October 1, 2015

From Baker Street to the Theatre

On our final full day in London, we decided to pay tribute to one of the most popular English fictional characters, Sherlock Holmes. We found our way to 221b Baker Street where there is a small little house/museum (and of course gift shop) depicting his famous stories. 

We then headed back on the subway to the high rent district of Kensington to visit another royal property, Kensington Palace. To get to Kensington Palace you have to walk through Kensington park - a big and beautiful front yard that the Queen generously has open to her subjects. In fact, the combined size of Kensington Park and the adjoining Hyde Park is larger than the country of Monaco! When you are at the palace it is easy to forget that there is a huge city surrounding it. The apartments that you are allowed to tour were those of King George I and II and those of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. We have heard a lot about Victoria and Albert because there are many places named after them. I am intrigued with their famous love story and the devastating effect Albert's death had on Queen Victoria. So much so that she became a recluse for her remaining time as Queen. Her reign was the longest in history until this year when Queen Elizabeth surpassed her great- great grandmother with 63 years.

Speaking of the Queen, we went shopping at her favorite grocery store, Fortnum and Mason. I use the term "grocery store" loosely because it is more like a fancy department store with a vast amount of their famous tea, biscuits, tableware, and every other fancy thing you could think of. My friend Jessica gave me the recommendation and she should know. She is from England and owns and operates the tea room in Denver called The House of Commons which now I will be frequenting to get my Afternoon Tea fix (shameless plug- you're welcome Jessica!) They also have a restaurant there which we took advantage of to rest and relax before heading off to the theatre.

We found the Cambridge Theatre - a small venue nestled in the London theatre district. Because of our exhausting touring behaviors as well as shopping adventures, we didn't have time to go back to the hotel to change into fancier duds. Come to find out that London is similar to Denver in that many people dress casually to attend. We saw the musical Matilda and it was very entertaining and a very appropriate one to see in London. 

Well, that was it and you can't say that we didn't pack it all in our trip! Now to sleep and get ready for our travel day back to the states and reality. Farewell England! We will miss you and enjoyed your country immensely! 

The home of Sherlock Holmes

Kensington Palace

Built in ironing board!

September 30, 2015

Don't Lose Your Head- Drink Tea Instead!

The Tower of London was our destination today. It is so incredibly old and has a very morbid history. The first part of the tour is guided by a Beefeater. Ours was a retired military gentleman who had the personality of a weathered Marine but he was funny and very informative. Thank goodness we have the judicial system that we have because handcuffs and prison is much better than ropes and axes! While walking in the White Tower it was mind boggling to realize that it was built in the 11th century! The beautiful part of the Tower of London is the display of the Crown Jewels. Exquisite jewels adorn crowns of past kings and queens as well as the current queen's crown. There are many other treasures to covet there as well. It was truly the "house of bling!" I was disappointed, however, that none of it is for sale.

We enjoyed Afternoon Tea at a restaurant just outside the Tower next to the Thames. This was my first Tea and I enjoyed it. In fact my lunches now at school may involve some scones and cucumber sandwiches...

Unfortunately we had to say goodbye to Barb and Antonio because they had to head back home to Italy. After we parted ways on the subway, the remainder of our group set forth and toured Westminster Abbey. It was magnificent and we got to hear the organ as a service was being conducted  while we were there. We then walked past Parliment, #10 Downing Street and ended up in Trafalgar Square - the center of London. For dinner we walked over the Millenium Bridge and ate at the south end of London near the London Eye. Finally we hobbled back to the subway and called it a day..whew!

Outside the Tower of London

Afternoon Tea

Big Ben!