Last Day in London, Part II

Note: Thanks for staying tuned. The last post survived and thankfully didn't cause a technological meltdown! Blogging, and doing it from an iPad app, is an extra skills set I've developed during this whole adventure that I never imagined I'd have. That said, I have no intentions of quitting my day job and joining the growing ranks of those adding daily to the overcrowded blogosphere!

 

Now back to the final sights of London.

 

On our way to Hyde Park, which had been transformed into London Live, a venue for Olympic concerts, athlete appearances, and a fun place to watch events on massive projection screens, we saw more folks from around the world who had come to join the party, this time...

the Aussies, and...

...the Dutch.

At this point, it was close to 3:00pm and we hadn't even had lunch yet. After a day trolling the city, we were famished! We needed our strength, though, because one final, crucial task still lay ahead of us -- purchasing gifts for our husbands! At this hour of the day in England, when the going gets tough, the tough...

...go have Afternoon Tea! This tea was shared, by the way. The photo makes it appear that Jennie consumed this lovely tray of finger sandwiches, scones, and tarts by herself. While she might have wanted to at this point in the day (especially the clotted cream!), I assure you she did not!

 

The good news about the all-important husband gift buying was that we knew exactly what we wanted to get. Jennie's husband, Chris, is a very talented musician. By day he's a graphic designer, but by night, he's a guitar/keyboard player and singer who needs a cool "gig shirt" or two. Many thanks to our good friends Matthew and Alex who recommended the iconic Selfridges as a good place to look. A delightful young salesman took very good care of us and Chris is now sporting two very cool gig shirts. (Any Ab Fab fans out there? If so, Eddy and Patsy would have been pleased with our shopping efforts!)

While our husbands are friends, they have very different interests and tastes. Scott (a.k.a. Francis) likes a nice floral tie. Yes, he's in touch with his feminine side and has a thing for ties from another wonderful British shopping institution, Liberty.

If you see a man on the BC campus (sadly on crutches from hip surgery #2) wearing one of these ties, please say hello!

We arrived in time to see St George appear and valiantly slay the evil dragon on the recently restored Liberty clock tower, which he thankfully does every quarter hour.

We did it! All missions accomplished! And with that, we waited out the 5:00 PM rush in the cozy Victorian Clachlan pub next door, which interestingly enough used to be owned by Liberty. When things died down a bit, we hopped on the Underground at Oxford Circus (many thanks to the young attendant who helped us decipher the tube zones in order to know which ticket to purchase and which platform to go to!), and we made it back to St Pancras in time to miraculously catch a rare express train to St Albans. For whatever reason, there was some good Karma flowing at that moment! One last, delicious meal at the Mediterranean Grill and home to catch some Olympic action and to pack! We are headed home!

 

 

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Last Day in London, Part 1

I began dreaming and planning this trip almost two years ago, so how is it already the last full day? So much left to do, including some sight seeing and gift buying. Could we do it all? Fasten your seat belts!

 

A Games volunteer, dressed in her uniform from head to toe (sneakers and shoelaces, too!), waited for the train along with us.

 

I was feeling much more confident about venturing into the city after our positive experience on Saturday. It was now the 3rd full day of the Olympics, so surely any kinks related to transportation were worked out at this point. To play it safe, we took the train from St Albans to Blackfriars, skipped the Underground, and had a chilly, but spectacular walk along the Victoria Embankment towards Westminster. It was pretty quiet and we didn't encounter many people.

The Royal Family, circa 1977, turned up to greet us! This photo, taken in 1977 during the Queen's Silver Jubilee, is the largest photo ever of the Royal Family. It was hung for the Diamond Jubilee Flotilla on June 3rd.

Everything received a bit of "spit and polish" for 2012, a very busy year, indeed.

The dome of St Paul's Cathedral peering over the rooftops.

I love this vantage point of new and old -- the London Eye (you couldn't pay me to ride on it!), Lambeth Palace peering through the Eye's spokes, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey.

The latest addition to London's skyline, and Europe's tallest completed building -- The Shard. The skyscraper, designed by architect Renzo Piano, opened on July 5th.

Qatar House, home to Qatar's 2012 Olympic Committee

The Olympic rings began their barge journey on the Thames on February 28, marking 150 days until the opening ceremony. They are staying put right here for a few weeks.

Cleopatra's Needle, despite it's name, has no real connection to the Egyptian queen. It was given to the UK in 1819 by Egypt to commemorate British victories at the Battle of The Nile and the Battle of Alexandria.

30 St Mary Axe, better known as "The Gherkin," another of modern London's more recent landmarks.

A nice, clear shot of the Eye.

The Battle of Britain Monument, dedicated in 2005.

 

As soon as we began to approach Westminster Bridge, we could see more people and hear more commotion. Suddenly, drums were beating, and down the street came a group of Brazilians cheering, singing, playing instruments, and waving sports equipment and their flag. It was at this moment that I felt the vibe of the city begin to change from the calm and regal London, who was in her Sunday best, to the alive and vibrant city who was ready to party with the world!

Big Ben and bright blue sky.

One of a series of Olympic-themed sculpture placed around the city. This one, dedicated to British rhythmic gymnast Frankie Jones, was just outside Westminster Abbey.

There was a huge crowd waiting to get into the Abbey. It was well worth waiting in line, but once inside, we could not take photos.

Casa Italia, the Italian Olympic Committee's headquarters, just across the street. We passed on going inside to see the Italian models and FIATs.

Nelson Mandela, unveiled in 2007 in Mr. Mandela's presence, greeted visitors from around the world in Parliament Square.

 

As did Winston Churchill!

The park in the square was a gathering place for visitors from all over the world. I felt like bursting out into a rousing chorus of "I'd like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony!"

 

Two young English women were laughing and running back and forth taking pictures of one another with their Union Jack. I offered to take one of them with it and asked in return they take one of us! They thought it was hilarious we'd want our picture taken with their flag. I wish we'd had an American flag with us!

These poor athletes from Uzbekistan were very lost, but a helpful Games volunteer was attempting to help them. I hope they made it back for their event!

Team Argentina seemed to know where they were headed.

One last glimpse of Parliament and the ubiquitous London Double Decker.

As we headed down Birdcage Walk, alongside St James' Park (which was closed due to games-related activities)

...the Scots Guards, a regiment of the British Army, drilled nearby at Wellington Barracks.

Swiss fans...REPRESENT!

British fans...REPRESENT!

The Victoria Memorial

The Mall was closed for the start and finish of the men's and women's cycling road race.

 

When we arrived at Buckingham Palace, the Queen was not at home, as the Union Jack flying without the Royal Standard told us.

A sentry from the Guards kept watch.

I made some new friends.

A member of the Team Venezuela entourage watched as...

...the Guards began to make a change.

The sky began to look threatening, but onwards towards Wellington Arch.

The poor Duke needs serious protection from pigeons nowadays!

 

To be continued in Part II, as Blogsy is telling me I'm on photo overload and this post is about to self destruct!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A Day With Good Friends and Rain

We had a terrific day out in the Village of Aldenham, visiting dear family friends of my family's, Don and Isla Hart. For our final Sunday, they invited us out for a delicious home cooked meal and relaxed visit with them, their son Matthew, and his partner, Alex. (It is the Hart's who connected us with Helen, our amazing tour guide in Oxford. She is the daughter of Isla's childhood friend.) No sooner had we arrived at their lovely home, the heavens opened! This delayed our exploration of their lovely garden, but the storm didn't last long and the sun burst through.

Gardens always look better just after it rains.

One of their enormous roses.

The neighbors' wisteria, a favorite of mine.

Isla is an amazing gardener.

Don's bird feeder station that's meant to be squirrel proof. We all know that just doesn't exist!

Everything is lush in this damp climate.

 

After our delicious roast dinner, we went for a nice long walk. A massive slug enjoyed the post-downpour wet pavement. At least he wasn't nibbling on a hosta!

 

 

Jennie got her horse fix as we strolled through nearby Patchett's Equestrian Center, where Isla and daughter Fiona used to ride quite a bit.

Our walk took us through the churchyard at St John the Baptist, their local parish. We made it back to the house just in time before the next downpour.

When the sun returned, Don examined a pesky tree limb.

Jennie and Isla discussed a mystery plant we've seen several times in our travels. Anyone know what it is?

Son Matthew and partner, Alex, whom we hope will visit us soon. (hint, hint!)

We don't see each other often, so it was hard to say goodbye.

As soon as Jennie and I arrived back at the St Albans train station, and we began the walk to our hotel, the rain poured down a third and final time for the day. We had to seek refuge under the extended roof of the office building next to the train station for about 10 minutes. That was the most rain we'd seen during the entire trip, and, thankfully, the last of it.

 

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