Nobody in my family can agree what age I was, or any of us kids were, when we stopped coming to Taos, New Mexico for the summer. My dad taught graduate art school there, so every summer my parents would load up the station wagon with everything we’d need for 6 weeks. We rented aContinue reading “Returning to Taos”
Tag Archives: America
Returning to New York City…as a mother
I spent 10 of my most formative years in New York City — those in my 20s and early 30s, drinking, dining, dating, working and generally becoming what passes for an adult. Then I left for London and a British life with my husband. I love London, but New York is still my spiritual home.Continue reading “Returning to New York City…as a mother”
The latest great American import: the doggy bag
The list of things America has given the food world is substantial: Velveeta, the Hard Rock cafe, the list goes on. But now one of our most widespread contributions has finally gained purchase on English soil: the doggy bag. So simple a concept. After your restaurant meal that you’ve paid for, you take home whatContinue reading “The latest great American import: the doggy bag”
Why Americans should love Guy Fawkes night
Everybody needs a holiday during which you can squirm with anticipation until nightfall, burn your fingers on spent sparklers, and singe your hair while lighting firecrackers. I grew up celebrating Fourth of July in Texas, but I quite like Guy Fawkes Night here in the UK. Not only does it get darker earlier (hurrah!) butContinue reading “Why Americans should love Guy Fawkes night”
The definitive map of the world according to Americans?
One of the challenges as an American abroad – both living and travelling – are the preconceptions people have about us. You know – childlike, fat, shorts-wearing jingoists. Anyone who knows me, knows this isn’t universally true of Americans. I, for one, hardly ever wear shorts. I’ll leave it up to you to decide theContinue reading “The definitive map of the world according to Americans?”
Disney Dream cruises: good for family – and adult – fun
All cruise ships are big but on the new Disney Dream ship (1,250 staterooms, 14 decks) if you want a break from the children as they play on deck 5, you can have a drink in Hong Kong. Or New York or Paris, depending on the day. A panaromic LCD screen at The Skyline barContinue reading “Disney Dream cruises: good for family – and adult – fun”
Thanksgiving and 7 weird American foods
Today is Thanksgiving and this week I discovered the special “Thanksgiving” tab on Ocado shopping. I’ve never been so horrified in my entire life. I was expecting turkey and fresh green beans and pumpkin puree for pies…and they did have those things. But otherwise this special section doesn’t reflect very well on us Americans. InsteadContinue reading “Thanksgiving and 7 weird American foods”