3.24.2006

London was Fabulous, Part 3

Friday morning I went by Buckingham Palace and wandered through the adjacent gardens.



I spent the rest of the morning at the V&A, an absolutely amazing museum. I could spend WEEKS there (along with thousands of dollars in their gift shop!)

Friday was St. Patrick's Day,and the restaurant in Havery Nichols featured an Irish- themed prix fixe lunch (prix fixe not cheap!) It was a fab lunch- kir royale, followed by Irish oysters, lamb stew with a nice burgundy, and rhubarb crumble. Cost a small fortune, but made for a very happy tummy.

After lunch, I cruised Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens.







Then I napped before heading out to see the Royal Shakespeare Company do "As You Like It." This was a highlight of my trip! I LOVE Shakespeare, and it was great to see the pros do it.

Saturday morning was more of a shopping day than a culture day. I started off at the Portobello Road market, which was a mob scene. Then cruised New Bond Street, feeling very rediculous wandering in and out of stores where the cheapest object for blocks was a $100 t-shirt. But it was fun nonetheless. I tried to get tea at the French Patisserie on the first floor of Harrod's, but it was overrun with tourists and the service was AWFUL.

I did cruise a couple knitting destinations on Saturday. I went to WearDowney's Getup Boutique in Marylebone. These people are serious knitters who are serious about fashion. A very nice shop, but I can't see myself paying the prices they ask, given that I know how to knit. However, it was nice to see what quality handknits can sell for! I also went to Patricia Roberts in Knightsbridge, a really ritzy neighborhood. The store is filled with bright, happy knits in fun, if somewhat dated, styles. Patricia Roberts also produces her own line of yarns, and of COURSE I had to bring some home:



These are 100% lambswool, probably a fingering or sport weight yarn. Love love love the colors. I think these will probably become latvian mittens for moi.

So.... That was my trip to London! It was a BLAST. I definitely want to go back.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am completely jealous of your trip. A few years ago I had an opportunity to go to London and stay with a friend's mom but had to pass because of a sick pet. sigh

Kensington Gardens looks wonderful! Your photography is really good.

Scoutj said...

I can finally see the pictures. OUt of everything? The English teacher in me would have died to have seen the Globe! How cool. It looks like a fantastic trip.

Wu said...

the photos are fantabulous!!! i'm glad you had such a good time on your spring break! yay!

jeannie said...

The light is just right for your pictures. Isn't it interesting how clouds can give sometimes better pics than full sun? Kensington Gardens look beautiful. What a great trip- I'm so glad you had fun. : )