LIFESTYLE

REFLECTION | GOODBYE 2023 – HELLO 2024

Hello Beautiful Souls! As we bid farewell to the tapestry of 2023, it’s time to unravel the threads of memories and relish the abundance this year has woven. Amidst the hustle, I’m thrilled to have maintained the consistency of our rendezvous through this blog, with the only break being the unfortunate downtime of the website.

Looking ahead to the upcoming year, my focus is set on improving visibility, especially for fellow travellers and Londoners. I’m eager to provide more real-time updates, ensuring you don’t miss out on the vibrant events that grace this city. There’s also a contemplation of a website upgrade for a smoother browsing experience.

Let’s dive into the top ten moments that unfolded in the tapestry of my life this year through the lens of my blog.

#1 Moving Flats: The year commenced with the challenge of finding a new home. Despite the hurdles, settling into my new abode was a victorious journey. For those contemplating a solo move in London, I’ve chronicled my experience in two parts – a guide worth checking out. Part 1 & Part 2.

#2 South African Odyssey: While reminiscing about a Greek escapade from the previous year, 2023 gifted me the enchanting landscapes of South Africa. Stay tuned for an exhaustive blog next summer, detailing my adventures and sharing invaluable tips for those considering organized travel and safaris.

#3 The Theatrical Charms: London’s theatrical brilliance was epitomized in two productions – “Moulin Rouge” and “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.” A must for any theatre enthusiast!

#4 My Birthday Extravaganza: My birthday was graced by the presence of my mum and a stay in a lovely hotel, marked by an unforgettable dinner at the Library and Lecture Room in Sketch, followed by a lavish afternoon tea at The Ritz. Both experiences are highly recommended for those seeking a touch of indulgence.

#5 Aqua Shard Delight: A lunch at Aqua Shard proved to be a visual and gastronomic delight, offering one of the best panoramic views of London at an affordable price.

#6 Artistic Sojourns: The Victoria & Albert Museum’s exhibition on Gabrielle Chanel left an unforgettable mark. A pledge for 2024 is to explore more art and exhibitions, courtesy of my ArtFund Pass.

#7 Winter Wonderland Whimsy: Embracing the festive spirit, group exploration of Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, complete with a Ferris wheel adventure, was a winter highlight.

#8 Christmas Display Extravaganza: A walking tour of Central London’s Christmas displays with a friend added a spark of joy. Each display was more beautiful than the last, creating lasting memories.

#9 September Foodtober: Due to my South African sojourn, Foodtober was rescheduled to September. From affordable to lavish, every recommendation was savoured with friends and family.

#10 La Dame de Pic: The grand finale was a celebration at La Dame de Pic, my first Michelin-starred restaurant experience, marking a friend’s birthday. Gratitude overflows for this exceptional experience.

As I express my sincere gratitude for your unwavering readership, let’s usher in a healthy and prosperous 2024 together. The upcoming year promises a cascade of exciting content. Stay tuned every Friday for a new weekly blog post – see you in 2024!

#HelloLondon #LondonLife #LivingAbroad #Happy #GoodVibes #MissWidjaja2024 #MWLifeAfter35 #HelloConcerts #StayCreative #FunWeekend #Friends #Londonist #LondonTravelers #Londoning #LondonCity #TimeOut #TheatreLondon #MusicalsLondon #ConcertsLondon #FestivalLondon #LondonBlogger #ContentCreator #TravelBlogs #DrinksTable #FoodCorner #Lifestyle #Travel #Art #Fashion #EnjoyLife #FeelBlessed #ThankYou #BeautifulSouls #ReflectionOfTheYear #GOODBYE2023HELLO2024

LIFESTYLE

HELLO LONDON | WINTER LIGHTS IN CANARY WHARF

Hello Beautiful Souls! I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas with your loved ones and is enjoying the Christmas blog posts. This blog post will be the last one of the year before I reflect on 2023 in another blog post. 

The winter lights festival is actually in January 2024. If you are heading to London around this time, do not forget to pass by Canary Wharf. This festival is free of charge. You will discover numerous incredible light installations from great artists spread out around Canary Wharf.

I have been to the Winter Lights at the beginning of 2023. It was my first time, but I had so much fun tracking to capture every light installation. From what I saw on their website, this is recurring every year. At least, it has been the last seven years. 

In total, there were twenty-two installations to see. Five of them are permanent public art collection installations. So these installations will still be there after the festival.

A tip is to go early to have a big lunch or an early dinner and start hunting around 6 or 7 pm. Canary Wharf is full of appealing restaurants. It might get busy, so expect to queue for some time at some light installations. If you are in good company and the weather is okay, it will pass in no time. We had to wait for the longest at installation 16, maybe around thirty minutes.

The Winter Lights should be ten days from 5-10 pm daily. Just keep an eye on the website. 

Artist line-up of #WinterLights2023 :

  1. Bit. fall by Julius Popp
  2. The Clew by Ottotto
  3. PING by Gijs van Bon
  4. Permafrost – Sleeping Giants by Fisheye
  5. Continuum by Illumaphonium
  6. The Stars Come Out at Night by Stellar Projects
  7. Captivated by Colour by Camille Walala
  8. Intonaluci “The Light Snails” by Calidos
  9. Fragmented Appearances by Gertjan Adema
  10. We Could Meet by Martin Richman
  11. Elantica “The Boulder” by Tom&Lien Dekyvere
  12. You exist, here, now by The Fandangoe Kid
  13. in[visible] by Daniel Popescu
  14. Out of the Dark by Tom Lambert
  15. Glories by Richard William Wheater
  16. Anima by ELISAVA Barcelona School of Design and Engineering
  17. Toroid by This is Loop
  18. Lightbenches ‘Classic’ by LBO Lichtbank
  19. Emergence by This is Loop
  20. Fluorescent Firs
  21. Crystal Greenhouse by Shared Space and Light
  22. Floating Earth by Luke Jerram

#hellolondon #londonlife #livingabroad #happy #goodvibes #misswidjaja2023 #mwlifeafter35 #hellogems #staycreative⁠ #WinterLights2023 #CanaryWharf #fun #scavengerhunt #London #london.travelers @canarywharflondon #lifestyle #christmasblogs #londondrinks #londonist #london.travelers #londoning #thingstodoinlondon

FOOD CORNER

HELLO LONDON | 28 – 50 OXFORD CIRCUS

Hello Beautiful Souls, I hope this blog post finds you in good spirits, surrounded by warmth and joy. Today, I’m excited to share a glimpse into our recent Christmas dinner with work at the exquisite 28-50 on Oxford Circus—an evening that seamlessly blended modern European dining, exceptional wine, and impeccable service.

The setting at 28-50 Oxford Circus is nothing short of enchanting. As we entered, the ambience whispered promises of a memorable night. The place exudes sophistication, creating the perfect backdrop for a festive gathering. The staff, true to their reputation, greeted us with warmth and professionalism.

For our Christmas dinner, a delightful twist awaited us. We had the pleasure of pre-selecting our dishes, and my choices left me nothing short of delighted. To start, the Smoked Salmon with pickled cucumber, dill, and mustard yoghurt set the tone for an evening of culinary indulgence. The flavours danced on my palate, creating a perfect harmony.

For the main course, the Lamb Shoulder stole the spotlight. Nestled on a bed of parsnip purée, cavolo nero, and lamb jus, every bite was a celebration of succulence and depth. It was a dish that exemplified the culinary prowess of 28-50, leaving an indelible mark on my taste buds.

The grand finale came in the form of an Apple and rhubarb Crumble paired with velvety vanilla ice cream. Divine is an understatement for this dessert—it was a symphony of flavours that brought the meal to a perfect conclusion.

Though the memory is vivid, I must confess, the red wine escapes me. But fear not, for it only means one thing—I have a delightful reason to return. I’m already looking forward to exploring more of their wine selection, savouring each sip with the same enthusiasm that characterized our Christmas dinner.

If you’re seeking a blend of modern European cuisine, exceptional wine, and a touch of festive magic, 28-50 on Oxford Circus is the place to be. Until next time, may your days be filled with joy and your tables with delectable delights.

Sending you warm wishes and culinary delights,

Miss Widjaja

#ChristmasDinner #OxfordCircusEats #FestiveFeast #CulinaryDelights #WinePairing #EuropeanCuisine #HolidayMagic #DiningExperience #FoodieAdventures #LondonEats #28-50OxfordCircus #TasteOfJoy #HelloLondon #MissWidjajaAdventures

FOOD CORNER

HELLO LONDON | THE ELYSEE – FITZROVIA

Hello Beautiful Souls, Today, I’m excited to share a delightful discovery—an unexpected gem that has found its place in my heart. The setting is Fitzrovia, and the star of the show is The Elysée on 13 Percy Street.

Picture this: a crisp winter evening, filled with the festive spirit and the promise of good company. My journey to The Elysée was serendipitous, as we found ourselves there for a quick bite after an evening out. And can you believe it? Christmas is that special time of the year when I find myself indulging a bit more than usual.

The Elysée, a charming Greek restaurant tucked away on Percy Street, welcomed us with open arms. The place was alive with energy, laughter, and the unmistakable aroma of delicious Greek cuisine. Luck was on our side as we managed to snag a table in this bustling haven.

If you’re in the mood for an authentic Greek night out paired with a hearty dinner, The Elysée is the place to be. The ambience is filled with the warmth of Greek hospitality, and there’s so much happening around you. I opted for the lamb souvlaki with rice and a refreshing salad—an excellent choice if I may say so.

What truly sets The Elysée apart is the entertainment that unfolds throughout the night. From mesmerizing belly dancing to a gentleman with an impressive tower of glasses above his head, the experience is nothing short of enchanting. The dance floor comes alive, and the grand finale involves the exhilarating tradition of plate throwing—a spectacle that adds a touch of drama to the evening.

As I savour the memories of this charming Greek restaurant, I’m already contemplating a return, perhaps in the summer. Rumour has it that The Elysée boasts a roof garden, promising a different kind of magic under the open sky.

The Elysée on Percy Street is a hidden treasure, and I can’t wait to revisit and uncover more layers of its charm. Until then, may your days be filled with unexpected discoveries and the joy of the festive season.

Sending you warmth and wanderlust,

Miss Widjaja

#TheElysée #GreekDining #FitzroviaEats #AuthenticCuisine #FestiveDiscoveries #CulinaryAdventures #LondonNights #HiddenGems #BellyDancingMagic #PlateThrowingTradition #SummerNights #RoofGardenMagic #HelloLondon #MissWidjajaAdventures