jour 15

This morning, Chantal and Raymond left for Brighton and I took the train to Liverpool, where I went to meet Julie, Jose and Irene who was returning from Edinburgh.

We met at Lime Station.  My train arrive about ten minutes before theirs.  It was cool seeing them arrived to meet me in Liverpool.


We walked to the hotel: Premier Inn on Albert Dock, where we left our bags because it was too early for check-in.  We went immediately to Beatles Museum.  Everybody enjoyed the visit.  Julie learned a lot about the Beatles.  She wasn't born when the Beatlemania was on.


After the visit, we went at PRET for lunch and got back to the hotel to check-in.

Then we walked along the harbor on the edge of the Mersey River.  What a beautiful walk!  On our way, we met four cool lad of Liverpool.  I notice that there is many new buildings.  Since 2000, the city has changed a lot.



We went at Hard days Night Hotel.  And of course, a visit to Liverpool would be incomplete without a walk on Mathew Street, so there we went.  We walked all the way down this little street, up to the statue of Eleonor Rigby, then we came back down to the Cavern.
    

We have been very lucky: first we managed to find a place to sit and second, the performer was excellent.  We sang along for about an hour.  We had a blast, feeling the energy from the past in this mythic place.


To end this marvelous day, we have been at Jamie Italian.  I ate one of the best meal of my life.

For the weather, we also got lucky: sunny all day, with a few cloud.  It was not too warm, not to cold, just perfect.  What else can you ask for?

Jour 14

As my fellow travelers were going to Greenwich today, I just pretended I am a real Londoners.  So I went shopping on Oxford Street!  It was nice just to walk on the street and look at the shops windows.
 

I entered at Selfridge, John Lewis, House of Fraser and Debenham.  I didn't bought much though...  Only a set of four small containers displaying some tube stations on the lid.  And a cute little t-shirt for Mila.  Couldn't resist.

I had lunch at Selfridge Kitchen.  I had a plate of two delicious salads.  It make me have a thought for Josée L.  She would have appreciate the meal.



Tonight, the dinner was made by Chantal and Raymond.  They have been at Borough Market yesterday and they bought everything to cook a perfect meal.  They served a starter: mix of salamis with artichoke.  Then the main meal was : raviolis with tomato sauce.  All that with a green salad.  Raymond, who loves good wine, bought two great wine at Vinopolis.  It was a very pleasant moment with all the gang.

Today, is a proper summer day, just like it should always be: sunny with cloudy periods, but no rain.  The weather is around 22C with no humidity.  It is absolutely the perfect weather to be in London... or anywhere else I guess.

Jour 13

Today was a day of departure and arrival. Josée L. quit and Josée D., Pierrette and Guylaine arrived.

But in the morning, we have made our time profitable, visiting a part of Battersea park.  The park is near our place, about 20 minutes walk.  We notice that Battersea park is family and animal friendly.  Many families were enjoying a picnic and we crossed many dogs on our way.  It seem normal to let the dog unattached.
  

  

On our way back we saw a peculiar truck.  You can read on the truck: le camion gourmand.


We came back for the lunch and to welcome our friends who arrive. We had lunch before going for a first round of iconic London.  Today, the traffic is somewhat disturbed because of Prudential RideLondon : The world's biggest cycling event.  Many roads were closed; several bus schedules are disturbed.  But everything is very well organized, as always in London.
All the fuzz didn't stop a manifestation at Trafalgar Square.



We came back home around 6hpm.  It was a very lively meeting between Chantal and Pierrette.  We had a nice apero with several dynamic conversations.  It was, somewhat, a lively ambiance.

We ate pizzas and green salad, all accompanied by good Italian red wine.
The news comers had more energy that I would thing.

It is fun to be reunited here in London: Chantal, Josée and me.  Only Anne is missing.


Today the weather treated us nice in the morning but in the afternoon normal is returned with rainy sky.

Jour 12

This morning we went to the kingdom of punks: Camden.  Marcel would be jealous.  One of his favorite place in London.


We took the waterbus at Little Venice, for a ride on the canals, to Camden.  It is a nice 50 minutes tour.

We arrived just in time for the lunch.  The boat stop is at the entrance of a food fair.  It smell so good!  Impossible to resist while you start to feel hungry. There are several small ethnic food kiosks, looking like food trucks we can see in Montreal.  We had falafels, halloumi fries, hummus, cabbage and lettuce.  So good!!


We then walk on Camden High and saw some punks on the way.  We stop to buy souvenirs (mini bus and postal card for Mila) and we jump on the tube to Charing Cross.
Trafalgar was crowded with tourists.  People seem happy to see a little bit of sunshine.  There was a very good violonist on Trafalgar Square.  We stopped for a few minutes to enjoy his music.


We entered National Gallery.  Our primary goal was to go to the toilets, but inside we decided to visit some rooms.  We saw the rooms of the impressionists.  Josée really enjoy the museum and she said she will have to come back to see more.  Well, just ask me Josée, I will accompany you for sure!

We had a proper afternoon tea with a view on Trafalgar Square.

For the last supper of Josée in London, our first plan was to go to Tom Kitchen, in Chelsea.  But we opted for a nearly place: La Toca, a Portuguese restaurant, very popular in Lambeth.  Lambeth is a Portuguese borough so it make sense to taste local food.  It is not only popular, il is loud and lively. We hardly found a place, even if we had a reservation.   The plate were so big!  Nobody was able to finish is plate.  Thank you Raymond for the wine.
  

P.S Dont miss Josée's blog

jour 11

Today, Chantal et Raymond went to Buckingham Palace, Victoria and Albert Museum and Harrods, as we tour around Piccadilly and Covent Garden.

We start our tour at Green Park and walk on Piccadilly St. to Old Bond Street.  We then went on Savile Row to see the building where the Beatles did there last concert.  We got back on Piccadilly via the Burlington Arcade.

It was a most to visit Fortnum and Mason, but we didn't bought anything this time.  We went to Hatchard, my favorite bookstore in London.  I bought a shopping bag with the name of Hatchard on. Near the bookstore, I notice that some telephone box have now a new utility: wifi zone.
  

Then we went to Carnaby st. via Regent.  Richard Porter was there.  Second time we saw him this week.  We visit Liberty store before lunch.

We had lunch at Wild Food Cafe at Neal Yard.  Helen should remember because we have been there in 2008 together.  It was so delicious: zucchini salad Asiatic.  Yummy!

We then visit British Museum.  I notice that the Cleopatra mommies we saw last week, wasn't the  the Cleopatra we all know.   It is that of a young girl of the same name, but of another era.

We had a collation at the museum before heading to The Museum of transport where I have look for a card holder for Gabriel. Sorry baby, I didn't found your card holder. We passed through Covent Garden before coming back home. In the Underground, we choose to use the steps instead the elevator. We didn't know we would have to go down 15 floors!!!! Oh boy! By the time we found out, it was too late to go back.

We stopped at the Grocery to buy our supper.
It was another very good meal: chicken, potatoes, vegetables. With good vino. What more to ask for? Good company? I was with nice people: Josée L. , Chantal and Raymond.

In England the we have to talk about the weather: today was a back and forth between sun and rain. So I put and removed my raincoat many many times.

jour 10

Program of the day:
Westminster Abbey, Churchill War Room and Sky Garden for Chantal and Raymond;
Churchill War Room, Tate Modern and Oxo Tower for Josée and me.

Churchill War Room is very interesting.  It worth at least 2 hours to visit it properly.  You can read here a short history about the bunker.  There is a lot to see, and learn.  The reproduction of the different rooms seems very realistic.  We could felt what is was to be down there in time of war.
When we went out, we saw Chantal and Raymond queuing to enter the war room.

Then, we head up to Tate Modern.  We had lunch at the café on ground floor and we chose to visit the fourth floor, which I having seen yet.  We saw the Media Networks room and Material and objects.  Both rooms include diverse range of techniques and material. We saw some great works of Picasso, Miro and Andy Warhol, among others.


After the visit, we walk to Oxo Tower, by the South path,  to have a drink with a nice view on the city.


We went out for dinner with Chantal and Raymond.  We have discover a very local pub, called Duchess Battersea.  We walked a strange path to the pub.  Not easy to found but it worth the effort.  The service was absolutely kind and the meal delicious.


As you can see in the photos, the sky was still grey today.  But at least we didn't have to much rain.

Jour 9

It is time for guests to leave and others to arrived.  Julie, José and Irene leave in the morning for York.  
  

There as been a misunderstanding with the owners and the bed sheets had been change yesterday.  Since, Chantal et Raymond are arriving today, the sheets had to be wash again.  Oh well!  It took almost 3h to wash and dry.  Anyway, in the meantime, Josée L. and I went to Sainsbury for grocery.  We waited for our guests to arrive.  


They finally arrived a little later than expected. We had lunch together before going to take a look around Trafalgar Square. We took bus 87 to Parliament Square, we walked on Whitehall, passing in front 10 Downing Street, The War museum and the Horses Gard.
We stop at Trafalgar Square to enjoy the London ambiance. We came back by Villier St, Jubilee Bridge and the South path.

To end this beautiful day, we sat on our back yard with a cold beer before eating pizza. Just before our pizza was ready, Bev and Jeff came with other sheets. We took advantage of their presence to introduce them to Chantal et Raymond.

Chantal and Raymond have been lucky enough to past a first day under the sun in London.

They went to bed early and we understand very well how they feel after a night in the plane.

jour 8

It was Buckingham Palace day!  José, Josée Irene and Julie had a booking for 10 am.  I stayed home to write the blog and do some grocery.

We met at Little Ben, in Victoria Station at noon.  Everybody was in time.  The girls have been very impress by the interior of the Palace.  It look so sober from outside.  Julie tried to stay and wait for Queen Elizabeth but couldn't find a good place to hide.


It was time for lunch so we made our way to Victoria and Albert Museum.  There is cafe there and it is very nice and affordable.  After the lunch we walked around a few rooms then made our way to Hyde Park, where we saw Albert Memorial and Kensington Palace.

We then went at Harrods for some shopping.  The food hall is always a great success to impress visitors.  Everybody bought some souvenirs.  I found what I wanted for Mila.

After shopping, it was time for a pint of lager so we headed up to The Grenadier.  It is a pub very different from the others we already visited.  Hopefully we were early, so we manage to found a place to sit inside.  José had a Foster and that make her think of Chris, the spouse of Véro.


It was the last dinner in London for José, Irene and Julie.  We went at Ebury Wine Bar.  We all had the same menu:  Fish and Chips.  It was absolutely delicious.

jour 7

I've been in London for a week now. The time flies!  But I enjoy every minute.

On that Sunday morning, José, Julie and Irene went to Hampton Court.  Josée L. and me chose to take a walk in Regent Park and a pilgrimage to Abbey Road.  

In Regent Park, we visit the roses gardens, called Queen Mary's Gardens.  It is marvelous.  We walked and talked so much that we walked around the Inner Circle twice without realizing it.

At a point I said:  "Look Josée, it is the same monkey we saw earlier."  She said it it not a monkey, it is a men and I think it is the same one."  The men-monkey was a mosaic sculpture.  In fact, it was the same.  Oh well, it wasn't a torture to go through the garden again.
 

Then we went to see where Paul live. (I guess everybody know I am talking about Paul McCartney...)  He wasn't at home so we went to see if he was at work at EMI studion on Abbey Road.  He wasn't there neither.  But Richard Porter was there.  Richard is known to be the Beatles brain of London.

There was a little shop, just beside the studio.  I bought some souvenirs there.

After the Beatles shopping, we walk a long way before finding a very nice place for lunch.  

Time flies, so it was already time to meet the others at the National Portrait Gallery.  We visit the gallery.  As usual the BP Award was impressive.  

From there we went to a restaurant for dinner.  Tea House Theater.  My expectations was to high.  The place is cute and charming but it look a lace for tea and dessert, not really for good meal.  Anyway, it wasn't bad and the girls enjoyed the dessert.

As it is a topic of very frequent discussion, the weather was chilly today with some little drizzle, but no rain. 

So that was it for our sunday in London.

Here is a link to Josée L. 's blog : Josée L's blog

  

jour 6

Today, was a real London rainy day.  

In the morning, Josée, José and Julie went to visit Westminster Abbey.  I stayed home, wrote the blog as I do the laundry.  I went to meet the girls for the lunch at the Abbey.  We walk on Victoria and enter a Pret for the lunch.  At that time the rain was really heavy.  

Julie could not bear her shoes anymore. She wanted to find a sports shop to have real sport shoes. Victoria street is not the better place to shop. Where is the better place to shop in London??? Oxford street, of course! So there we have been! And "tada" Julie found what she was looking for.

It was at Nike store.  Oh well!  It was loud and crowdy, not really the place to have a real British experience but a good place for comfortable shoes.  After that, Julie was really relieved.  She said that now she has her lesson: she will never travel again without her sport shoes. José tried to found shoes too, but didn' succeed. As we were with José in a store, Irene bought a cute umbrella. The very perfect souvenir for this wet day.

As the rain still pouring, we went at Mark and Spencer for a collation. We had fun shopping for souvenir in the foodhall.

Then it was time to meet some Tripadvisor fellows at The Blackfriars pub. The architecture of this pub is magnificent. Adam, a old gard of Tripadvisor forum, was there with Leagle, another great reference for the forum. There was other peoples, some locals and some visitors. After a while, Jeff and Bev, the owners of our home in London, arrived. It was fun chatting with all those nice peoples.

On our way back home, we stopped at Sainsbury for our super.  As usual, with very few ingredients, we made a great meal.



Cheers!

Jour 5

This morning, as my fellow travelers went to visit Tower of London and St-Paul Cathedral, I explored a little bit further around our borough.  First I walk on Wilcox Street where we can see several Portuguese shops.  Then I made my way on the path of the river.  Was not easy to found because there are major construction work in the area.  In fact, they are building a new underground station.  From the path, we can see the top of Big Ben and the Parliament.  

I came back home for lunch after a quick stop at Sainsbury’s grocery where a men said to me “sorry darling”.  It’s been a while since somebody called me darling.  I am sure he said it without even have a look at me but it make me smile. 

After lunch I made my way to meet my friends at St-Paul.  I walked around St-Paul to see Old Bailey.  It is a central courtyard of the British Crown. It treats the principal criminal cases of Greater London, and even from other parts of England sometime.

José arrived alone to our rendez-vous.  She lost her group,  because, after gone up the gallery of whispers, José did not wish to go higher but the others wanted to climb up to higher galleries.  As she didn't see them coming back and the time of the meeting was approaching, she went out to join me. They were worried about having lost her so they search and wait for a while before coming out the cathedral.  Anyway, at the end everybody were reunited, with tired legs, but ready to go on Millennium Bridge.  So we crossed over to the south side of the Thames and went to shop our dinner for tonight.  So many choice! We opted for a pasta trio with dried tomato sauce. All accompanied by cheese and salad...  and vino of course.  

On our way back, we had some difficulty finding the right way in the metro, we even went back to a station. But we got it at the end!

Before supper, we took the time to relax in our little back yard with a good cold beer. It was so appreciated after this long day of sightseeing.  We have spoken of the history of English royalty. Julie is really overwhelmed by all the shenanigans and barbaric methods used to come to power.  Slashing heads did not seem to be a problem for them.

  

P.S.  Walking in London, you can meet some very strange people!!

Jour 4

Today, José, Irene and Julie went by them self to Windsor.  I gave them directions and by 9h30 they were on the road to visit the great castle.

I was waiting for the arrival of Josée L., but I had plenty of time for myself so, I had another coffee and wrote the blog of day 3.

Then I went to the grocery store to replenish our breakfast provisions.

Josée L. arrived 30 minutes past noon.  It was a pleasure to see her in London.  We took the time to have a lunch at home and chat a little bit, before heading for her first tour in London.

We made almost the same journey  I had made with the first three guests.  It is a typical royal tour: Westminster bridge, Big Ben, The Parliament, St-James Park, Buckingham Palace, The Mall and Trafalgar Square.  We even made a stop at the crypt and St-Martin in the Field, but only for a look and a glass of water.


By then, it was almost the time of our rendez-vous with the visitors of the castle of Windsor, in front of the Citadines. I thought I said 16 hours but finally it was 16:30.  Anyway, we sat in the lobby of the hotel to wait, so it was comfortable.  Josée L. didn't sleep in the plane so she appreciated this moment of rest.

The 3 girls really enjoyed there time at Windsor.  They were very interested by all the history of the place.  José said she could have stay there much longer.

We have been to Gordon Wine bar for the apero.  We have been lucky enough to find a place on the terrace.

After, we got back home and we had a very healthy homemade meal: chicken salad, made with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, green onion, avocado, chicken and cheese.  With malt vinegar and olive oil and some seasoning, it was delicious.

To day the weather was a little bit crazy:  in the morning it was cloudy and chilly, with rainy parts.  Then we had sun, followed by wind squalls.  Strange, but so british weather.

Jour 3

This morning we got up early, but everybody slept well and didn't show any sign of tireness.  Good! So by 9h30 we were ready to go.


We walk to the tube and start our promenade at Green Park underground on Piccadilly Street.  We walk throught the area.  On our way we saw, Piccadilly Circus, 3 Saville Row (were the Beatles perform live on the roof of the studio for the last time together), Burlington Arcade.  We made a stop at Fortnum and Mason where José and Julie bought tea and goodies.  We then go on Regent Street to Carnaby street, where was the epicenter of fashion in the sixties.  It is still a groovy place.  There was a big sign writing:  Welcome to the world, London is open.  This refers to the terrorist attacks that took place in London lately.

  

By then, it was time for lunch.  What better than fish and chip to feel the british ambiance?  So here we go for Rock and Sole Plaice.  Everyone enjoyed there meal.


After lunch we went to visit British Museum.  We dont enter easily the same way it use to be.  We had to queue and pass security.  Security is everywhere in London.

The new thing I saw this time is the grave and the momie of Cleopatra.  She was not a tall person.

After between an hour or two, we went to search a "cache" on Montague St. for geocatching for José.  It was a very easy found.  We made our way to Covent Garden where we watch a pretty good music performance.  It was a band of 4 violonists.  Covent Garden was full as usually.

Before our stop for apero of the day, we have been to Neal Yard, an obliged stop for me.  I love the Neal yard Remedie there.  I bought some wet cloths.

Then we relax for about an hour in a very traditional pub: Cross keys.  The sitting was welcome.  At this point we were all in need for a break.

Before dinner, we just done people watching at Seven Dials.  José search for another "cache" and it wasn't that easy this time but she found it.

We had our last meal of the day at Da Mario.  It was absolutly delicious for everybody.

We were supposed to come back with the 87 bus from Charing Cross, but we found out that this bus dont stop there anymore.  Well, I had to think of a "plan b". I figured out a way to come back near our place.  So we took the 11 to Vauxhall and the 77 to our stop.  A little bit longer but at least we arrive home at about 11pm.

It was cloudy all day and fresher than yesterday, but no rain.  

Jour 2

Usually I dont sleep well on the first night away from home, but it was a good night rest this time.  I was so tired!

Anyway, waiting for my guests, I went walking back to the tube station to buy Oyster cards for them.  This time, I find my way easily.  I also stop again at the grocery store for few other things: candies and soft drink for Julie.  I took a walk around the corner of Thorparch and I notice there is many houses that look like social houses.  It is very different from any place I used to visit in London.  But it is quiet and peaceful.

My guests arrived around noon.  After a quick lunch, they were ready for touring the famous landmarks of London.  We took the bus and we were lucky enough to have good places in front on second floor.  We walk on Westminster bridge to Big Ben, we strolled through St-James park to the Buckingham Palace.  We waved a hand at Elisabeth and walk on The Mall to Trafalgar Square.  We took a breake in the crypt of St-Martin-in-the-Fields with scone and clotted cream and went on Jubilee bridge to walk our way back on the south path.  That was enough for a first day.  We bought pizza on our way back and enjoyed our meal relaxing on our terrace. The owner, Jeff joins us for the apero and we had a we pleasant chat with him.

For this first day, the comment I hearded from my guests is that it is amazing how we feel the calm in St-James park in the middle of fuzzy London.  Now it is nine o'clock and Irene, José and Julie are in bed as I wrote the blog.  I will follow them soon.