For anyone who has been wondering what we've been up to for the past couple of weeks, I apologise. The weeks and weekends have been hectic, and by the time I've gotten home I've had little energy to post. I'm going to try to recap the best that I can, but I may miss a few things. Since I last posted on the 10th, there's a lot of ground to cover...
That Sunday, we made it into church in the morning, and putted around London the rest of the day, going to Covent Garden, where we ate at Bistro, then visiting Harrod's and picking out some Christmas ornaments - one of the good things about the credit crunch is that everyone is already putting everything on sale, and we got ornaments from Harrod's for half price. We also got Dalton and Maggie the Harrod's Christmas bears, since they were on sale as well. After Harrod's, we headed back to Trafalgar Square to wait for the carolers. While we were waiting, I got some mince pies and mulled wine for Mich and myself, and a brownie for the kids. Regrettably, the carolers didn't show up on time, and it started raining, so we headed home without seeing the carolers in the square.
The following week was extremely hectic for me - I didn't make it home at a decent hour all week. So, not a whole lot to report there. On Friday, though, Mich and the kids came up to meet me in London so we could finally see the carolers in Trafalgar. We watched them sing for a bit, then headed up towards Piccadilly and wandered down Regent Street to Carnaby for the Christmas lights, before returning to Trafalgar for a few more pictures and carols.
Saturday was the big ice skating day - this year we went to the rink at the Tower of London. We were a little intrepidated at first, since when we got there, the rink had already partially turned into a giant puddle of water (it was around 50F on Saturday, although, to be fair, that was probably the first time in about a month that it was that warm). Somehow we managed to remain mostly dry - Mich, Maggie and I didn't fall down at all, and Dalton only fell down three times, but he also went around the rink thirteen times, and was out there for the majority of the hour that we were allowed to skate. We went to eat at the Shad Thames Pizza Express - the Shad Thames being a small alley/street on the south side of Tower Bridge that has a somewhat medieval feel to it - cobblestones, tall overhanging buildings, and the like.
And then, Sunday we went in to church for the carol service, followed by a visit to the Museum of London - which I found mostly interesting for the bits about the great fire of 1666, although it also had some stuff about the Black Death, which apparently freaked Maggie out. After that, we went to the "Christmas Meditation" at Westminster Abbey. I enjoyed the Abbey, but.... I suppose that I anticipated a "Christmas Meditation" being somewhat Christmas-y. While there were some Christmas readings, the music was stuff that was on a par with John Cage. If we hadn't been sitting on the front row, (and Maggie hadn't fallen asleep) we would have walked out. Several people did. Michelle and I were kicking ourselves for not going with the traditional "Lessons and Carols" service at St. Margaret's (right next to Westminster). Still, we did actually make it into Westminster, so I guess that counts for something.
Today, we're going in to see the Nutcracker, hopefully followed by a candlelight service at the little church up the road. And then, to put the children to bed, so that visions of sugar plums can dance in their head...
Showing posts with label Trafalgar Square. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Trafalgar Square. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Christmas Shopping
Today was a very special day. All week long, we've been planning to go out and finish up our Christmas shopping today (and we did), but I really didn't expect today to be as wonderful as it was. To be honest, it wasn't so much about what we did, or saw, as it was that I saw the wonderfully sweet and loving heart of my son shine through. I have to admit, it was just the way that he acted that made me proud.
We got off to an early start, since we were planning on going to the Twinings shop. We headed up to Merstham station, and Maggie and I sang Christmas carols on the way. Today, we went into London Bridge (frequently, we go into London Victoria instead), and after our arrival we went into the Borough Market. The Borough Market is kind of like a farmers' market, but it also has people selling their farm-grown lamb, home-made meat pies, fish, chocolates, pies, and cakes, breads, cheeses, and wines and beers. We went by a stall selling bread and Dalton decided that he wanted a baguette. Dalton has always been fond of bread, but since Paris, he has grown even more fond of bread.
Cue moment number 1. We bought the baguette, which he then agreed to share with Maggie. Not bad for a start. He then told Mich that he was going to give some to a poor person. Sure enough, coming out of the market, we walk by this guy sitting down and looking tired, worn out, cold, and hungry. Dalton goes up to him and breaks off about half the baguette and hands it to him. I don't know what the guy thought, but I was proud of Dalton.
We then rode to Charing Cross and walked down the Strand to the Twinings tea shop. Unfortunately, it was closed. However, we did stop by the skating rink at the Somerset House, which was pretty neat. After a brief stopover to watch the skaters, we headed back up the Strand, and then up to Covent Garden, where we stopped for lunch at Ponti's, partly because everyone was getting hungry, but partly because everyone was cold and we wanted to eat inside where it was warm.
After lunch, we wandered Covent Garden for a while and bought presents for most of the people remaining on our list. Cue moment 2. Covent Garden has people playing music there most of the time, buskers of one sort or another. Today, in the lower halls, a group of people were playing classical music. (Imagine a group that might play classical music in Key West, and you've probably got the idea.) We all stopped to watch for a bit, and then I popped into a shop to see if I could do some more of our shopping. When I came out, I saw Dalton in front of the group, collecting up money that had fallen out of their basket - which was strewn all over the floor in front of them. He went around, collecting up all the money, putting it in the basket, and then brought the basket back to the group. One of the violinists got the crowd (and there was a good sized crowd there) to give Dalton a big round of applause, and then the cellist offered Dalton his choice between a ten-pound note and a CD. Dalton chose the CD.
I later found out that while I was in the store, someone had tossed some change towards the basket and had missed. Dalton had scooted out and put the change in the basket. The cellist, having a bit of fun with him, bumped the basket a bit and made some of the change fall back out. Dalton picked it up again and put it back in the basket. This went back and forth, until the cellist accidentally kicked the basket and then the money really did go everywhere - which is when I came out.
After that, we went through Trafalgar Square, with its giant tree, and where several Santas had gathered up next to Nelson's column. We sat and watched them for a bit, before heading up to Piccadilly Circus and Regent Street. We had promised Dalton a few weeks ago that he could go to Hamley's before we left to go home for Christmas, and so this was our final destination for the day. We made it through the crowds to Hamley's and Hamley's was packed.
I often wonder what the impact of living here for two years will be, especially when I come back to a different mode of life. This was one of those times. Specifically, Michelle and I both questioned whether, after Hamley's today, we would ever go anywhere that would seem crowded ever again. I was trying to think of a way to describe it, and it just seems unbelievable, unless, of course, you've been there. There was a queue just to go up the escalator.
We made it out after dark (although that's not saying much - sunset today: 3:52 pm) and walked back down to Piccadilly Circus, back to Trafalgar Square (where now there were carollers and a nativity), and then to Charing Cross.
We got off to an early start, since we were planning on going to the Twinings shop. We headed up to Merstham station, and Maggie and I sang Christmas carols on the way. Today, we went into London Bridge (frequently, we go into London Victoria instead), and after our arrival we went into the Borough Market. The Borough Market is kind of like a farmers' market, but it also has people selling their farm-grown lamb, home-made meat pies, fish, chocolates, pies, and cakes, breads, cheeses, and wines and beers. We went by a stall selling bread and Dalton decided that he wanted a baguette. Dalton has always been fond of bread, but since Paris, he has grown even more fond of bread.
Cue moment number 1. We bought the baguette, which he then agreed to share with Maggie. Not bad for a start. He then told Mich that he was going to give some to a poor person. Sure enough, coming out of the market, we walk by this guy sitting down and looking tired, worn out, cold, and hungry. Dalton goes up to him and breaks off about half the baguette and hands it to him. I don't know what the guy thought, but I was proud of Dalton.
We then rode to Charing Cross and walked down the Strand to the Twinings tea shop. Unfortunately, it was closed. However, we did stop by the skating rink at the Somerset House, which was pretty neat. After a brief stopover to watch the skaters, we headed back up the Strand, and then up to Covent Garden, where we stopped for lunch at Ponti's, partly because everyone was getting hungry, but partly because everyone was cold and we wanted to eat inside where it was warm.
After lunch, we wandered Covent Garden for a while and bought presents for most of the people remaining on our list. Cue moment 2. Covent Garden has people playing music there most of the time, buskers of one sort or another. Today, in the lower halls, a group of people were playing classical music. (Imagine a group that might play classical music in Key West, and you've probably got the idea.) We all stopped to watch for a bit, and then I popped into a shop to see if I could do some more of our shopping. When I came out, I saw Dalton in front of the group, collecting up money that had fallen out of their basket - which was strewn all over the floor in front of them. He went around, collecting up all the money, putting it in the basket, and then brought the basket back to the group. One of the violinists got the crowd (and there was a good sized crowd there) to give Dalton a big round of applause, and then the cellist offered Dalton his choice between a ten-pound note and a CD. Dalton chose the CD.
I later found out that while I was in the store, someone had tossed some change towards the basket and had missed. Dalton had scooted out and put the change in the basket. The cellist, having a bit of fun with him, bumped the basket a bit and made some of the change fall back out. Dalton picked it up again and put it back in the basket. This went back and forth, until the cellist accidentally kicked the basket and then the money really did go everywhere - which is when I came out.
After that, we went through Trafalgar Square, with its giant tree, and where several Santas had gathered up next to Nelson's column. We sat and watched them for a bit, before heading up to Piccadilly Circus and Regent Street. We had promised Dalton a few weeks ago that he could go to Hamley's before we left to go home for Christmas, and so this was our final destination for the day. We made it through the crowds to Hamley's and Hamley's was packed.
I often wonder what the impact of living here for two years will be, especially when I come back to a different mode of life. This was one of those times. Specifically, Michelle and I both questioned whether, after Hamley's today, we would ever go anywhere that would seem crowded ever again. I was trying to think of a way to describe it, and it just seems unbelievable, unless, of course, you've been there. There was a queue just to go up the escalator.
We made it out after dark (although that's not saying much - sunset today: 3:52 pm) and walked back down to Piccadilly Circus, back to Trafalgar Square (where now there were carollers and a nativity), and then to Charing Cross.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Independence Day
First off, apologies for the lack of posting in so long. It's been a somewhat crazy week, and I'm planning on putting a couple of separate posts on here today to catch up.
I hope everyone enjoyed Independence Day in the States. Here, it was... interesting, to say the least. Obviously, the Brits do not share our excitement over our independence, or the declaration thereof, and thus, it was a normal work day for me. However, after working about half the day, I determined that despite being in a foreign land, I would have to attempt a mini-celebration, or at least eat some burgers and barbecue. So, I called Michelle, headed home, and then we all headed out for an exciting American meal.
Mich and I both surfed the web looking for American eats in London, and the best thing we found was the Hard Rock Cafe. Not only did it have American food, but it was also supposed to be decorated for the occasion.
As mentioned previously, the Brits clearly do not share our excitement about our independence, as "decorated" turned out to mean a handful of red, white, and blue balloons sparsely spread throughout the restaurant. I think the burgers were okay, but I can safely vouch for the fact that if Hard Rock Cafe is any indication, the Brits really don't know American barbecue - certainly not the Southern barbecue.
Still, we had a good time, and found out that the London Hard Rock is the original Cafe where it all started. We took some pictures of the rock'n'roll paraphernalia, including the original Hendrix "Flying V" guitar, and several Beatles items. Michelle wanted to go to Covent Garden for some items for her tea, so we headed that way briefly.
When we left home, it looked to be a good day, so we had brought some bread for the kids to feed the pigeons in Trafalgar Square. Although much of the Square was blocked off in preparation for the Tour de France, the pigeons were still there. (I'm not really sure how the Tour ended up in England - someone must have taken a wrong turn at Albuquerque.) Anyhow, the bread was a great hit with the pigeons, and the pigeons were a great hit with the kids.
As it turns out, the National Gallery stays open late on Wednesdays, so we decided to head in. (The Gallery is on Trafalgar Square.) As before, the art was simply amazing - and we actually got the kids to pay attention to some of the pictures. Maggie can still look at our little map and point to some of the ones we looked at. We also happened to walk into one of the galleries as a classical guitar player was performing, and stayed to listen for a bit. It was really quite neat. Michelle and I agreed that we would come back again later, and given that the pigeons are just outside, we also agreed that it would be fairly easy to entice the kids to go as well.
So, that was our 4th. No fireworks, a distinct lack of "real" American food, but a good day, nonetheless.
I hope everyone enjoyed Independence Day in the States. Here, it was... interesting, to say the least. Obviously, the Brits do not share our excitement over our independence, or the declaration thereof, and thus, it was a normal work day for me. However, after working about half the day, I determined that despite being in a foreign land, I would have to attempt a mini-celebration, or at least eat some burgers and barbecue. So, I called Michelle, headed home, and then we all headed out for an exciting American meal.
Mich and I both surfed the web looking for American eats in London, and the best thing we found was the Hard Rock Cafe. Not only did it have American food, but it was also supposed to be decorated for the occasion.
As mentioned previously, the Brits clearly do not share our excitement about our independence, as "decorated" turned out to mean a handful of red, white, and blue balloons sparsely spread throughout the restaurant. I think the burgers were okay, but I can safely vouch for the fact that if Hard Rock Cafe is any indication, the Brits really don't know American barbecue - certainly not the Southern barbecue.
Still, we had a good time, and found out that the London Hard Rock is the original Cafe where it all started. We took some pictures of the rock'n'roll paraphernalia, including the original Hendrix "Flying V" guitar, and several Beatles items. Michelle wanted to go to Covent Garden for some items for her tea, so we headed that way briefly.
When we left home, it looked to be a good day, so we had brought some bread for the kids to feed the pigeons in Trafalgar Square. Although much of the Square was blocked off in preparation for the Tour de France, the pigeons were still there. (I'm not really sure how the Tour ended up in England - someone must have taken a wrong turn at Albuquerque.) Anyhow, the bread was a great hit with the pigeons, and the pigeons were a great hit with the kids.
As it turns out, the National Gallery stays open late on Wednesdays, so we decided to head in. (The Gallery is on Trafalgar Square.) As before, the art was simply amazing - and we actually got the kids to pay attention to some of the pictures. Maggie can still look at our little map and point to some of the ones we looked at. We also happened to walk into one of the galleries as a classical guitar player was performing, and stayed to listen for a bit. It was really quite neat. Michelle and I agreed that we would come back again later, and given that the pigeons are just outside, we also agreed that it would be fairly easy to entice the kids to go as well.
So, that was our 4th. No fireworks, a distinct lack of "real" American food, but a good day, nonetheless.
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