It is not every day that you come across a Queen Anne Grade 1 listed house built in 1704 with most of its original features intact. Fireplaces and wood panelling and an oak staircase. So strolling around the house and sitting in the garden was a wonderful way to spend part of our day. The house, now run by a private charity has a full programme of activities, art exhibitions, music concerts and more. https://www.burghhouse.org.uk/

I am always looking for connections from my homeland and my current life wherever that may be, so here is an unexpected one. I immediately recognised that these two amphoras 1050 to 750 BCE came from Cyprus and the little note which accompanies the display confirms that they were given to the Mayor of Camden by the Mayor of Paphos in 1969.

The house hosts exhibitions and this one entitled “We are all Gods” by Claudia Piscitelli reimagines the gods and goddesses of classical mythology on Hampstead Heath. Her colourful works are displayed alongside the eclectic pieces from the Burgh House collection.

And in the tradition of this trip, catching up with friends and family have been key moments. Blending art with good food is another joy. Happy Birthday to Nicky today. We didn’t blow out candles but we did enjoy this delicate rhubarb Eton Mess.