Days 15 and 16

Liverpool!!! Ahhhhh!!! What a nice way to quit London... Via Liverpool! We arrive in Liverpool in the early afternoon just in time to check-in at the Premier Inn on Albert Dock. The weather was not on our side this time: It was pouring rain for all our stay in Liverpool. But you know that didn’t stop us to visit the Beatles city. On our first day we walk around Albert dock and around the city under our umbrellas. We had supper at La Tasca for tapas and we came back to the hotel passing by Mathew street. My thoughts were with Chantal. She know what I mean... Chantal, Mathew street was empty on this monday night. I took this photo of Marcel and Jean-Luc walking quietly in the street.

On our second days, we split. Helene and Jean-Luc had a full Beatles day: Beatles Story museum, Magical Mystery Tour and Maritime museum. We went to Chester, a medieval walled city on the border of Wales, about 45 minutes train ride from Liverpool. We really enjoyed Chester, especially walking in the rows, those galleries all around the city center.

We had rendez-vous with Helene et Jean-Luc at The Cavern at 4h15pm. We arrive at 4pm. As we were waiting, we heard Beatles music from down stairs. We decided to go down and we stayed there listening to this guy singing Beatles music in this mythic place. The lad looked just like John Lennon and the voice was alike too. I was in paradise. We were all there singing with the guy. It was a hight light of this trip. Helene and Jean-Luc arrive around 5pm but we haven’t seen the time going. We stayed there with them for awhile and we,ve been at Hard days night hotel for the apero.

For supper, we change our plans. We wanted to go at Monroe, a well quoted gastro-pub, but since it is a bit far from the hotel and the rain was still our guest, we decided to give a try at Gusto, an italian restaurant at Albert dock. It look like a very « tendance » place with many 30 something peoples. It was good tho.
Now, since the rest of the trip is out of Great Britain, I will stop the report here. I will come back with the bilan later. I still have alot to say.

À suivre....
2 jours à Liverpool quand l'accès à internet sera plus facile.

Jour 14

Our last day in London. (sigh) For this last day, the sun was shining in a full blue sky. We went at Wesminster Abbey and had a look around for awhile before boarding the boat to Greenwhich. It was a nice one hour ride on theThames with very informative points givin by the sailor. In Greenwhich, we walk around and we visited the Royal Observatory where we could stand on meridian 0.00. We also walk in the foot prints of Henry VIII (Yes, him again!) and Ann Boleyn at the Royal Palace of Placentia. There was a crowd in Greenwich but we know that there was a crowd everywhere in London, especially behind a blue sky.

We thought about returning by train but finally, we took the bus back to London. It was a long ride, about 40 minutes. It give us a look at another side of the city. We went on Oxford street for shopping. Now, that was really crowded, even difficult to walk in the middle of all those peoples. Jean-Luc bought shoes and Marcel a shirt (purple shirt!).

We then had a rest in the back yard of our bnb. It was really quiet and we really appreciated it after the massive crowd we just left. What a pleasant area !!

For supper tonight, we went at Belgo for Jean-Luc to live that experience. We laugh alot and really enjoy our last evening in London.

Jour 13

It was market day so we went at Borough Market. We walked around and enjoyed the market ambiance. We had coffee break. We bought some cheese, bread and strawberries and walked to Tate modern where we had a picnic. It was chilly today soo we didn't stay for a long time. We crossed the Millenium bridge to St-Paul and we came back with no 15 Routemaster bus. We stop at Trafalgar where there was kind of religious celebration. Then we walked on Regent street to Carnaby street and to Liberty.

At night, it was time for the fish and chipg , for Jean-Luc so we went at Rock, Sole and Plaice. It was delicious like always. Sitting outside, we were in good place to do people watching. We notice how different the feminin Londoners dress on saturday night. We also observe many drunk young people even in early night. After our meal, we walked around Covent Garden where there was the usual crowd. We came home early because it was cold tonight.

jour 12

Today, we split. Helene and Jean-Luc went to Windsor Castle and Marcel and me to Hampton Court Palace. We already saw Windsor so we choose another place to discover.

Hampton Court was first a Tudor Palace developed by Cardinal Wolsey and later Henry VIII, alongside a baroque palace built by William III and Mary II. In fact, the first buildings at Hampton Court belonged to the Knights Hospitallers of St John of Jerusalem, a religious order founded in the 11th century. In the early 1500, Wolsey built a vast palace at Hampton Court, immeasurably transforming the private house into a magnificent bishop’s palace. Even if Henry VIII has more than 60 houses, his favorite always was Hampton Court. His six wives stayed there. We were very impress by the gardens all around the palace.

We return to London in mid-afternoon and we went shopping on Oxford street. Marcel bought jeans at John Lewis.

We had an apero at The Grenadier before having dinner at About Thyme. Thalking about gastronomy, I had to say that it is a shame to think London doesn't have much to offer in gastronomy matter. Well, that can be biased by a bad experience or based on a old misconception. I tried many restaurants, pubs and wine bars and I have many very positives experiences. Of course, I choose my places just like I do in Montreal, and of course some time my choices are not as expected but most of the time it is great gastronomic experience. From this trip, so far we've been impressed by Paradisio (italian), Vat (wine bars-bistro), Da Mario (italian) and About Thyme (bistro). Just to give you an aperçu: tonight, Helene ate Chicken Breast Stuffed with Ricotta and Spinach Served with Roasted New Potatoes, Jean-Luc: Fresh Swordfish Steak with Green Beans and Olive Oil Salsa, Marcel: Wild Rabbit, Spinach and Tomato Ragout Served with Roasted New Potatoes and me: Barbary Duck's Breast, Potato Rosti, Braised Red Cabbage and Red Currant Jus. And to had at the pleasure, the coffee was nothing less than excellent. I know you drool over our menu right now...

Jour 11

We did so much today! We planned to see Royal Albert Hall, Albert Memorial, Natural History Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, Harrods and we let plans opened for after. So we started walking on Kensington Road to see Royal Albert Hall and Albert Memorial. We then walk on Exhibition Street to The Natural History Museum. There was a student crowd there. In London, summer vacations are in August so July is the last school month and it is the moment where teachers do visits out of the class with the students because they can't keep them to listen anymore. We had to wait a little bit before enter the museum. From my point of view, the beauty of this museum is for the building itself. But is interesting for those who love to learn about nature. We didn't stay for very long and visit the sculptures at Victoria and Albert museum.

We had a coffee break in the cafe of the museum before took the road to Harrods. At Harrods, we walked around and I bought some souvenirs. Marcel was happy to pose with the big Harrods bear.

We came back by Hyde Park to Buckingham Palace and had a gelato in St-James Park. We follow our way to Trafalgar Square where Marcel and Helene relax for awhile near the fontaines as jean-Luc and me visit a few rooms of National Gallery.

Before supper, we walk around Covent Garden and we ended our day at Da Mario restaurant on Endell Street. It is an excellent small Italian restaurant.

Oh wow! As I write this review of the day I realise how much we did today!!! Incredible!

jour 10

What a (another) beautiful day!!

We started our day by a nice stroll in Regent's Park. We had a coffee at the Garden cafe in the park near the roses bush. The park was almost empty at this time of the day (aro0und 10h30).

We then walked around St-John's Wood, just in front Paul's house and end-up at Abbey Road. There was the usual fan crowd even if the weather was unsettle. We notice that Beatles have many young fans. I guess it is because the music dont get old. It was fun to read all the messages wrote on the wall in front the Abbey Road studio.

We decided to walk to Little Venice and we had lunch before boarding the water bus to Candem. The architecture is different. Many stuco building designed par John Nash in the early 1800.

The 50 minutes ride on the boat by the canal is very pleasant and we saw many luxirious other houses.

Candem is really a funky side of London. It is young and so active. It is the part of the city where you can see hippies, punks and other excentric peoples. It is also a place for shopping for different souvenirs like hand crafted jewels or clothes.

At the end of the afternoon, we took the bus back to our rooms.

For supper tonight we tried Vat Wine bar, a fine english cuisine restaurant on Lamb Conduit. The menu is unusual and the ambiance very friendly. We enjoyed our meal and had a great time together.

jour 9

It seem we will experience proper London weather. It's been cloudy with drizzle from time to time all day. Nothing to stop us from visiting the city. In the morning we've been around Tower bridge. Marcel and Jean-Luc visited the Tower and Helene and me walked around south path near the Tower bridge. We then go at St-Paul all together to have lunch in the crypt and went to see Leadenhall Market.

On our way we passed trought London Royal Exhange which is a posh shopping area. We took a routemaster to Temple where we wander around a little bit. Then it was time for apero. We stop at Sherlock Holmes pub. As we were alone Marcel and me, he offer me a golden ring and ask me if I want to marry him again. I was so surprise, so moved. I stay silencious, too overcome to speak. So he ask me again: Do you want to marry me again ? Of course I answer yes. He really is a man full of surprises.

Tonight we want to have supper at Gordon Wine bar but I notice that it wasn't really a hidden secret because it was full when we arrived. Oh well, we walked a bit and because we were hungry and don't want to search for ever, we stop at Cafe des amis and we was please with our supper. We tried to come back without a map but of course we got lost and took the tube to the nearest station from our bnb.

jour 8

This morning I packed my things, had the last breakfast in my flat and get on-line to keep track of my friends and husband's flight. I notice they will be delayed for about 45 minutes. So I took my time. I leave around noon and went check-in at Arran House. Hopefully my room was ready. The room is good size by London standard, clean and well equiped. There is 1 negative side, it is situate on the roof floor so it is quite hot. We will see at night how much it get colder...

My group arrive around 13h30. We unpacked and got on our feet for lunch at Pret. We then head up to Trafalgar Square, we cross Jubilee bridge and walked on the south path to London Eye. The queue was not so long, 15 minutes to buy the tickets and 15 minutes to got in. The ride was pleasant and the view fantastic.

We came back by Westminster bridge and took the bus on Parliement St. to Goodge Station. It was now time for supper for my jet-lagged fellows. We had an excellent italian meal at Paradisio on Store street. Store St. is very near our BnB. By 8pm my mates went to bed and they are already sleeping as I write the blog. Shut!

jour 7

That is it. The end of the first week and the beginning of the group vacation. Will be something else. I regret I have to leave my flat. It was really confortable.

Today I let down my plans and go for a relaxing day. In the morning, I pick-up Liverpool train tickets at Euston and do some laundry. Than I took the bus and got off on Regent Street.

I've been in Mayfair. I wander around the very posh streets where you can see all the Gucci, Prada, cartier, Chanel, Burberry, Tiffany and Co., Yves St-Laurent, Dolce Gabbana, Alexandre McQueen, Louis Vuitton and many many more. I wanted to take pictures but I went out off battery. Than I walked in Green Park to feel the calm of this beautiful park. I've done some shopping at Boots and return to my flat before going out for supper with Lise, Francis et Ghyslain at Belgo.

jour 6

I can't believe it is already day 6. Time go too fast and even more when I am in London.

This morning I took the bus to Tate Modern. It is on the South path of Thames river. Tate modern is the national gallery of international modern and contemporary art from 1900. It is a very big museum so I didn't see everything. I visit the area devoted to Surrealism and the temporary exhibition :Exposed: Voyeurism, Surveillance and the camera. Both are very interesting and I was there for more than 2 hours. I had lunch at Tate cafe and it was time for the play at Shakespear the Globe. I had my ticket for Henry VIII since a few months already. Matinee presentation are quite popular and I wanted a seated place. The play was good and I didn't saw the time go though it last for almost 3 hours. I am glad I wasn't standing !!!

Because the play had finish after 5pm, I didn't had the chance to visit Borough market but I will go back with Marcel, Helene and Jean-Luc.

On my way back I walked on The Millenium bridge. The bridge look long but it took me only a few minutes to cross it.

I am glad I arrived in time to catch Lise's phone call. She invited me to join them for supper. It was a very pleasant night in good company.

jour 5

The sun is up, the sky is blue and I am in Trafalgar Square, how could I ask for more ?

I took many pictures. This one is for you Helene.

Well, I start the day talking to Lise on the phone. She was in Edinburgh at the time but was coming to London today.

I quit the flat at around 9h30. I went to The Spa of Hotel Chancellor for an appointment for a massage. I goty it for 3pm. I then follow my way to Trafalgar Square. As I was approaching I recognize London the way I knew it from my previous visits. Londoners are more classy in this area than in Bloomsbury. First I went to visit Portrait Gallery and I enjoyed it as much as the first time, especially the BP gallery which is the greatest portrait competition in the world. Ginette, Lise, my thoughts where for you as I was visiting this gallery). After the visit I've been in MY park: St-James. I had a nice pic-nic at Inn in the park.

I sit there for awhile and read my book titled: Watching The English, the hidden rules of British behavior. I learn alot. Can tell more now because there is too much to say. Before leaving the park, I wave my hand to the Queen without being sure she was actually in Buckingham Palace. Then I walk to The Strand took pictures again and went at Watherson bookstore and bought another book about how look the daily days of the Queen.

I had the massage at 3pm. It was a great experience. The treatment itself was really professional and all the services was elegant and soothing. It was really a graet pleasure.

After the massage I went to Waitrose at Brunswick to bought my supper.

Jour 4

Another fabulous day!

I woke up early, got ready and took the train at King Cross for York. I am glad I made my reservation in advance; the actually rate was 3X what I paid. I choose the quiet train and it was very quiet. It was totally silencious. It took 2 hours to get to York. First thing I did in York was to take the wrong way for the Minster and I end up on the city walls. Very dangerous! Because there ain't gardrail all the way. I wasn't feeling safe so I walked slowly.

I visit the Minster, that is the largest medieval gothic cathedral in Northern Europe. I took the verger tour to be well informed but I didn't understood alot: the guide was having a scottish accent. (You know what I mean Chantal ?) Anyway, it was an interesting visit.

After the visit, I've been at the famous Betty Tea room for lunch. Oh! WOW!! So stylisness! I had a fancy egg sandwich with cresson salad and a cup a tea. I took a scone to take out. (collation before I return to London). After lunch I walk around all those little alleys in the city center. I was very careful because I didn't want to get lost and miss the train for London. Well, York is a beautiful medieval city and I regret I was there only for half a day. I would enjoyed more walking around the alleys if I had more time. Maybe a next time ? (I see some of you rolling eyes)

(On this picture, you can see tourists and locals; I am sure you can tell which are they.)

For supper tonight I decide to go out and have a fisn and chip. It was delicious. And for dessert, I had a phone call from Marcel. What a nice way to end the day! Thank you darling! ;-)

Jour 3

What a day!!

First I started my day with a shower problem. Well, it is a feeling of déjà vu: have a look of day 3 of my previous visit in London. This time the curtain of the shower hanging over the bath fall... with no reason. Hopefully, I was about to turn off the water. I call Katie, my rental agent, and she quickly reply she will send someone. A guy call Mickael came around 7pm and fixed the problem in about 10 minutes. Cool!

After breakfast, I've been to British Library. I stayed there for almost 3 hours. I visit every room I could. The reading rooms are not accessible to public. It doesn't matter, there was the permanent exhibition I wanted to explore more and there was also a new exhibition about maps. Strangely I've never associate map and art but the first maps drawning where really art. And maps have also been use for advertising and propagande. There was some really peculiar map with "god" in the background.

Inside the Library

I had tea at the library and go for the Wallace Collection. Wallace Collection is a very impressive art museum. http://www.wallacecollection.org/ I took the audio guide and it worth the 4 pounds (visit is free). I never thought it would be that big. I stay there for about 2 hours. I had lunch in a yard surround by a glass roof. Very classy. I feel I was in a fairy tale. I came back walking and of course get lost a little bit.

Beautiful round street

As I was finding my way I realise that I haven't been to Trafalgar Square yet. (I know what you think Helene: shame on me!) In fact I explore new areas. But I will go friday and I will visit my favorite park and will pay a salute to the queen at Buckingham palace.

Having a nice lunch

Well now I have to plan my visit to York for tomorrow. Have a nice sleep!

jour 2

On my street

Royal Opera

Near Carnaby Street

Here is a few things a didn't wrote yesterday because I was fairly to tired.

When I walk to Hatchards, I got lost. (yes, again) So I past in Soho and I end up in an alley where work prostitutes. It was kind of embarassing. I past my way fast (almost as fast as Chantal does on Matthew Street in Liverpool!!)

On my way back to my flat, I stop at Waitrose on Brunswick Square. It is a very nice grocery store. It is in the new Brunswick Mall. A favorite open shopping mall for Bloomsbury locals.

About jet-lag: I haven't really sleep in the plane and I didn't sleep until 20h last night. I was awake at 22h but stay in bed and got awake again around midnight and aroud 4h but I only got up at 6h30. It was the right thing to do (for me at least) because I am feeling ok today. Of course, I felt a little bit tired in the middle of the afternoon but it past and now I am fine. Will go to bed around 10h30.

Now for today. I took my time in the morning, had a good breakfast at my flat: pancake, blueburries and yaourt. Around 9h I went out to St-Christopher place. I change my mind and did'nt made the Wallace Collection today. In place, I choose to shopping on Oxford Street at Debenham and John Lewis. I bought some cute little things. Than I bought a newspaper and had lunch at Sofra on a terrasse. The weather is perfect so far: warm on day and fresh at night.

After lunch I got lost again and after an hour I arrive at the Royal Opera House. I was afraid to be late but I was ok and even had time for a sparkling water on the roof terrasse.

The tour was great. I was quite impress by the theater. Queen Victoria was a regular visitor. We saw a pratice of ballet and the guy was very good. I was also impress by the people on the tour. They where all old people. I felt strange until I realise that I am more than 50 myself so not so young neither. Anyway, from this bunch I was the younger, they were all between 60 and 85 I would say.

After the tour I came back to my flat for about 30 minutes before I joins Tripadvisor members on The Lamb, a pub near my place. It was nice meeting those few people from around the world. I chat with them for an hour before I came back to my flat for supper. Tonight I had scottish salmon, potatoes and homemade mixed salad. Well thank you for your attention and goodnight folks!

jour 1, édition 2010

I am back in London. YES!!

I had a very pleasant flight. On the first part (Montreal-Paris) I was up graded on premium voyageur. It is a better comfort. The seat are like a lazy-boy. So I didn't really sleep but I was able to relax for about 3 hours. Then I connect to another flight (Paris-London). It was fast, about an hour. I found my way easily at Heathrow to Piccadilly Tube, and get off at King Cross from where I walk to my flat. It was too early to check-in so I went at La patisserie des amis for a very good cappuccino and a quiche. Nice meal in a cute little place. I walk around ant notice there is many nice square all around the area. The flat is just like I had imagine it. Perfect for my purposes. Today, I didn't do much: I walk to Hatchards (bookstore) on Piccadilly and did a grocery. That is it. Now I am about to make my supper. I will go for a quick walk and dodo.

Here you see a part of my flat and the view by the window.

That is the outside.

Piccadilly Circus this afternoon.