A Day in Windsor (to be said in a very hoitey-toitey English accent)

England saved all her delightful weather for the visiting Canadian, leaving Steven and I to spend a whole day inside (neither of us is complaining) and one slightly cloudy day in Windsor.  This is where the Queen lives: her official home is in the castle, pictured.  Cool, right?  And you can get all up in the castle...it's so much more friendly than old Buckingham.  The quaint waterways that sort of shot off from the river were so picturesque, and though it rained a little when we were heading home, it certainly didn't dampen our spirits.  Here's a little of what we saw...

...so cheesy...

Yeah, we had a good day.  

A pretty, pretty good day xx

Laura in London: Day Two

I haven't ever stopped at the restaurants that flank London Bridge Station and Borough Market.  When the market's on, one would be foolish to miss out on homemade pasta, local cheese, and out-of-this-world fresh bread, and I can't say I've been down here without a plan to Market.  Alas, we arrived for a tour of the South Bank (my fave), and settled down quite easily with this jug of Pimms and some paella.  Now I've been quick to say that paella is a cesspool of bacteria, but man, was this rice good!  I'm officially a convert: I will forever praise that huge vat of rice.  

It was great people watching while we waited on the food...

Seems so strange to see the market empty.  It's such a vast space.

Finally: the South Bank in all her glory...

We went into the Tate Modern (which is great, by the way.  I haven't been in over two years...it was better than I remembered it) and caught a glimpse of St. Paul's from across the river from this amazing little balcony. 

This is so London: sitting riverside, watching the bubbles in the distance, soaking up the sunshine.  What a great day.

On our way home, after a pop into Hilary's St James Tavern in Picadilly and O Bar in SoHo for a little happy hour, we collapsed strolled into Fernandez and Wells on Lexington, my favourite London eatery.  Wine, cheese, meat on a plank?  Yes, please.

It was a perfect way to end a wonderful day.

I hope you had a great time, Laura.

Have fun with your family in Finland xxx

Laura in London: Meeting Shelley

It's always interesting to meet people who are friends of friends.  It's interesting to see how they fit into your friend's life and to fully appreciate why they are special to them in one way or another.  

I met Shelley at Trafalgar Square, during a very busy football rally (I can't describe it any other way...the place was manic).  Laura hadn't seen her in ten years (it kills me that we're now describing time in terms of decades...good thing I'm not getting any older), but recognized her the moment she came round the bend.  

What a delightful woman.  It was a real treat to be around her.  After our bus tour (above) Shelley brought us to Vista at the Trafalgar, a rooftop bar that overlooked the city.  Don't mind if we do.  Drinks were dear but oh-so-delicious and it was a treat to be outside (again), taking in the sites from a new view.    

Laura in London: Day One

Laura's visit actually started on Saturday, but I forgot my camera, so I've successfully documented two thirds of the trip.  Sunday started off pretty late (we both could have used the sleep, so gratefully took it), but the weather was amazing (thank you, England...you didn't pull out those stops for the last few days, but I'm ever-so-grateful that you did while my friend was in town), and it was great to gallivant with my friend.  

Starting at the site of the Great Fire of London (above) and moving quite quickly to Tower Bridge Pier, we boarded a boat for the second part of our (moving) London tour.  I've been on a boat tour before, but seeing it from the top of an open boat, while the sun was shining and the weather was so warm (but not too much so...god, we do talk about weather a lot) was amazing.  And the tour guide was sarcastic, witty, and full of interesting information.    

"Entry to the Traitor's Gate" at the Tower of London

A little old mixing with a little new

The ACTUAL London Bridge, seen from underneath (her best view, if you ask me)

The Houses of Parliament (with a twist)...

(and an orb)

We weren't the only ones enjoying Westminster Abbey!

Poor Laura thought the Red Telephone booth would be an iconic AND enjoyable experience: think again.  It was sweltering hot and laden with images of prostitutes.  Charming, London, really charming.

With some gentle guidance (to go to Mayfair, which we didn't actually get to) from Steven and some luck, we stumbled upon the Nag's Head in Belgravia.  Unfortunately, Time Out gives it an awful review, but I thought it was super charming.  And the Shepherd's Pie?  Amazing.  Maybe it was because we were a little tipsy from the sunshine and the few ciders.  Maybe it was the good company...anyway, we really enjoyed it here and I will certainly head back.

It was off home for us shortly thereafter.  Back tomorrow for yet another great day out.