I Graduated.
Married at the age of 18. I remember telling my husband that I wanted to continue studying, however we did not have the financial means for me to continue.
At the time working was the only option for me, both I and my husband were aware that a part of my heart was missing. Yet we laughed, we lived, and we continued.
During this time we had our two beautiful boys (Ugly, Hairy and spotty now), bought our very first home, and went on loads of holidays.
We came to a position in life, where we were comfortable, and I raised the fact that I wanted to finish off my studies. I couldn’t physically go back to university as I couldn’t leave my job and my children were still young.
I looked around for options and found The Open University, and started my journey. The Open University is made for people like me who cannot commit to full time university and so I did my studying in blocks, part time.
After 6 years of studying, working, being a home maker and a mother, I conquered my dream.
I Graduated.
As a treat my two beautiful Soul Sisters Sabina and Katija treated me to Afternoon Tea at The Shard Shangri-La Hotel in London. We headed off with Baby Dumpling in tow on a Sunday Morning.
Afternoon Tea at the Shard Sangrai- La Hotel is served on the 35th floor of the restaurant ‘Ting’. To access the restaurant we were guided to the lifts, which takes us straight up to the 35th floor in a matter of seconds.
As soon as you step out of the lifts you get the amazing views straight away. We were taken to our table with a perfect view of London’s sky line.
Before we sat down, we were welcomed by our waiter, and also offered a stool for our bags which the cutest gesture EVER. (Naturally having come with Sabina we did wonder why one of the seats was ever so low and wondered whether they were planning to put the baby Dumpling on the floor?!! Guilty)
Before we got our menu we were treated to a ritual offered at the Ting called ‘Teh Tarik’ which involves the dramatic pouring of Dry Ice, and consumption of a Malaysian type hot lemon drink. Our little dumpling was fascinated with the Dry Ice.
We were then given a menu with the types of tea on offer and chose the following:
All of this came with mini sieves (I need to find these for my own home, they are the cutest) and it gives such a pictersque photo
The scones were covered in linen to keep the warmth with generous portions of clotted cream and jam.
We were given by far the most colourful sandwiches I have ever seen in my life. From the Halal menu we had a selection of Cheese, Cucumber, Salmon, and Honey Roasted Chicken sandwiches.
And lastly the divine desserts which included profiteroles and macarons.
And just to make my day that extra special the girls had arranged a treat of extra desserts for me for my graduation. I’m not a ‘crying’ type girl (ask my husband he will tell you) but this did bring a tear to my eye.
Overall would I recommend the Afternoon Tea at the Shard to you guys, YES! because the building, the views, the atmosphere, the food, the colourful sandwiches and the hospitality (I forgot to mention that they have heated toilet seats!! You have to go just for this!!) Are a must, and worth the experience.
Forever Grateful for the sisters in my life. You make life more beautiful every day.
Join us on Our Afternoon Tea Experience on a Boat on the River Thames
Love and Regards
M11bna
