how marvellous!

marvellous arrived on thursday, well after the darkness had fallen. the thing about my parents is that they actually still get as excited to see us now, after 26 years and everything we've ever done, as they were when we were small. maybe more so. my parents are excellent examples of determined joyfulness when it comes to their children. and we are so much the richer for it. the hugging and cuddling and kisses and love started at once, it was so good just to be in each other's presence. i always feel slightly less responsible when marvellous is around, slightly less in charge. maybe that will change when i have my own enfants?

the best thing about marvellous visiting is that she is totally (well almost totally) independent in london. the tube, the streets, the city - after decades of visiting - are finally starting to feel a little familiar. armed with a pocket map (which she consults on an almost minute-ly basis) and a uk mobile, the city is her oyster - she has one of those also (oyster cards are the name for the london transport pass). a thursday of shopping and drinks with le boy in a posh marylebone lounge ended with us eating a simple supper at home. my favourite app did not disappoint and i reignited my love affair with poached eggs. who am i kidding, i've never really turned my back on them. a salad with eggs and bacon, described as the salad for meat-eaters. count. me. in.

an early night was called for because we had an early morning to train to "cambridge" to catch. if by cambridge you mean...paris!

poached egg and bacon salad (adapted from how to cook everything app)

2 poached eggs
mixed greens
8 strips of bacon or 200g of diced pancetta
1 medium shallot, diced
2 tbsp olive oil
100 ml vinegar (red wine, balsamic)

1. heat oil in a frying pan, add pork product of choice, after a 5 min add shallot. meanwhile boil water to poach eggs. and fill a large salad bowl with hot water.
2. dry salad bowl and fill with leaves. add vinegar to frying pan, allow to reduce slightly. pour over greens. plate - topping with a poached egg.