Wine and cheese

I went to a cheese and wine course this weekend, hoping to make more friends in the area. As usual I was the youngest by about 20 years. (I need to rethink my event selection!) I got there early and found it was a house. So waited outside for some time int he freezing cold - I am not just going into someone house on my own. (I have seen Criminal Minds!) There were about 18 others and lots of cheese and wine.

Cheeses

We were usually given 2-3 wines and 2-3 cheeses and decided which combinations we like the best. But to be honest after 10+ cheeses and wines, I just lost track and enjoyed. (We had about 18 different wines I think.)

Some favourites

There was also a light lunch provided which was a very good thing by this point. Lots of fun but required a nap when I got home! 

Chiswick Lantern Festival

Friday night, after a friends leaving drinks, Clair and I headed to the Chiswick Magical Lantern Festival, this year themed on the Silk Road. Here are a few pictures.

Paris.

Turkey

Genie

Alladin.

Panda.

Noodles.

Corsets

On Thursday night I went to a lecture on corsets. (Don't ask me why. I am still wondering myself.) It was interesting though I refuse to believe that corsets were not designed and created my men! (If not, they would wear them.) The other women there insist they comfortable. I'll still pass.

Testing one out

Fitted out.

They are pretty and very well made. But I'll still pass. 

Hampton Court

On Sunday we headed to Hampton Court, which is just down the road from me. It was the end of half term down here so there were people in costumes and various little events around the palace. 

Music

And Dancers

The great hall

:(

Playing the lute

Henry VIII

The palace was on one of Henry VIIIs haunts, as well as William III and a George (though I don't remember which one). And it's huge! We gave up on the audio guides. (I have a year pass now so will head back and do it in sections.)

GIANT fireplace

Paper decorations

And paper costumes.

Courtyard fountain.

Such a poser! :)

and for scale....

weapons.

Dangerous room

Tiny chair and giant canopy.

Painting.

Dad looking for wine in the wine fountain.

The gardens are also massive (going to have to head back with a picnic in better weather). The weather was nice but a bit cooler than the previous days. 

Main walkway

"Canal" which goes nowhere.

Palace from the back gardens.

The palace also has the largest vine in the world. Though taking a photo didn't work out so well.

It's huge. Trust me.

After dinner we had some fun. Dad loves doing face masks (mom, not so much but we convinced her). Dad wanted to try to black head peal-off one.

Applying.

Setting

Mom had great fun pealing off Dad's mask (which did not come off as easily as mine had last time I used it) and was a little disappointed she had not also picked a peal-off one.

After the masks can the eye care. They look unimpressed but honestly they love it! :)