places.  Having had the pleasure of helping Sheila organise a couple of her renowned fundraising gala evenings in aid of causes close to her heart such as the Australian National Ballet, I learnt so much - particularly the impeccable timing of running an event, including after dinner speakers to keep to 'three minutes max' as her briefing notes stated (irrespective of whomever they were).  Woe betide anyone who spoke for longer as they risked being admonished in front of the entire room of guests.

On Sheila's last trip to the UK I enjoyed a wonderful day taking her on a trip down memory lane to see her old school (St. Swithun's near Winchester, Hampshire) and for lunch in the New Forest, an area of her childhood that she loved.   Sheila's loyalty to her friends, generosity and great sense of humour may not have been so apparent to those who didn't know her well.  As Editor of Vogue Australia and founder of Vogue Living magazine Sheila truly blazed her own trail.  Ever practical, Sheila told me she had planned her funeral service to the last, including her desire to have an eco-conscious woven casket and to be buried in her white silk dressing gown.  Living on the other side of the world I'm so sorry that the distance means I won't be able to attend her funeral in Melbourne and pay my last respects in person.  So Sheila, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for being such an incredible friend and mentor.  As you said to me when John Truscott passed away "I envy the angels".  They are in for a treat.  God Bless.  

Langkawi, Malaysia

I first heard of the island of Langkawi over 20 years ago, the place where a new found friend called Hani came from, but left to become an air-stewardess, married an Australian and subsequently lived in Canberra.  She was the best cook and seemed very exotic with her beautiful complexion and chic Asian style.  Intrigued by her descriptions of ancient tropical rainforests, stunning beaches and amazing food, I mentally stored the idea of going to Langkawi as a special place to experience.  Fast forward to five years ago and I finally made it.  The reality did not disappoint.  I've just enjoyed a return visit and was delighted to discover the five years since have not spoilt this wonderful island.  My favourite combination of places to stay was still as special and developments have only been good ones.  That's a rarity in a world where progress is turbocharged and secrets don't remain secrets long.  I'm happy to report the recent addition of the Temple Straits collection to the much loved Bon Ton Resort has added to the unique atmosphere.  Bon Ton is an almost magical place to be, offering stylish and individual accommodation in a collection of restored old Malay houses.  The Nam restaurant is casual Asian-fusion dining at its best. 

A leisurely 30 minute drive away on the coast the refurbishment at the Datai has ensured this smart but relaxed hotel will also remain on my list of travel highlights.  The Datai is an architectural feat of achievement, nestled in natural rainforest, complete with monkeys and birds, but leading down to a pristine beach and warm sea which is safe to swim in.  It's idyllic (and I haven't even mentioned the spa).  Although a new phase of beach villas is currently being built these are hidden from the beach by established vegetation and will enable guests to be lulled to sleep by the rhythmic sound of the sea, whilst surrounded in 21st century comfort and technology.  Thankfully devoid of any commercial influence the unspoilt simplicity of the Datai beach is one of my favourite places in the world.  The Four Seasons resort may offer super pavilions to stay in, but the beach is not comparable.   Unlike the Datai which looks out across the Andaman sea, the Four Seasons on the less appealing Tanjung Rhu beach has a view of a cement factory.  This is the single reason alone I would not want to stay there, however luxurious the rooms are.  When you come to paradise you don't want to be reminded of reality.

View from Kuala Lumpur

With a hot and humid tropical climate Kuala Lumpur, capital of Malaysia, is a vibrant year-round destination.  Offering probably the best views in KL Traders hotel looks across a landscaped park to the Suria KLCC centre and iconic Petronas towers, the highest twin towers in the world.  Since my last visit a new observation area has opened on the 86th floor (there are 88 floors in total) in addition to the impressive sky bridge linking the towers on levels 41 and 42 (the upper level being for office workers ease of access). The sense of height with bird's-eye view of the city is definitely worth experiencing as long as you don't suffer from vertigo, in which case don't even think about it.

There's always something special about a hotel exceeding expectations and never having been to the Traders Hotel before I was impressed by the highly professional and efficient staff able to anticipate guests' needs before they are aware of them.  Within minutes of check-in a dinner reservation at the Gobo Restaurant and spa appointment had been confirmed on my behalf, so I was able to enjoy a relaxing first night after an unexpectedly long journey from Borneo (flight delayed by over three hours).  My favourite hotel in KL, the Mandarin Oriental, is hard to beat with fabulous outdoor pool plus recently refurbished restaurants (including the excellent Mosaic).  Traders is their near neighbour situated at the opposite end of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre complex.

A short taxi ride away Lot 10 Hutong is a fun, informal place to eat.  Described as Malaysia's "Best of the Best" street comfort food, this is a collection of hawker-style stalls but with air-conditioning.  Or if you're shopping at the tempting Suria KLCC, take the escalator to the top floor and Madame Kwan's for award-winning Nasi Lemak (chicken with a sambal sauce, rice cooked with coconut milk, garnished with hard boiled egg), followed by light banana fritters and vanilla ice cream, both favourite dishes ordered by Malaysians.

KL is a dynamic destination, with the Government's target of becoming Asia's business hub.  The city is relatively young, having been established as a tin mining settlement in the late 1800's, but total transformation in the 130 years since has seen impressive growth and investment. Relics of the old remain with the preserved Central Market, now a cultural and shopping centre; and areas such as 'Little India'; plus 'Little China'.  As a complete contrast go trekking in natural rainforest situated just 30 minutes from the city centre.  Even with a weaker pound Malaysia offers really good value for money and a few days in KL combines perfectly with onward travel to enjoy more of the country and islands, or as a stopover on a longer trip. 

Selamat Datang! Welcome to Malaysia!

"Fish lip soup" in answer to my question enquiring what I was eating was not a response I wanted to hear.  My host explained it has replaced shark fin soup as the new delicacy in Chinese dining.  Discretely putting my spoon down I moved on to the next dish, sea snails, also challenging but more appetising as I convinced myself they were just like large cockles.  Perhaps I'm not as ambitious trying new things as I previously thought.  Thankfully the lobster salad and other dishes at the gala dinner I was a guest at were delicious.  I'm currently in Malaysia, a melting pot of cultures but predominantly Malay, Indian and Chinese, all of which are reflected in the diverse range of cuisine.  Instead of asking "How are you" on meeting, Malaysians say "Have you eaten?"  Food is top of everyones' agenda.

I began my trip in Sabah, the eastern state of Malaysia also known as Borneo. The flight to Kota Kinabalu, or KK as it's locally known, took two-and-a-half hours from Kuala Lumpur airport (after a 12.5 hour outward flight from London).  All within easy radius of KK I've seen orangutangs in their natural habitat; been to an award-winning marine conservation centre; travelled on the North Borneo steam railway as a step back to the colonial era; and enjoyed discovering the traditions of the five original tribes in Sabah all centrally demonstrated at the Mari-Mari Cultural Centre.

Staying at the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort was fabulous and the perfect place for exploring the area.  For diving enthusiasts, bird-watching; trekking in tropical rainforest; and white-water rafting Sabah is the ideal destination for action and adventure.