|
Cristina & Sue in Europe September
My first time back to London since March 2006. Sue travelled with me then as well. As it was Sue’s second trip we decided that she choose what we did. Having recovered from the long flight form Singapore we went to Madam Tussauds Wax museum. After a long wait to get in it was an atmosphere that is hard to describe with all these people meeting the wax version of there favourite stars. Every where you turned you saw another one as they were scattered around the hall amongst the crowed it was an experience that is undefined. Walking threw the displays we came upon the Scream Room. Starting with a dungeon an having been told no photo’s, we headed off all gun ho we aren’t going to scream or get a fright. Needless to say now I understand why they say if you have a high blood pressure it was not advisable because when we came out my heart was going ten times to the ton.
Next day Camden Town Markets (probably the biggest in Europe) just a short walk from our hotel. They are not kidding every building was full of stalls and on the street as well. As the day went on the people just kept coming the crowds got huge. After 4 hours of looking at so much we felt like a break so we took the cannel ride to Little Venus and back this was very interesting learning about some history of London and seeing some of the most expensive real-estate in London.
As always we spent a day on Oxford Street checking out the fashions and getting ideas for our stores. The biggest thing that impacted me was that bright stockings are back with patterns to plain they cheered up the winter clothing so much I wasn’t sure whether it was summer or winter.
Sorry Sue! This is for the night we went out to get fish and chips. I never thought too much about what area we were walking threw. It was a high raised apartment or estate housing area. It was only a short walk from the Hotel but as it was 10pm she got a little frightened as you hear about these places on the news as not being safe.
Sorry Sue but it was an experience.
We arrived in Malan tired as we got up 3am to get to the airport for our early flight so we were not thinking of what day the fair started and we made planes on the Wednesday to go on a tour with our host Nando and Two other guests to Switzerland to check out the chocolate factory and Fox Town outlet shopping centre. (we should have been at the fair)
We had a beautiful day, the Alps were very clear.
The tour took us to Lake Maggiore a monastery which had about 200 temporary scaffolding steps down to it. The old steps were being restored.
Seeing these buildings it reminds me of how young our country really is.
We went up a long narrow winding road to a small art village all around the village was art going back to 1950,s with more recent work. Had lunch with the locals, it was as if someone had opened up there lounge and a set menu which included wine for Twelve Euros very tasty.
The chocolate factory with free samples and lots to buy, Nando had to hurry every one along as the day was going fast.
We stopped at Largo on lake Como for a small walk around the old town the fashions were slightly different to what we have seen not what we expected for a cold country.
Fox town the outlet stores all the top brands Gucci …. still very high priced so no money was spent on cloths.
Finally got to the Fair on Thursday had a great feel colour was the major theme. With peep toe and platforms featuring strong.
We found some new and exciting ideas from Osvoldo Pericoli which we haven’t bought for a few years which both Sue and I felt we had to have some for winter the rest next summer.
As usual Emile and Everybody both had something a little different both changing there direction which is always exciting to see.
Watching Sue get excited on the Clarks stand made me think of your reactions when you come into store and seeing and hearing you get excited about the collection we have chosen for you.
If it weren’t for the trips to Milan shoe fair this would not be possible. With listening to what you want and the experience of my Father and Team I feel combined we delivering to you your desires and dreams.
The great feed back I’m getting this year gives me confidence to provide for you some of top European designs.
I know we will do it again next year after seeing all the wonderful colours and styles we have chosen.
Cristina Halliwell
| 
