Grigoria's Birthday...London & Chicago

This year Grigoria had the special opportunity to celebrate her Birthday both in London and Chicago.


Given that her Birthday wouldn’t be too long after we were scheduled to arrive in Chicago and since I had a free day before we left, I wanted to celebrate it at home by cooking dinner and having it all waiting for her when she got home.

The idea was good but I think the execution was fabulous and it gave Grigoria the opportunity to unwrap some gifts which wouldn’t be making the trip, especially those from close friends, my parents and a couple from me too.





When the day finally arrived (in Chicago) Grigoria was spoiled rotten! In the morning Olga took her to a brilliant tea place before she got to have her long awaited haircut.

A pedicure later and they were back in time for cake and flowers!

Too much food and many gifts later it was time for dinner. It is said to be a crime to be in Chicago and not try one of their famously long established steakhouses, so Olga & Geoff took us to Gibsons - http://www.gibsonssteakhouse.com/ - a legendary establishment.

The food was amazing (and plentiful – we even had to take a doggie bag with us as there was so much food) but the company was what made it a hugely memorable night.

Madrid Weekend..Day One

As Grigoria’s parents only have a few months left in Madrid and the British sunny weather has been non existent this year, we thought four days in Spain would be a good break.


Although we flew out mid day Friday, our first real day was Saturday which we spent the morning shopping in one of the ‘out of city’ large shopping centres. It was good success with Grigoria and I both picking up various garments of clothing and shoes which were all considerably cheaper then London prices.

In the afternoon I cooled off with a dipped in the resident’s pool, while Grigoria enjoyed the sun with her nose in a book.

For the evening Grigoria’s parents took us to a fabulous Bavarian styled restaurant which is as the region suggests, it had a great collection of German and International bears.

Although we both didn’t taste the many varieties, it was still a fantastic ambiance and surrounding to enjoy great food and likewise company.