42 - the answer?

I was so excited to turn 42 this year. In the Douglas Adams science fiction series The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, the number 42 is given as the answer to "life, the Universe, and everything." 

Art corner at VANS in Seven Dials

It's an age where, a lifetime ago, I figured I would have all the answers, accomplished everything I wanted in life, and knew exactly where I was going next. Life, the Universe and everything. . . .doesn't always work like that.

Fish pond at the Phoenix Garden

My birthday fell on a Wednesday, and as always happens when I celebrate on a weekday, I celebrated by catching up with friends and family, and then took myself out for a date. 

Cafe Bao in Kings Cross is a London take on Asian cafés, a combination of baked goods and fine dining. 

aerial view of the area surrounding King's Cross station

Western food with an East Asian twist, but it was all Asian for me - classic and fried chicken bao with bubble milk tea. 

A kind friend gave me a gift certificate to L. Cornilessen and Son, a historic art store near the British Museum. I spent a blissful half hour browsing before walking back home with my haul. 

Sennelier oil pastels, L. Cornilessen & Son brazilwood ink
and watercolour sketchbook

That night I had sushi dinner at home. I had been craving ikura and sashimi for ages and it was finally time. I even had soft shell crab roll!

On Saturday I met up with Jamie, who is my dear friend and fellow London-phile. Whenever there is a new restaurant, museum exhibition or event to go to, I ask her first.

We ate at an amazing Brazilian-Japanese fusion restaurant called Temakinho in Soho. Amazing food, service and of course cocktails!

I had two - the passion fruit sake caipirinha and the lychee - while Jamie had an espresso martini and then a lychee sake caipirinha as well.

The food was amazing! Crispy prawn rolls, red drum ceviche, scallop tartare and cassava fries. . . .exactly the right food for two hungry Asian Londoners.

We spent the afternoon around Covent Garden, chatting and walking around the market and side streets. 

Covent Garden interior

I realised that even though I was still reaching for the accomplishments I had envisioned for myself when I was younger, I was content with my life right now.

The past year has been a madness of pandemic, elections, social, political and even physical tempests. But I am safe and well, and very grateful for that. 

the ubiquitous mirror selfie

If 42 is the answer to life, the Universe and everything, what is the question? Maybe it'll take me 42 more years to find out.