Meeting Greg Cowan and a conveyor belt lunch with Zara

I have now my very own key card to the Hub, Kings Cross. It gives me a base in London to do some work and meet people.  It was here that I met up with Gregory Cowan – someone introduced to me from Scott Rains networking for inclusive tourism, Tour Watch. Greg, based now in Kings Cross, London, recently completed a VSO development posting, developing architecture teacher training for secure livelihoods in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. He is an architect interested in cross-cultural architectural awareness and universal/inclusive design among other things.

We met because I wanted his architectural expertise to cast an eye on my apartment project, to use inclusive design principles and mainstream products to construct an accessible home. This would not just be accessible – I want to blend in my own experiences in living in different parts of the world to construct a space that would help others when they are looking to build their own homes. I am not sure how I can be Zen like minimalist but bring in my Malaysian and Chinese backgrounds – with French influences and also carve out a work space, a living space for relaxing, watching films and playing with a wii that I intend to get to do exercise with.

All that and achieve a welcoming environment for friends and my children to visit. A place to entertain and do some cooking again. All packed into a 2 bedroom flat/apartment with a brick balcony. This is why I need Greg’s help.

With Greg Cowan

At lunch time, Zara and I (with my PA, Samilia) went to check out a Yo Sushi bar at StPancras station. I knew the station would be accessible, being new, but not sure if they accommodated wheelchair users who cannot perch on the bar stools. There were 2 normal tables and I initiated Zara to her first ever conveyor belt sushi experience – even if she doesn’t eat sushi, being a vegetarian. It was fun but not cheap. Japanese food is never cheap.

But I was exhilarated at the prospects of our new project together. I will go more into details if it ever comes to fruition.

at Yo sushi with Zara

Yo sushi ( there are other branches all over London) is at :

Unit 27, The Circle
St. Pancras Station
London, NW1 2QP

Mon-Fri:11:30am-10pm
Sat: 11:30am-9pm
Sun:12noon-9pm

Last orders 1 hour before closing time

Accessible toilet at the station (no need for RADAR key for once)

Walking London

My Mexican friend and ex neighbour from Strasbourg, Berta, is vising London for 3 days with her son, Alex. They found a cheap Ryanair flight (Ryanair runs a service from the Baden Karlsruhe airport which is a bit out of the way without any public transport) that took them to Stansted airport. After some consultation, they settled on a hotel in Bayswater. I did not suggest Bayswater, they decided that themselves.

To my astonishment, she told me that they walked all over London from Bayswater in West London crossed Hyde Park to Trafalgar Square and even to Waterloo – which made it about 4 miles before heading back to their hotel. They saw the changing of the guards, nipped into the National Portrait Gallery and even managed to a short visit to Harrods. Yes, it was a lovely sunny day today but I do not know anybody who have done it by walking. I might try it one day – if my batteries would last!

Luckily she said they were going to get a travel pass tomorrow because I am not sure the weather will hold out for them.

I happen to find this book by googling out of curiousity – Walking London:30 Original Walks in and Around London by Andrew Duncan. I am going to get a copy and try some of it – maybe I should do one and call it Wheeling London!

Today is also the inauguration of Barrack Obama. Such a historical day! I wish I could have celebrated it with my American friends.