Autumn has arrived. Or, Europe at its best!

Planet Earth has adjusted its angle vis-à-vis the sun; we've changed our clocks, so the evenings are dark.  There's a brisk, cool breeze blowing, that brings with it the scent of the crackling, fallen leaves underfoot.  It is autumn in London and throughout Europe, a magical time of year, filled with sights and scents of the harvest:  beers, wines, hearty soups and stews, pies, crisps and orchard fruits.

Rekorderlig Pear Cider



Did you know that the English do not have  apple cider as we Americans know it?  For them, apple cider is 4-8.5% alcohol - a pub drink - not one for the kids as an after school treat.  They do, however, have fresh-pressed apple juice, which Americans would consider cider.  Both are excellent, though the former is tart, rather than sweet.  If you have a chance, try Rekorderlig (a Swedish brand) pear cider, which is delicious (Rekorderlig also make several other varieties, including apple, strawberry lime, mixed berry)!

Autumn is also the time when we begin to think about the autumn and winter holidays.  For Americans, this begins with Halloween and stretches to New Year's Day.  Here in London, Halloween was a bit of a non-event.  Some orange decorations and candies were on display and for sale at the stores, but most are now for sale at half the price for those who waited until Halloween had passed. 

When we visited the British Museum on Halloween Day, there were some children's activities, such as decorated hat construction indoors and pumpkin carving outside.  All was very quiet, with no excitement or loud link to Halloween.  In fact, both processes were very reserved -- quite unlike American kids on such an exciting day!

British Museum

One thing that is fun, no matter what time of year you visit:  motoring on the Thames aboard the Thames Clipper ferry service.  It's just as fast as the Tube, faster than a bus AND you get to see the city from the vantage point of this all-important and historic artery.  If you have an Oyster Card (the discounted metropolitan transit card),  the fare is reduced.  We paid £5.40 per person for a one-way ride from Canary Wharf all the way to Victoria Embankment next to the London Eye.  That was over 4 miles!  The ferries are large catamarans, so anyone who is worried about a rocky ride may rest assured that these boats are very stable, and comfortable, too. 

 

A Thames Clipper next at Westminster/Houses of Parliament

This weekend, the village of Blackheath will celebrate the season with its annual fireworks display.  Beginning at about 5PM with food stalls opening and fun rides for children (from 4PM), and climaxing with the fireworks beginning at 8PM, this event is expected to be attended by approximately 100,000 people!  If you like fireworks and crowds, this will be the place to be tomorrow night (3 November, Blackheath Common, Shooters Hill Road, Blackheath London SE3 0TY)

 

Blackheath Fireworks - This weekend!

 

Happy Autumn to You!