Cooking, for me, is a calming and enjoyable experience.
The apartment we live in has 28 windows running around three sides of our upper floor, so wherever I stand I can see the city below us. I love to work at a bench, kneading or chopping, grinding or mixing and being able to see all around me. The preparation of food can be a meditative experience as I stand and work and gaze out, soothed by the everchanging view of the unpredictable British weather.
Because we are so high up and have so many windows, the views are amazing. I love seeing the seasons change and perhaps the most beautiful time is dawn….
……..the sun rising through the mist that swirls around the trees below us is one of my favourite sights.
Sometimes a stormy dawn will fill the sky with vibrant colours contrasted against grey and turbulent skies….
… and a bright dawn fills me with happiness
In the winter the snow reflects the light back, brightening the morning.
Even on grey and rain filled days the apartment is filled with light. There’s something so cosy about being inside, in the warm, when the rain lashes against the windows.
And the bliss of being inside when the snow piles up on the sills outside while you are inside, surrounded by warmth and the smell of something wonderful cooking.
I do love living here. Not one day is the same as another and each day’s view is different.
Soon, though, the change is going to be more dramatic and you will be treated to a new and very different view from my window.
The Bear and I are off, embarking on an adventure that will mean a total change in the way we live, the things we see and the food we cook and eat. I have to do lots of sorting and packing and sharing out the things we can’t take with us… there’ll be chances for everyone to win DVDs and cookery books. And I do mean everyone. Some things I give away will have to be sent to UK people only, simply because of the postage costs… but a light weight DVD? Well I am sure I could afford to post that almost anywhere.
In six months time or so, we will be living on the other side of the world as the Bear will be working for three years in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. And I will be going with him.
The Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur
Imagine the difference in the views…..imagine the difference in the ingredients and the cooking…imagine the fun we will all have.
The Bear has been to Kuala Lumpur many times and took the following pictures they will give you an idea of the vibrancy, the colour and the busy bustling city….
Traffic in Kuala Lumpur
Beautifully illuminated fountains in Kuala Lumpur
The KL Monorail
The skyscrapers really do seem to scrape at the sky
… and it’s not all traffic and building… there are palm trees and beautiful fountains everywhere.
Things change all the time and I know this is going to be a big change but that’s good.
Change is exciting and I hope you’ll enjoy the changing views and changing food and recipes with us.
