Wandering Around London
We couldn't have asked for better weather...untypically London...sunny! I'm not going to go into depth on each place visited. You can get all the info off the websites in my previous article, primarily Visit London Tourism. It was time for 3 days of "power-touring":
If you are going to tour London, I highly recommended getting a London Pass, which will get you discounts to many top London attractions.
The Tower of London; The Clink View image (I personally like the London Dungeon better); Winston Churchill's War Rooms (his command center during World War II); Changing of the Guard (you can see on alternate days only); Westminster Cathedral; Big Ben; West End; walked across Tower Bridge; along the Thames Embankment; The Imperial War Museum (one of the few places in London that was free); and a few others that I will tell a little more about. All of these sites were picked by our adult children who were accompanying us.
We also made the "must" visits to Harrods and Hamleys. A word about Hamleys...years before Toys "R" Us was conceived...there was Hamleys. A five-floor store, filled with nothing but toys, on Regent Street. I remember taking my young sons there in the mid-70's and being blown away by the array of toys. And it is still a beautiful, amazing place to visit.
Wandered through Hyde, Kensington and St. James Parks...daffodils, magnolias, forsythia....everything in bloom. Beautiful and cheery after a long winter. Princess Diana Memorial, statue of Peter Pan....parks for children.
Bought " Pasties" on the street and devoured them. Pasties are usually beef, potato, and onions, seasoned and wrapped in a flakey crust. There are also other fillings: Stilton Cheese, Chicken, Vegetarian, different combinations, etc. First time I ever ate one and they are GOOD! View image
Back to the Theater - "Billy Elliot" is the hottest ticket in town (rightfully so), music by Elton John. The musical is based on the movie Billy Elliot (released several years ago). I don't remember ever seeing a powerful musical...especially one that an entire show basically rests on the shoulders of 12-year boys...the three to five alternating Billy Elliot's. (It would be too intense for one child to do performance after performance.) Leon Cooke, was the Billy Elliot the night we went. He sings, dances both classic ballet and tap, and emotes such a strong performance, that most of the audience was sobbing away in several scenes. All I can say is the four of us left, wrung out and astounded by the performances Leon and others gave. What an absolutely WONDERFUL musical. I usually don't say "You Must See it"....but, YOU MUST SEE IT.
Portobello Road on Saturday - Fun time. If antiques aren't your thing, this is the place for some "power-shopping". We had already done our "power-touring" for two days and now, Robbie and Michael were on a souvenir mission. Portobello Road is in the very up-scale Notting Hill area with beautiful row houses, and incredible boutiques on Westbourne Grove, Chepstow and Kensington Park Road. I might have been willing to sell my soul for a pair of shoes which were only (sarcasm) 295 English Pounds....(add 75% on to that to convert to $$$$)...and most of the "flats" (apartments) and row houses sell for millions of pounds. Oh well....
There was a great restaurant in that area...Londonites took us there...Mediterraneo, 37 Kensington Park Road, London W11, phone: 020-7792-3131. If you get a chance, don't miss. Cucina Italiana filled with locals, tight quarters and mobbed but everything was delicious. One of those places where you must have reservations.
And, while you are wandering around Notting Hill, mosey into Dan Lonergan's beautiful furniture store Gotham and say "hi". Dan is a transplanted Chicagoan who now lives in London Town. Dan's shop, and interior design is a source for some very important movie stars and "A" listers...but "mums the word" on who they are. I know, but can't tell.
It was a fun-filled three days, crammed from morning to night, but impossible to see everything. We must go back....and perhaps the dollar will gain some strength against the pound.
Ta Ta, Luv....
Comments
WHO INTRODUCED YOU TO LONDON DUNGEON, HMMMM.
Posted by: SON | April 19, 2006 12:10 PM
What a great write up on London, and you were incredibly lucky with the weather. The house prices in central london are crazy. One restaurant I would recommend is the Roof Terrace in Covent Garden by Chez Gerrard... not too pricey and fantastic food. Wicked is also on at the moment and that is a fantastic show.
Completely agree and loved Wicked, but Billy Elliott was still one of the finest shows I've ever seen. Will keep your restaurant recommendation in mind for another time! Thanks.
Posted by: London Sightseeing Tours | July 24, 2008 03:42 AM