LIFT A PINT OF CHEER WITH ME IN OLDE LONDON TOWN. Review on London

I have visited LONDON, ENGLAND so many times I forget the number, (that's what you do when you reach 40!). I do remember the first time was in 1961 and it was love at first sight. I tried to convince my Husband to move there.

We were very lucky as we had a friend, (from Edmonton, Alberta), who had moved there to be an Artist. The first time I visited London he was working in the Jewelry Department at Harrods.

The other times he had found a 'Patron' and was living in her old Victorian House in a quaint Lane. He did become a well know Artist. The point I am making is we never had to take a Tour of London because Vic was there to guide us.

I have an excellent sense of direction so after my third visit, (when Vic was busy), I used the 'Tube', (le metro or subway), to get everywhere I could not walk to. London is a walking city and I did walk a lot.

We were at Buckingham Palace, (the home of Queen Elizabeth when she is in London), just in time to see the changing the Guards. It begins with a Parade of the new Guards, (riding on horses), coming from the stables. When they reach the gate there is a ceremonial changing of flags and then the new Guards take their Post. A Guard standing at his Post will not smile or talk to you. It was nice enough to pretend he did not see me standing next to him when my Husband took our picture.

From the Palace I could walk to the Marble Arch area and visit the Stores. Some times I would go to Hyde Park, (the biggest park in London), to visit 'Speakers Corner'. On one corner of the Park there is a corner that has been given this nickname. All you need is a box to stand on and you are allowed to talk about what ever your 'issue of the day' is. It's a lot of fun to see what is important to the Londoners!

Please don't feed the swans or other birds when you see them in the ponds in the park. I love to walk through the park 'and smell the roses', (chill out or relax), or buy some fresh bread and cheese and have a picnic.

The Tower of London was once a place that the Royal Family who was out of favor was placed in jail. The Crown Jewels are on display here.

Westminster Abbey is an Anglican Church is designed in a Gothic styled. St. Paul’s Church was designed by Christopher Wren. He was the most important Designer at his time.

The House of Parliament is across the Thames. The famous 'Big Ben',( a bell inside the tower),is here. We never attempted to get a pass to attend a session there or at the House of Lords because we already saw the screaming and yelling in Ottawa’s, (Canadian), Parliament.

We went to Covent Garden the first time to see the Opera. After that it was reconverted into many very expensive Shops and Pubs. The one good place to visit here is the Shop that sells last minute tickets to London Shows.

Leicester Square has a lot of pubs, restaurants, coffeehouses and shops. The Theaters that are showing most of the Plays are in the Streets close to the Square.

We enjoy have a drink at a Pub or have lunch or dinner at one. The best time to go is on Friday night all the locals will fill the Pubs because Friday is payday in London.

I always spend at least half a day at the National Gallery. It is English's largest Art Museum and every time I go I see something new on display.

We went to the Tate Gallery once to see the wax figures of the famous people.

We use to be able to see a few Plays, an Opera and a Ballet Performance. Canadian dollar does not go far as the English £ is worth at least 2 ½ times more. So we have to choice one or two of the cultural events we will attend.

If we are in London on a Sunday we always go to the open market called ''Petty Coat Lane. The bargains are very good at the stalls that run down the middle of the lane. There are Stores on either side of the Stalls. In these Stores you will find the exact same items that you saw in London's better Shops for at least half price. I bought some shoes that were 3/4 off the price near the Shop near Marks and Spencer.

After we finish shopping we always eat at 'Solly's Deli' in Golders Green. When I am away from home I miss a hot pastrami sandwich and 'Solly's makes the best.

SOME THOUGHTS:

I loved London and even though it is an expensive City to visit I hope I can visit it again.

©LL