July found us busy with 2 sets of visitors.  Firstly our SF friends Felipe and Brad stayed at Chez Pedigo. They were en route to Dubrovnik, influenced by our trip perhaps : )?  Upon their return via London, we all saw a fabulous production of Billy Elliot in the West End.

Jeff’s parents arrived in London after a super trip in Scotland and England.  As they were not jetlagged, we had decided to have a big Bastille Day party - so they met about 30 or so of our ex-pat friends.  Jeff’s friend Ken from the bay area was in town too and was able to join the fun as well.  We took Bob and Masako to the lesser known parts of London - including the canal boat ride in Maida Vale - to Regent’s Park. This was made all the more fun by the tour of school children on our boat - they were so funny. (Pics below)  Had a dinner at our local Yakitori in Hampstead with our friend’s Ted and Mari - and Masako proclaimed it “very authentic”. Jin kichi on Heath Street.  Jin Kichi.

We toured Fenton House in Hampstead. They have a wonderful collection of harpsichords and lovely gardens. It is a National Trust property, so we go for free.  See pictures below.  Country Life magazine describes it as “London’s most enchanting country house” Fenton House - Hampstead.

And for the gastronomic delight of their trip, we took them to Borough Market, oh the cheeses, olives, pies, meats, wines!!!