Archive for the ‘London’ Category

London: View from The Shard

Posted in London, Travels, United Kingdom, tagged , , , on Saturday, 2 February, 2013| 6 Comments »

London has the tallest building in Western Europe ~ The Shard, the masterpiece of architect Renzo Piano. It rises to 1016 feet (309.6m) high.

Looking up at The Shard from London Bridge Tube Station

Looking up at The Shard from London Bridge Tube Station

The building is not without controversy among some Londoners ~ many despise the avant-garde style architecture. Much like they disapprove of the other modern buildings in London such as City Hall (aka Darth Vader Helmet) and the Gherkin. While the modern buildings are shunned in many European cities such as Paris and Vienna, London has embraced newer architectural styles which co-exist and compliment the historic buildings. I wouldn’t want to see a New York style skyline develop in London but one or two of these buildings are interesting and thought-provoking.

The Shard and Young's Pub (circa 1831)

The Shard and Young’s Pub (circa 1831)

The Shard consists of office space, the Shangri-la Hotel (floors 34-52), luxury residences each with 360° views (floors 53 to 65), and observation decks at levels 69 and 74 (about 800 feet). The additional 15 levels to the top consist of the spire. Interestingly, 95% of the construction material is recycled. The majority stockholder of the Shard is the State of Qatar. Seems Qatar is investing quite a bit in London’s commercial real estate market. They purchased the US Embassy and the Embassy will be relocating in 2016/2017 to a more modern and secure building.

Today was the second day The Shard was open to the public and we were happy to be heading up to the top at 9am. I bought my tickets over a month ago ~ took a chance we would have decent weather and we did! Although the sunny skies were beautiful and we had unimpeded views, a little cloud cover would have helped beat the glare on the windows.  Not only was London on view but many of us were fascinated with the workmen rapelling at the top of the building. Not sure exactly what they were doing but it’s not a job I would do.

Workers at the top of the Shard

Workers at the top of the Shard

I enjoyed my morning at the top of The Shard and marveled at the gorgeous views. To book tickets, which are £24.95 for an adult and £18.95 for a child, click here. We went during the first time slot because I’m adverse to large crowds but photo opportunities would probably better when the sun is overhead so you don’t get a glare on the windows.

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National Portrait Gallery (London): Part II

Posted in London, Travels, United Kingdom, tagged , , , , on Thursday, 31 January, 2013| 4 Comments »

Despite the rain, we revisited the National Portrait Gallery and by the time we got there, it was full-on sunshine. Such is London weather. I especially love puddles in Trafalgar Square.

The National Gallery ~ after the rains.

The National Gallery ~ after the rains.

This was my second visit to the Portrait Gallery and I enjoyed it just as much as my first visit. Rather than being overwhelmed with the vastness of the collections, I limited myself to one section. Last time, The Tudors, this time it was the late 18th century and 19th Century. The Gallery is very though provoking and the 19th century produced a fascinating group of people. The painters are outstanding but in this Gallery, it’s more about the “sitters” and putting a face to the names of history.

Entrance to The National Portrait Gallery

Entrance to The National Portrait Gallery

Some of my favorites:

The Gallery has the only known likeness of Jane Austen, a small (no bigger than the size of a small postcard) sketch by her sister, Cassandra. Click here to see.

Mary Wollstonecraft, seen here, is considered a founder of British feminism. She was also a member of a radical intellectual group based in London that included Thomas Paine and her future husband William Godwin. Across from her portrait is the portrait of her daughter, Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, seen here, who wrote “Frankenstein” which is considered one of the best gothic novels in the English language.

After viewing portraits of people such as: Edward Jenner ~ inventor of the smallpox vaccination,  Thomas Stamford Bingley Raffles ~ Explorer, Colonial governor, zoologist, part of the Anti-Slavery movement and the namesake of the Raffles Hotels, John Soane ~ whose house/museum I just visited last week, Chevalier D’eon ~ diplomat, spy and transvestite (now there’s a story!), I want to research more about their lives. So engaging!

I highly recommend visiting the portrait gallery if you enjoy looking into the eyes of those who made history.

We wandered across the street to The Crypt Restaurant, located in the basement of the St Martin in the Field church. It was originally recommended by a fellow blogger,  and it was a very yummy and inexpensive experience. I had the veggie lunch with roasted vegetable goulash, baked potato and a side salad while John had roasted pork with slaw and a stuffed pepper all for under £18.

Entrance to the Crypt Restaurant

Entrance to the Crypt Restaurant

Inside the Crypt restaurant

Inside the Crypt restaurant

Floor of the Crypt Restaurant ~ no doubt, it was definitely a crypt

Floor of the Crypt Restaurant ~ no doubt, it was definitely a crypt

Roasted Pork lunch special

Roasted Pork lunch special

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Treasure Hunting at the Sunbury Antiques Market

Posted in London, Travel, Travels, tagged , , , , , , on Wednesday, 30 January, 2013| 8 Comments »

I ventured out to the Sunbury Antiques Market with two wonderful ladies ~ one being a previous “buyer” for a store specializing in antiques. Good thing because I know very little about antiques & vintage items. I was in awe of her knowledge and learned a lot just by listening to her talk to the vendors.

Leslie and Sonja

Leslie and Sonja

Sunbury Antiques Market is located at Kempton Park Racetrack and takes place on the 2nd and last Tuesday of the month. The doors open at 6:30 am and close at 2 pm. I would highly recommend arriving as early as possible as there are lots of buyers including those buying for the shops in London. Admission and parking are free. Bring cash ~ the ATM was bone dry by noon.

I have to admit, I was overwhelmed by all the furniture, crockery, china, glassware, kitchen items, lamps, rugs, fabric, jewelry, vintage luggage trunks, taxidermy (ugh!) and so much more. My favorites seem to be the French and Belgian vendors ~ I love the French Farmhouse style. There are rows and rows of vendors both outside and inside. According to the Sunbury Market website , 700 vendors populate the market and, after all we saw, I’m inclined to believe it.

Sunbury Antiques Market

Sunbury Antiques Market

Some of the vendors at Sunbury Antiques Market

Some of the vendors at Sunbury Antiques Market

The market is located between Hampton Court and Staines. The train from Waterloo (London) to Kempton Park Station takes 44 minutes and it’s an easy walk from the station to the market. Delivery men are available for hire and will transport your furniture/large purchases to London for a minimum of £50. One woman filled up an entire van with furniture and they charged her £100 to deliver all of it.

Although I saw several furniture pieces I’d love to have, such as the 1950’s coffee table and sideboard (all made of solid wood and in great condition), I ended up with just a couple of small pieces. My favorite purchase is the vintage tennis racquet from the 1960s (maybe 70s).

While no one will be hiring me to host “Antiques Road Show”, I do feel more comfortable about shopping at these types of markets. Next time, I might even try to bargain a little.

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Sir John Soane Museum

Posted in London, Travels, tagged , , , , , on Sunday, 27 January, 2013| 6 Comments »

When I find I have an unplanned day, its fun to randomly open a London guidebook and pick a place to visit. That’s how I found myself at 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields the other day with my friend, Leslie. Upon arriving at the entrance gate of the John Soane Museum, we were asked to put our purses into a clear plastic bag which we then had to carry by hand rather than over our shoulder. It all made perfect sense once I entered the house ~ its so cluttered with a variety of objects and paintings from around the world and I was in fear every time I turned around that I’d knock a priceless artifact off the wall.

Entrance to Sir John Soane Museum

Entrance to Sir John Soane Museum

Sir John Soane was born in 1753, the son of a bricklayer, he studied at the Royal Academy and became a very successful Georgian era architect. Some of his designs include: the Old Bank Of England (it was demolished), St Pancras Old Church and also the Dulwich Picture Gallery. Soane was an avid collector who was so disappointed in his sons, he chose to establish the house as a museum upon his death, rather than leave it to his heirs. He became Professor of Architecture at the Royal Academy in 1806 and he wanted both “amateurs and students” to have access to his extensive collection. I’m always so thankful for those who have the forethought to create such a public treasure for future generations.

Entrance is free but, be sure to arrive early as there can be long queues especially for the candlelight tours. I would highly recommend the guided tour for £10 since there isn’t a lot of explanation on the items and there are hidden panels lined with paintings which you’ll miss if you’re not on a tour.

One of my favorites is the famous painting series by William Hogarth: A Rake’s Progress. It’s a sad tale of a Rake’s (an immoral person) demise through too much drink, women & gambling. Perhaps his wife was reminding him about the excesses of wealthy and successful men when she gifted him the series.

The museum has been kept as close to how it was at the time of Soane’s death in 1837. To me, there is a randomness to the collection: a sarcophagus on the lower floor (in the crypt), an astronomical clock, the tombstone inscribed “Alas Poor Fanny”, Gothic carvings, 30,000 drawings, 6,000 books, Sir Robert Walpole’s desk, a pair of leg irons, plaster casts, sculptures & paintings. Can you call it hoarding if it’s a museum? The guide mentioned his wife refused to let him bring his collections into the main house which is next door to #13.  Smart women! She died 22 years prior to him and left his collecting unfettered.

After going through the museum, you walk through the beautiful, airy and open townhouse where they actually lived. It felt like a decompression chamber after feeling so claustrophobic in the museum.

Leave yourself a little time to enjoy the surrounding area. There’s a pretty park across the street.

Entrance to Lincoln's Inn Fields park

Entrance to Lincoln’s Inn Fields park

Having learned a bit about Sir John Soane, I’m interested in seeing his country home Pitzhanger Manor House in Ealing which was owned and rebuilt by him from 1800 to 1810. In the late 20th century, there was an extensive restoration done, returning the building back to Soane’s original design.

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London: 20 Hour Layover

Posted in London, Travel, Travels, tagged , , , , , , on Sunday, 20 January, 2013| 4 Comments »

My friend had a 20 hour layover in London. It was her first visit but, since her flight came in too late in the afternoon for us to actually go into any of the “must visit” venues, we did a whirlwind overview. After meeting her at Heathrow, we caught the Express train (15 minutes) to Paddington station. Having stored her larger suitcase, she was traveling very light so we caught the Bakerloo tube back to the flat to pick up John. Instead of doing the more expensive “Hop on, Hop off” tour bus (which is great if you have plenty of time), we took the public bus instead.

Double Decker Bus 453

Double Decker Bus 453

For a first time visitor, a double-decker bus ride is a quintessential London experience and we scored the front row seats on the upper deck ~ great view. I chose the 453 because it started for us near Regents Park, heads over to Great Portland Street, ambles down Regents Street through Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus, by Trafalgar Square, down Whitehall to Westminster where we hopped off.

Despite the freezing cold, there were a lot of other hardy souls out and about with us. We walked by Big Ben, Houses of Parliament (aka The Palace of Westminster) ,Westminster Abbey & the Cathedral. While we were walking around the crypt area, we could hear organ music ~ it certainly added a creepy touch (in a good way) to the dark and cold evening.

Big Ben

Big Ben

Westminster Crypt

Westminster Crypt courtyard

Westminster Crypt

We then caught the Jubilee tube to London Bridge so Rachel could have a view of Tower Bridge. We walked around Borough Market, even though the stalls were closed. We pointed out some of the Harry Potter film locations. We were looking for a traditional English pub to have dinner but then we walked by Roast restaurant.

Several people have mentioned to me that Roast is one of their favorite restaurants in London so we decided to give it a try. Surprisingly, even though it was a busy Saturday night, we were able to walk right in and even got a window seat overlooking the market and a view of St Paul’s Cathedral. I’m glad I didn’t read the “Rough Guide London” synopsis of the restaurant prior to going. They describe it as “a place for those seeking truly British meat dishes.” As a vegetarian, that would have given me pause and I might not have gone in. From the moment we entered, I felt very welcomed. Our adorable server was very friendly, professional and took great care of us. She had the cutest accent which none of us could figure out (it sounded a bit French to me). Curiosity got the better of us and we asked her from where she hailed. Being a good sport, she made us guess. She knew we’d never get it because she’s from Lithuania but she learned English in the US and in Quebec Canada (thus the French influence).

I had to ask for the special vegetarian menu since they don’t want those veggie dishes cluttering up their meaty menu. My meal of Butternut Squash Soup with Herefordshire goat curd and Beet Root & Blood Orange salad was nice but I could tell John and Rachel were a little more impressed with their meals of Dorset Rock Oysters, Beef Wellington and Beer-battered Cornish Whiting and chips.

Fish and Chips at Roast

Fish and Chips at Roast

The wine list is very extensive, and even included US wines which is uncommon, but I opted for a favorite of mine: Pinot Gris from Argentina. The dessert menu (puddings) looked fabulous but none of us had any room left. Rachel was a bit perplexed with the “Pudding Wines” until I explained that didn’t mean American puddings. In the UK, pudding=dessert.

I definitely recommend Roast for anyone wanting a special occasion. It’s on the more expensive side but worth it for a special night out. I’m planning a trip back for their Brunch ~ maybe in the spring.

Because her visit coincided with a rare snow storm in London, I was secretly hoping the snowy weather might delay her departure for a few hours today so we could show her a little more of the city. But her flight was one of the lucky ones (and one of the few) who made it out of Heathrow today.

It was wonderful to see Rachel and it was refreshing to experience London with someone seeing it for the very first time. Much fun!

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London: Week 22

Posted in London, Travels, United Kingdom, tagged , , , , , , , , , on Sunday, 13 January, 2013| 7 Comments »

We’re almost to the half way point of our living in London adventure & I already know I won’t want to leave this dynamic, exciting city. I feel like I finally have everything in place regarding the day-to-day living (utilities, banking, transportation) so now it’s all about exploring the city.

Our list of things to see & do in London, not to mention weekend trips outside of the city, seems to be growing rather than getting smaller ~ we keep getting wonderful suggestions. With 26 weeks left to go, it’s time to get serious about prioritizing. Problem is, I want to see it ALL! And sometimes I want to go back to the same place for a second look.

Yesterday, we went to The National Portrait Gallery. It’s located at St Martin’s Place, just off Trafalgar Square & behind the National Gallery on the right. There’s no entrance fee but I did rent the audio guide which is £3. The Gallery is set-up according to the year the painting was done,beginning with the Early Tudor period (1485). I loved the older portraits through to 1901, but was less interested in the more contemporary portraits. Somehow I missed the turn into several of the early 19th century rooms and didn’t realize it until I reviewed the gallery map when I got home. I missed the portrait of Jane Austen so I’m already planning a return trip.

This past Friday, the first official portrait of the Duchess of Cambridge was unveiled and has garnered a lot of strong opinions from the public. Seeing it up close and in person, my thoughts were that the artist put her in an awkward position. How do you tell a famous, talented artist you don’t like his portrait of yourself? If she complained, would the press skewer her for being vain? I’ve never seen Kate Middleton in person but the portrait showed dark circles and bags under her eyes which made her look much older than thirty. Or of a person who partied a little too hard the night before. Personally, I think it’s a poor portrayal of a vivacious, beautiful young woman and doesn’t capture her true essence for future generations.  Maybe the Duke and Duchess are happy with the “realistic” portrait of her and it really is only their opinion that matters but I can’t help but think there aren’t many options for them once the painting is completed.

It was early when we took the bus to The Portrait Gallery. We hopped off at the Charing Cross stop which is around the corner from Trafalgar Square and the Gallery. Early mornings in winter are proving to be the best time to see London without the large crowds.

View of Big Ben from Trafalgar Square

View of Big Ben from Trafalgar Square

Regents Street ~ heading toward Piccadilly Circus

Regents Street ~ heading toward Piccadilly Circus

Regents Street

Regents Street

Theater Royal Haymarket

Theater Royal Haymarket

Trafalgar Square Fountain

Trafalgar Square Fountain

Fountain in Trafalgar Square

Fountain in Trafalgar Square

The National Gallery

The National Gallery

Rocking Boy still on the 4th Plinth

Golden Boy still on the 4th Plinth

Lion at Trafalgar Square

Lion at Trafalgar Square

Leaving the Gallery, we walked around the corner toward Leicester square and finally made it to Wagamama ~ the portion sizes are huge and there are lots of vegetarian choices. I say finally because several friends recommended the restaurant chain to us before we left the states.

Wagamamas at Leicester Square

Wagamama at Leicester Square

Another reason I’m so happy living in London is, despite it’s size, it feels very safe. In the last few weeks, my daughter has been testing the honesty of her fellow Londoners. She left her phone on the tube a couple of weeks ago and  last week, she accidentally dropped her wallet. Thankfully, both items were found by nice gentlemen who contacted us via my phone. I’m listed as Mum in her contacts and as the “emergency contact” in her wallet. The man called me from Logan’s phone and I heard a deep voice of a grown man rather than my sweet girl on the other end. I’m sure he heard my confusion panic when I spoke because he quickly explained he found the phone on the tube. We’re very thankful for the kindness of others.

As I look at my London list and all my London guidebooks, I can’t help but agree with the quote:

“When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life……for there is in London all that life can afford.”- Dr Samuel Johnson, 1777

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Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition (2012) at London’s Natural History Museum

Posted in London, Travels, tagged , , , on Tuesday, 8 January, 2013| Leave a Comment »

I love Wildlife and I love looking at beautiful photos so I don’t know why it took me so long to get myself to the “Wildlife Photographer of the Year” Exhibition at the Natural History Museum in London. It’s a stunning array of gorgeous photos! I didn’t agree with all the choices for “winner” in each of the categories but I have all due respect to the judges who had to make the final decisions.

Each photo has all the pertinent information such as the name of the photographer, the location of the photo and the type of camera/camera settings. But best of all are the short stories to go with each photo. I’m so impressed with the patience of these marvelous photographers.

The exhibition ends on March 3, 2013. If you’re able to go, I highly recommend buying tickets online and going early.  My friends and I were there at 10 am when they opened the doors and were able to enjoy the photos on our own for about 20 minutes or so. After about 20 minutes, it starting filling up fast.

For my talented photographer friends: The 2013 Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition is accepting entries until February 25, 2013.  The competition is open to both amateur and professional photographers. There are 18 categories, three categories are specifically for those aged 17 and under. The photos of the youth winners from 2012 left me in awe. Such talent! There was a record 48,000 photos entered last year so the competition is stiff but you never know if you might have the winning photo. Click here if you’d like to see all the photos from 2012 and here for more information on how to enter your photo for 2013.

Personally, I’ve been inspired to take my Canon EOS (a camera I noticed repeatedly on the signs of those showcased at the exhibition) off of “Auto” focus and, maybe one day, you might see my photo in the gallery.

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Day Trip: Windsor Castle and Eton

Posted in Day Trip from London, London, Travels, tagged , , , , , , , on Sunday, 6 January, 2013| 5 Comments »

We decided, very last minute, to visit Windsor Castle and Eton. Unfortunately, the scheduled 55 minute direct train from Waterloo Train Station (London) to Windsor & Eaton Riverside Train Station took over TWO hours. The tracks were undergoing repairs which required a change of train stations via a 30 minute bus ride. Being flexible is a must when traveling on public transportation, especially on the weekends when repairs are scheduled.

Arriving in Windsor, we walked across the bridge over the River Thames and into Eton. The area oozes with history and I loved walking down the High Street looking at the old buildings and all the details on them.

Bridge between Eton and Windsor

Along the Thames

Swan Feeding along the Thames

Feeding the many swans along the Thames

Directional sign in Eton

Directional sign in Eton

15th Century home in Eton

15th Century home in Eton

Details on 15th Century house

Details on 15th Century house

Private alleyway in Eton

Private alleyway in Eton

Bike stand

Bike stand

Eton College is one of the most prestigious all-male schools in the world for boys ages 13-18. No less than 18 Prime Ministers of the UK have graduated from Eton including the current PM.  The school was founded in 1440 by King Henry VI who wished to provide a free education for poor but scholarly boys.  The college continues to offer scholarships but for the rest of the attendees, the cost of schooling runs about £ 32,000 per year ($41,800). Famous graduates you know: Prince William and Prince Harry.

Eaton College

Eaton College

Statue at Eton College

Statue at Eton College

Henry VI Statue in Eton College Courtyard

Henry VI Statue in Eton College Courtyard

We walked back over the bridge and up the High Street towards Windsor Castle. There are lots of restaurants and shops along the way.

Crooked House in Windsor

Crooked House in Windsor

Shortest Street in Britain

Shortest Street in Britain

On one of the buildings in Windsor is the “Warrant to Execute” King Charles I. He’s the only sitting monarch in England’s history to be executed.  And we think politics is rough these days!What a dangerous mess it was back in the 17th century.  Oliver Cromwell was instrumental in the downfall of the monarchy by having Charles I executed (his signature is easily seen on the warrant). On Feb 6, 1649, the monarchy was abolished and Oliver Cromwell became Chairman of the “Council of States.” 11 years later, Charles II returned to re-establish the monarchy and more heads rolled.

Warrant for the excecution of King Charles I

Warrant for the excecution of King Charles I

After working up an appetite walking around, we stopped for lunch at The Thai Place  (12 Thames Street) and it’s the best Thai food we’ve had in the UK. Very friendly and attentive service. I’ll definitely go back next time we visit.

Windsor Castle dominates the landscape and can be seen from every angle of town. It’s one of Queen Elizabeth’s official residences and is used for state dinners/sleepover for Heads of State. The castle was built by William the Conqueror over 900 years ago. Not only is it the oldest occupied castle in the world, it’s the largest.  It’s impressive with a spectacular chapel, beautiful staterooms and a fascinating collection of artwork, china, furniture, and memorabilia. My favorite were the gifts given to and from Queen Victoria with hand written notes. It’s so obvious how in love she was with Prince Albert, her husband. If you plan to visit the castle, check the website to make sure it’s open to visitors. They close occasionally when the Queen is in residence and if there’s an event happening there.  No photos were allowed in St George’s Chapel or the state apartments but I took plenty outside!

Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle Entrance

Windsor Castle V

Windsor Castle IV

Windsor Castle at Dusk

Windsor Castle tour

Windsor Castle Logan at Dusk

I haven’t marked Windsor Castle/Eton College off my “London must see” list just yet since I’d like to go back and take a “Precinct Tour” which the guide discusses the history of the Castle and I’d like to go on a tour of Eton College when it’s open to the public (between March and October). There’s also the Saville Gardens (located in Windsor Great Park) which I’m sure will be a lovely display of flowers.

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Hampton Court, UK

Posted in London, Travel, United Kingdom, tagged , , on Sunday, 23 December, 2012| 2 Comments »

A year in London allows me to visit places not necessarily on every tourist agenda but this week I visited a location at the top of most “what to do in London” lists:  Hampton Court .  A definite must see!

Hampton Court is an easy 30 minute train ride from London’s Waterloo station (round trip fare cost less than £10).  From the train station, you walk over the bridge and in about five minutes, you’re at the entrance to Hampton Court.  You could take a boat on the Thames from Westminster Pier but it takes four hours so I would suggest that on a warm summer day and then take the train back to London.

Hampton Court

There are beautiful gates at the entrance:

Hampton Court Entrance

Originally, Hampton Court was built by Cardinal Wolsey, beginning in 1514, when he was Henry VIII’s Lord Chancellor.  His relationship with the king soured and , by 1525, Henry VIII took over Hampton Court as a Royal Residence.  The entrance fee is £ 16.95.  Once you’re in, there are free costumed guided tours of the State Rooms and there are free audio guides.  We opted for the audio guides so we could go at our own pace.

Hampton Court I

Cardinal Wolsey’s Rooms and the Renaissance Picture Gallery are used to showcase 16th and early 17th century paintings from the Royal Collection. The Royal Chapel was built by the Cardinal and is still in use ~almost 500 years!  It’s a gorgeous chapel (no photos allowed) with a vaulted ceiling.  The Chapel has been changed a little throughout the years but it’s been an active church the entire time.  There is a King James bible, commissioned in 1611 by King James I, still in use today.

The Clock in Clock Court:

Hampton Court Clock Courtyard

A lot of Henry VIII’s palace was lost during the reign of King William III and Queen Mary II. They hired Christopher Wren to rebuild the palace.  We walked through William III’s apartments, making sure we looked up in every room because the palace ceilings are beautiful:

Hampton Court Williams bedroom

The view from William III’s apartments to the gardens:

Hampton Court Gardens

…and the King’s really private room.

Hampton Court Williams toilet

King Henry VIII’s Great Hall:

Hampton Court Great Hall

Where the King and Queen sat when they ate in the Great Hall:

Hampton Court Great Hall King and Queen seating

Decorated ceiling in the Great Hall:

Ceiling in the Great Hall

Fountain Court:

Hampton Court Green Courtyard

Hampton Court Hallway

Pretty Christmas Trees decorating the windows outside the Royal Chapel:

Hampton Court Christmas Trees

The Henry VIII kitchens were fascinating.  It amazes me how much food was cooked/produced for the 600 + people in the court. The enormous fireplace in the kitchens:

Hampton Court Fireplace

One of the best parts of our visit was we had the place almost to ourselves.  It was a rainy, cold day so close to Christmas and there were no school field trips. I can imagine how beautiful the gardens and courtyards must be during the the spring. We also passed on checking out the Maze and the tennis courts so I will have to make a return trip before we leave and will take Logan with me.

Hampton Court II

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International Dinners

Posted in London, tagged , , on Sunday, 23 December, 2012| Leave a Comment »

John is attending a year-long course here in London. Roughly half of the class are international students, the other half are British and there’s only one other American.  It makes for very interesting conversations when we get together as a group ~ not always pleasant, but always engaging.

We know this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to get to know people from all around the world.  We meant to start hosting dinners much sooner, but here we are four months into our stay in London, and we finally invited our first guests from amongst John’s fellow students ~ the Israeli family.

We served typical American fare including chocolate brownies for dessert (big hit with the girls). We did throw in a British tradition which is the famous Christmas Crackers ~ they pop when you pull them open and there is little prize inside as well as a paper crown.  My prize was a mini mirror.  As we travel, I love to add new traditions to our celebrations and the Christmas Cracker is definitely a keeper.

Christmas Cracker

Christmas Cracker

 

At the end of the meal, we pulled out a game and Logan chose to torture teach them how to play “Apples to Apples” ~ it’s a fun game of word comparisons. Good way to build vocabulary. Turns out, they had so much fun with the game, the girls have asked their parents to buy the game so they can play at home.

Apples to Apples

As I expected, the conversation was fascinating and I learned many new things about living in Israel.  I already knew about the compulsory military service at age 18 for both men (they serve 3 years) and women (2 years) but it was different hearing about it as I looked around the table at their four daughters and I thought about each one of them in the military.  It also got me thinking about our all-volunteer military (which is less than 1% of the US population) ~ how so few do so much for so many.

Darn if they didn’t make me feel like a homebody!  As much as I’ve traveled the world, they’ve traveled so much more than either John or I.  Backpacking in Chile? Carnival in Rio? Hmmm…I’ve got a long way to go to catch up with their adventures.  It was fascinating to hear about it though and I’ve added several places to my travel wish list.  Including Israel!

As they were leaving, John’s colleague told us this was the first time he saw a Christmas tree in someone’s home.  That warmed my heart as I love the idea that we were able to impart a new experience on someone who has been around the world is a great feeling.

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