London Autumn best 5

Gosh it's Christmas time already.
How does it come time flies so fast in this city?
Well, it has been a wonderful autumn since the last time I wrote you and I have been doing a lot of funny, scary, interesting and lovely things. I'm a really active bear!
Some of them are not on anymore and it's a pity as they were really amazing, some of them are on their way so I will anticipate. So this is my "autumn14-chart". Enjoy!!!

1- Lord of the Dance - Dangerous Games at London Palladium: Michael Flatley's show was in London in September and October. I really couldn't miss it as it was a dream coming true and all my expectations were definitely satisfied. I really appreciated irish music and dance, the story and the epic final I had been watching on the dvd for years.A little melancholy appeared as Mr Flatley told about all the efforts put in this show since he started, but I can say they were worth it!

2- Autumn foliage in London parks. I think pictures talk by themselves. It's one of the best moments of the year and the parks shine of different sparkling colors.

3- London Dungeon: I visited it just between Halloween and Bonfire Night: is there a better moment for that? I was surprised in a positive way: you won't just walk along the justice systems and medieval torture of past London, you will really become part of the show assisting real scenes animated by a cast of actors who could play Shakespeare without any doubt! Thrilling surprises, rides, theatre and culture all mixed up to create a fantastic show. Once out you will appreciate the day-light and enjoy a "chocolate-torture" on the river ;)

4- Wicked: one of my best bear-friends came to visit me and we went to see Wicked at Apollo Victoria Theatre. The Wizard of Oz had a lot of secrets to reveal before Dorothy could discover his world. I really couldn't imagine it! Great cast and voices, special effects that will make you feel in a real-fantasy world so be prepared to defy gravity!

5- Last but not least: Paddington Bear coming to town! This winter will be all for Paddington movie, the famous lovely bear coming from Peru and facing a lot of adventures in London. The city is full of statues to find, like hidden gems to look for and I really enjoy going around to meet him and asking him suggestions about how to survive as a little bear in this wonderful and challenging town. Waiting for the movie I will try to find as many Paddington as I can! It will always be a pleasure to greet him!

So what's your favourite autumn London activity? Don't be shy and let me know!

Happy 2nd Birthday Teddy

August is flying away, but I can't forget this is Teddy's second birthday.
My little Teddy Bear has become to me such a lovely voice to tell London daily life with different eyes, different dimensions, different points of view, it's not that easy to consider things through the eyes of a little pet! However it's funny and delicate at the same time and, even when life gets busy, I want to find some time for Teddy.
London is such an amazing city there would be something to talk about every day, it's a real door on the world, be sure that whatever happens on hearth you will touch and experience a part of it in London. And that's basically the main reason why I love this city so much.

So happy birthday Teddy, with the purpose of experiencing, having fun, discovering, developing, creating, enjoying new talents and pleasures, taking the best side of life. That is what I wish to all those who will see these pages, by chance or interest.

A Cupcake-affaire

Summer is made for memories to build and they can be related to places, people, feelings, sounds, food. And flavours that remain in your brain more than in your mouth.
So I will absolutely remember this summer for new cupcakes I have tasted.
It was a grey, fresh (uhm... cold I'd say) day and I was wandering in London-town when I suddenly met a bright lovely light-blue carriage full of inviting different cupcakes: Lola's cupcakes.
I immediately saw myself in my hole with some of those sweets and a cup of hot and warming tea. So I decided for 4 of them (the choice was not easy indeed!): the salted caramel, the black forest, the macadamia&dark chocolate, the cheese icing and I have to admit: this one has completely seduced me.
The cake is soft and fluffy, the mix of icing and jam, nuts and other flavours well balanced and really creative.
It's possible to choose between 2 different sizes, and -as a bear- I should have chosen the smallest, but I like challenges and I am a brave bear so I took the bigger ones. It's time to prepare the energy to face the colder season after all!
Well done Lola!
http://www.lolas-kitchen.co.uk/index.php

L'estate è fatta per i ricordi da costruire e possono provenire da luoghi, persone, sensazioni, suoni, cibo. E sapori che rimangono in testa molto più a lungo che fra i denti.
Così sono certo che ricorderò questa estate per aver provato nuovi cupcakes.
Era una giornata grigia e fresca (oserei dire proprio fredda!) e stavo vagando giù in città quando improvvisamente ho incontrato un carretto azzurro pieno di cupcakes tutti diversi e tanto invitanti: Lola's cupcakes.
Mi sono visto subito nella mia tana con alcuni di quei dolcetti e una tazza di te caldo.
Così mi sono deciso per 4 (scelta per niente facile!): caramello salato, foresta nera, noci di macadamia e cioccolato, copertura alla cheesecake, e devo ammettere quest'ultimo mi ha completamente sedotto.
Il tortino è assolutamente soffice e morbido, il mix di coperture e marmellate, frutta secca e altri ingredienti ben bilanciato e molto creativo.
Si può scegliere fra 2 dimensioni, e come orsetto avrei dovuto prendere i più piccolini, ma a me piacciono le sfide e sono molto coraggioso così ho preso i più grandi. E' tempo di preparare le energie per affrontare le stagioni più fredde dopo tutto.
Ben fatto Lola!
http://www.lolas-kitchen.co.uk/index.php

A bear-postcard for you

I know it's raining a lot around Europe and Italy, but summer is keeping good in London by now, with some whole sunny days, really lovely to enjoy.
Today I was going around in Kensington Gardens as I found this little cute statue that seemed to be made for little bears, so this is my postcard of the day for you.
With love,
Teddy
XXX

So che sta piovendo molto in certe zone d'Europa e in Italia, ma l'estate si sta mantenendo buona a Londra con alcune giornate soleggiate davvero amabili e godibili.
Oggi ero in giro ai Giardini di Kensington quando ho trovato questa piccola adorabile statua che sembrava fatta proprio per piccoli orsetti, così ve la trasmetto come cartolina del giorno per voi.
Con affetto
il vostro Teddy
XXX

Teddy's Holidays. Colmar.

Where is Teddy gone? Everybody is asking!
Well, I have to admit, I have been travelling a lot in the past 2 months!
I faced a long trip to go to visit my family in Italy. More than 1000 miles, and all by myself: what an adventure!
I went through 5 different Countries: UK, France, Belgium, Switzerland and Italy. Really a lot for a little bear like me.
I stopped in such a lovely town, in France, that I really want to share with you: Colmar.
When you say France people always think to Paris, maybe Cote d'Azur and that's all, but this Country is so full of lovely towns and villages, and Colmar is one of these.
I stopped here for 1 night, I had already been here once and I am really glad I visited it again.
Firstly, as you arrive you are stunned by the unexpected copy of the Statue of Liberty, usually known to be in New York: that's because it was designed by Auguste Bartholdi, who was born in this french town. I really wanted to climb it (it's not as high as the original one) but I had so many things to visit I changed my mind, and in the end, there was no honey on top of it!
Colmar is absolutely fascinating on sunset time. You can walk through the town center and enjoy the little channels along the streets until what is called Petite-Venise (Little Venice): a lovely and poetic area full of historic buildings, taverns and brasserie surrounded by small canals. With the first evening lights turning on it looks really magic.
I really suggest to stop at the marché couvert (covered market) in Rue des Écoles: a little door will open for you a space of stalls and shops of any kind, from crafts to bakeries, all french style. It is worth a visit!
Then you will enjoy the shopping streets and the bakeries and patisseries, which will surround you of that intense butter sweetness, while croissants and pain au chocolat grow in the ovens. You won't end your visit without a baguette in your hand.
This is Colmar in summer, but it's much more famous for its Christmas market in winter, one of the best of Alsace region.
I'll see you again, douce Colmar.

Dov'è finito Teddy? Me lo chiedono tutti!
Devo ammettere che ho viaggiato un sacco negli ultimi 2 mesi!
Ho affrontato un lungo viaggio per andare a trovare la mia famiglia di orsetti in Italia. Più di 1000 miglia e tutte per conto mio: che avventura è stata!
Ho attraversato 5 Paesi diversi: UK, Francia, Belgio, Svizzera e Italia. E' davvero tanto per un orsetto piccolo come me!
Mi sono fermato per una tappa in una così bella cittadina in Francia che voglio condividerla con voi: Colmar.
Quando dici Francia tutti pensano a Parigi, forse la Cote d'Azur, ma questo Paese è così pieno di cittadine e villaggi meravigliosi e Colmar è una di queste.
Mi sono fermato per una notte, ci ero già stato una volta e sono proprio contento di averla visitata di nuovo.
Innanzi tutto, all'arrivo alle porte della città si rimane colpiti dalla copia inaspettata della Statua della Libertà, generalmente conosciuta per essere a New York: questo perchè è stata disegnata e progettata da Auguste Bartholdi, nato in questa cittadina appunto.
Volevo scalarla (non è assolutamente alta come l'originale), ma avevo così tante cose da visitare che ho cambiato idea, anche perchè non c'era mica il miele là sopra!
Colmar ha un fascino particolare al tramonto. Si può passeggiare lungo il centro e godersi i piccoli canali che costeggiano le vie fino a quella che è chiamata Petite-Venise (Piccola Venezia): una zona molto poetica piena di edifici storici, taverne e brasserie, cinte dai piccoli canali. L'atmosfera è ancor più magica all'accendersi delle prime luci della sera.
Suggerisco davvero una visita al Mercato Coperto in Rue des Écoles: una porticina vi aprirà uno spazio fatto di bancarelle e negozietti in vero stile francese: vale la visita.
Potrete poi proseguire per le vie dello shopping, dove non mancano mai pasticcerie da cui proviene quell'intenso profumo di burro di croissants e pain au chocolat che crescono in forno. Non finirete la visita senza una baguette in mano.
Questa è Colmar d'estate, ma è anche più famosa per il suo mercato natalizio d'inverno, uno dei più belli dell'Alsazia.
Ci rivedremo, dolce Colmar.

Glorious London spring

I.have been waiting for so long, a whole rainy winter is gone and now a glorious sunny-time seems to be here, again, for us to enjoy all along London town.

Really, leaving the hole, going around the parks, an ice-cream in your hand, the sun shining, children playing and laughing, nature showing its best side, flowers blooming, squirrels running, opens your heart to new life and good hope.

I have just put some pics together to share this lovely London Spring 2014.

Ho aspettato così tanto, un intero inverno piovoso ormai lontano e adesso il sole sembra essere di nuovo qui, da godere in tutta la città.

Davvero, lasciare la tana, girovagare fra i parchi, un gelato in mano, il sole che splende, i bambini che ridono e giocano, la natura nella sua veste migliore, i fiori che sbocciano, apre il cuore a nuova vita e buona speranza.

Così ho messo insieme un po' di foto, da condividere per questa meravigliosa primavera di Londra versione 2014.

Who are the most satisfied type of expats? Post by HSBC Expat Project

For those who dream of the life that expatriation offers, it would appear that expats live an unparalleled lifestyle—simultaneously working and globetrotting, hopping from one exotic beach to another or experiencing a culture so ancient that every weekend is brimming with enthralling adventures to pursue. What a life! It could surely inspire travelling’s greatest critics.

Inspiringexpats, however, is a completely different ball game altogether. It is not impossible though. Expats tend to listen to other expats’ tales of adventure when deciding upon their next holiday or home. Those expats who are the happiest with their lifestyle are typically those who inspire other expats the most—so who are the most satisfied expats?

The social animal

Asia is currently a hotspot for satisfied expats.  Social circles are created quickly there; they’re also bigger as well as stronger. Social life in Asia is a way of life rather than a means to use up some spare time. Those expats who do not invest enough in their social lives will, in fact, be missing out on a whole new, exciting and extremely rewarding dimension of what life abroad can provide.

The all-rounder

Expats who manage to successfully balance work with social life are great characters to go to for a real picture of where they have been. They have so much more to say about a place than simply work or perhaps what is around the Central Business District. They’ll tell you about the best restaurants from an expat and a local’s point of view, and they’ll delve into hilarious stories of nights out with friends and why that location was the best place to be in at that time with those friends.

The wanderer

There is a particular group of expats who are happiest when climbing a mountain in Sri Lanka or trekking through a jungle in Borneo. It’s as if they were born to step out of their comfort zone and so they are either partaking in said adventure or planning what adventure will be their next. This group is also extremely happy with what they have managed to achieve, learn and get out of life. Their stories of camp fires on Mongolia’s Gobi Desert or going barefoot on Salar de Atacama (the salt flats in Chile).

Get some inspiration, you never know where it might take you!

This guest blog post was written by Expat Explorer, brought to you by HSBC Expat.

Day out idea: National Maritime Museum

What a wonderful day today! I turned into a sailor-bear and went to the National Maritime Museum! It's huge, on 3 floors (Ground, 1 and 2) and full of different areas to explore for adults and children. 

I went through the age of explorers discovering new worlds, learning all the risks of the sea and the rules of safety, enjoyed the ship-simulators and had a look to different maps and instruments.

Once outside you'll reach Cutty Sark, that has travelled around the world until 1922, when it was preserved as national jewel due to his beauty and expeditions. 

The website will give you a lot of informations about opening times, collections and exhibitions: http://www.rmg.co.uk/

I went home with a lot of images in my mind, singing along this famous Dire Straits song, ready to dream my sails to spread to the wind.

 

Che giornata oggi! Mi sono trasformato in un orsetto-marinaio e sono andato al National Maritime Museum! E' enorme, su 3 piani (terra, 1 e 2) e pieno di aree diverse da esplorare per adulti e bambini.

Sono passato attraverso il periodo degli esploratori scoprendo con loro nuovi mondi, imparando i rischi del mare e leggi per la sua sicurezza, ho provato i simulatori delle navi e dato un'occhiata a mappe e strumenti.

Appena fuori si può raggiungere Cutty Sark, la nave che ha viaggiato tutto il mondo prima di essere donata alla nazione nel 1922 per la sua fama e bellezza.

Sul sito troverete moltissime informazioni utili su orari di visita e mostre permanenti e temporanee

http://www.rmg.co.uk/

Me ne sono tornato a casa con tante immagini in mente, canticchiando una famosa canzone dei Dire Straits, pronto a sognare di aprire le mie vele al vento.

A new view on London-town

Here I am, again! My goodness, one month is gone so quickly and I have been so busy I have forgotten to appear in my blog.

I hope you are all feeling well, now that spring is arrived.
I have had a lot of things to do for my new hole, but now I am settled and happy and ready to explore new corners of London.
The pictures in this post are taken from the Royal Observatory in the middle of Greenwich Park.
There's an amazing view from there, it's really breathtaking. You can see the O2 Arena, Canary Wharf buildings and loose yourself until the City, the Shard and, in the brightest days the London Eye also.
It seems to be the perfect way to welcome the warm months coming with London in your pocket!

E' passato un mese e sono stato così occupato con la mia nuova tana che mi sono dimenticato di apparire nel mio blog!
Spero stiate tutti bene ora che è arrivata anche la primavera. Io ho avuto davvero tanto da fare, ma ora sono sistemato, felice e pronto a godermi nuovi angoli di Londra!
le foto di questo post sono state scattate al Royal Observatory in pieno Greenwich Park.

C'è una vista fantastica da là, da togliere il fiato, si può vedere la O2 Arena, i palazzi di Canary Wharf e perdersi fino alla City, lo Shard e nei giorni più limpidi anche il London Eye.
Mi sembra il modo migliore per dare il benvenuto ai mesi più caldi, con Londra in tasca!

Let's meet Paddington!

Today is one of those days when you stop and think.
I see new spaces around me, in the hole and all around and it seems to be a new city. I feel a little lost.
Well... it's not the same sensation of the first time here when every corner had to be discovered, and that feeling still comes out every time I hear the voice on the bus giving informations, that reminds me the first bus I took once jumped down from the airplane, with hopes and fears going on. No, but it's all new indeed and suddenly, the previous 2 years look like a far away dream...
So I walked on my short legs and went to Paddington Station to visit Paddington Bear's Statue.
This was the bear who could perfectly understand me today.
I think I have already mentioned about glorious Paddington Bear, who was found at the station, after a long long trip from Peru, adopted by a British family, facing a lot of adventures with a passion for jam.
He is still one of the favourite bears for British children and adults, several generations have grown up reading his stories.
It feels comfortable, I mean it's like having a big brother bear looking after me, little Teddy. 
Thank you Paddington.

Oggi è uno di quei giorni in cui ci si ferma a pensare.
Vedo nuovi spazi intorno a me, nella tana e vicino e sembra quasi una nuova città. Mi sento quasi un po' perso.
Insomma... non è la stessa sensazione della prima volta quando ogni angolo andava scoperto, che riaffiora anche adesso ogni volta che sento la voce sul bus che fornisce informazioni, che mi ricorda il primo bus preso appena saltato giù dall'aereo, con tutte le speranze e le paure del caso. No, ma è comunque tutto nuovo e improvvisamente i 2 anni precedenti sembrano un sogno lontano...
Così mi sono incamminato sulle mie zampette e sono andato alla stazione di Paddington a visitare la statua dell'orso Paddington.
Era l'orso che più di tutti poteva capirmi oggi.
Credo di avere già menzionato il glorioso Orso Paddington, trovato alla stazione dopo un lungo viaggio dal Perù, adottato da una famiglia inglese, pronto ad affrontare mille avventure con la passione per la marmellata.
E' ancora uno dei personaggi preferiti di inglesi adulti e piccini, tante generazioni sono cresciute con lui.
E' quasi rassicurante, voglio dire, è come avere un grande fratello orso che si preoccupa per me, piccolo Teddy. Grazie Paddington.

Time flies... and so do I! Emirates Greenwich Peninsula Terminal

Time flies away... I have been spending the last month wondering where I would have found a new hole, how it would have been and now here we are, with a new life in a new part of this magic, wonderful city.

ready to catch the cable!

I am really happy, everything is fixed, the house-move, new spaces and new bear-friends.
I had to celebrate somehow, and thinking at time going so fast, changes happening straight away in life I have thought the best way was to fly as well, with the Emirates Cable at Greenwich Peninsula!
It's an amazing adventure!
You can go with your Oyster or book the ticket and a whole 360°
experience.
You will reach the other side of the Thames enjoying one of the most breathtaking views on London, from the O2 to Canary Wharf's buildings to the City and the Shard.
It.was such a lovely, sunny day that all seemed to shine and sparkle under the sunlight.
On the other side the Thames flood barrier, so precious in the past month!

Thames barrier

You can find a lot of informations here: http://www.visitlondon.com/traveller-information/place/25549367-emirates-air-line

Il tempo vola... ho passato il mese scorso a chiedermi dove avrei trovato una nuova tana, come sarebbe stata e adesso eccoci qui, con una nuova vita in una nuova parte di questa magnifica città.
Sono davvero felice, tutto è a posto adesso, il trasferimento, nuovi spazi in cui muoversi, nuovi simpaticissimi orsetti con cui fare amicizia.
Bisognava proprio festeggiare, così pensando al tempo che va così veloce e ai cambiamenti che la vita ci fa a sorpresa ho pensato che il modo migliore fosse di volare a mia volta, con la Emirates Greenwich Peninsula Air Line! E' un'avventura incredibile!
Ci si può salire con la Oyster oppure prenotare il biglietto per un'esperienza completa.
Raggiungerete l'altra sponda del Tamigi godendovi uno dei panorami più mozzafiato di Londra, dalla O2 ai grattacieli di Canary Wharf alla City allo Shard.
Era una giornata così piacevole e soleggiata che la città sembrava splendere.

Voltando lo sguardo dall'altra parte invece sono visibili le barriere che regolano il livello del fiume, così utili il mese scorso a limitare la piena!
Potete trovare un sacco di altre informazioni qui: http://www.visitlondon.com/traveller-information/place/25549367-emirates-air-line

Something we won't forget...

These are our last days in our small hole and Teddy seems to be a little sad and melancholic in front of a rainy/sunny sunset. A lot of nice and cute friends-bear have greeted us in such a lovely way it will be impossible to forget them.

House-moving is always a big passage, of memories and hopes, sadness and curiosity.

What will come next is a surprise.

We won't forget that night of the Olympic Games opening ceremony, when even from the opposite side of the city, the magnificent fireworks were able to light up the sky. My new British life was just starting and so many things have gone by meanwhile...

We won't forget the candles on the cake of the birthdays spent here.

We won't forget the moon from the window, sometimes mysteriously hidden by the clouds, sometimes so bright to keep us awaken.

 

We won't forget a lot of dreams watching Heathrow planes coming and going, full of life arriving and departing. The same planes that seem to sleep at night on the quiet terminals before starting to reach the globe in the early morning.

We won't forget our last minute Christmas shopping in Hounslow, that sunny morning of Dec, 25th, as we found a couple of decorations to make our Christmas colorful and sweet after brother, daddy and mommy bear had spent a whole day on a boat in the middle of the Channel hurricane. It's all well that ends well.

We won't forget our small world, where everything has been so inspiring and romantic, just with a window looking at the sky.

Questi sono gli ultimi giorni nel nostro nido e Teddy sembra un po' triste e malinconico mentre osserva un tramonto piovoso ma luminoso. Tanti amici orsetti ci hanno salutato così affettuosamente che sarà impossibile dimenticarli.
Cambiare casa è sempre un passaggio importante, fatto di ricordi e speranze, tristezza e curiosità.
Ciò che verrà dopo sarà una sorpresa.

Non dimenticheremo la notte dell'apertura dei Giochi Olimpici, quando sebbene dal lato opposto della città, il cielo tutto si illuminò per la potenza dei fuochi d'artificio. La mia nuova vita inglese stava iniziando e sono successe tante cose nel frattempo...

Non dimenticheremo le candele sulle torte dei compleanni passati qui.

Non dimenticheremo la luna dall'abbaino, a volte nascosta misteriosamente dalle nuvole, a volte così luminosa da tenerci svegli.

Non dimenticheremo i sogni fatti nell'osservare gli aerei di Heathrow andare e venire, carichi di vita che arrivava o partiva. Gli stessi aeroplani che sembravano addormentarsi nei terminals silenziosi di notte, per poi raggiungere il globo di prima mattina.

Non dimenticheremo il nostro shopping last-minute quella soleggiata mattina di Natale, per trovare un paio di decorazioni per colorare la nostra festa dopo che fratellino, papà e mamma orso erano rimasti per un giorno intero su una nave in mezzo alla tempesta nella Manica. Tutto è bene quel che finisce bene.

Non dimenticheremo questo nostro piccolo mondo, così romantico e pieno di ispirazione, grazie ad un abbaino aperto sul cielo.

Sunny bright Southbank voice.

We are experiencing a difficult rainy winter. But then a sunny precious day pops up and everything seems to be easier. 

That's the perfect moment to go and wander in Southbank: it is so inspiring and relaxing among tourists and people going home from work, under the London Eye turning in the sky, between wall graffiti and the river, the atmosphere is vibrant and you wish you could fix that moment as long as possible.

If you sit on one of the benches around the big wheel, maybe you will be gifted with the lovely sound of a guitar played by a blond girl. She will be kissed by the sun and will put the cherry on your day with her crystal clear voice: she is Charlotte Campbell, her name flies away on the leaflets that the wind picks up from the case and it's all simply delightful. Just listen:

E' un inverno difficile e piovoso. Ma poi spunta una giornata di sole e tutto sembra più facile. 

Quello è il momento perfetto per andare a passeggiare a Southbank: è così riposante e pieno di ispirazione quel luogo tra turisti e passanti che tornano dal lavoro, sotto il London Eye che gira nel cielo, tra i graffiti e il fiume, l'atmosfera è vibrante e vorresti solo poter fermare quel momento e fissarlo il più a lungo possibile.

A sedersi su una delle panchine vicino alla grande ruota, potreste essere premiati con il dolce suono di una chitarra suonata da una ragazza bionda. La vedrete baciata dal sole e metterà la ciliegina sulla vostra giornata con la sua voce cristallina: lei è Charlotte Campbell, il suo nome vola via sui volantini che il vento solleva dalla custodia ed è tutto piacevolissimo. Basta ascoltare: