Day 25

August 4

Helen was at my door by 8am. We had breakfast at my flat and took the bus to Oxford street to see the departments stores. It is much more pleasant on Monday morning than on Saturday afternoon !! We walk from there to Neal Yard. We had a delicious lunch : spinach quiche and salad. We had our coffee at Monmouth Cafe : the best coffee in London. It is very cute and funky place. We share our bench with a couple and a solo custumer. The coffee was absolutly divine! We went back at Neal yard to make an appointment at the hairdresser. Helen took the opportunity to have a back massage. She look like being one cloud nine when she came out of the massage place…

We walk from there to Covent Garden and past by Berwick market, (a local fruits and vegetables market on the street). We stop for awhile at Covent Market and listen to music playing by a string orchestra. I love it... We went to National Portrait Gallery. Helen really enjoyed and we had a thought for Ginette and Lise. They would love this place for sure.

It was time for a break at our residence. Before dinner, we took a walk on St-James Park and went to Goya Tapas on Lupus street. The meal was delicious. We love walking back by different streets. We saw many restaurants we would like to visit. I think we wont have time to try all the places we would like.

Have I ever told you I love London ?

Day 24

August 3

I didn’t sleep well again… I guess it is always like that when I have to travel. I had breakfast with Chantal and Raymond and we talk about our trip on Mathew street when Chantal always run all the way. It will stay on our mind.
Before going at the rail station, I when to Beatles Story shop. I couldn’t help it. It was on my way and I hearded Beatles music when I was just passing in front…
I bought some little souvenirs.
The train arrive in London with about half an hour delay. I was worry because I knew Helene was waiting for me. By the time I arrive at Wigram House, she was already installed in her room on the 4th floor.

After she wrote e-mails to Josiane and Jean-Luc, we went on her favorite place in London : Trafalgar Square. We went to see Love Exhibition and she let a message on the work in progress of Yoko. We stayed on Trafalgar for awhile, just to enjoy to be there and then we walked on Thames path, on Victoria Street and on Ebury street. We went to ASK for a early supper (it was late for Helen) and we call it a day.

For your information, the last picture on the previous message it a lambanana. It is a mascotte of the Liverpool 2008. You can see many different lambanana all over Liverpool. Each lambanana as his own signification. The one you see here is of course a Beatles representation.

Day 23

August 2

Oh what a day!!!
I didn't sleep very well last night because I was worry about missing my train for Liverpool at 8h12am. I set up my alarm clock for 6am and I think I saw every hour of the night until the clock rang at 6 o'clock.
I went to Euston station and got on the train early... hopefully! Many people had to stand up all the way to Liverpool because the train was over full.
Arrived in Liverpool, I found my way to the hotel, let my suitcase there and go for a walk around. I enter a Beatles shop on Albert Dock and just as I was looking at a Lennon mug, I notice the person beside me was Chantal. What a coincidence !!
We went to lunch together with Raymond and then we split : they went to the maritime museum and I went to check-in.

As soon as I had my room, I got back on the streets and went to Hard Days Night Hotel Oh WOW!!! It is like a museum.
I met again Chantal and Raymond on Mathew street. We saw there every Beatleish things to see: John Lennon statue, Cavern Club, The Grapes, Beatles shop, Eleanor Rigby on Stanley Street....
We choose to have an apero at Hard Days Night hotel. It was very pleasant. We than go on Lime street to have a look at all the beautiful buildings and admire the architecture.
We had our supper at La Tasca: a classic for me every time I visit Liverpool. It was pretty good like always.

On our way back to the hotel, I proposed to go by Mathew street to see what it look like at night. Oh boy!! It is pretty lively. Like a jungle. Music everywhere. Alot of people with funny, sexy, different costumes standing in the street. Another world! Chantal was really impress: you should have seen her almost running through the street to get out of there as soon as possible. Raymond and I could hardly follow her. It was such an experience!!!

Have I ever told you I love Liverpool ? It is like a pilgrimage for me.

Day 22

August 1, 2008

What a lazy day! Today I didn’t have any plan. So I take my time reading my newspaper, drinking my coffee. Then I went on Oxford Street to have a look at Debenham departments store. In fact, I was searching for the hairdresser there. It had been recommanded by people on Tripadvisor. The prices are fair. I will come back with Helene for a rendez-vous.

Being on Oxford street, I took the opportunity to visit (again) Selfridges and Mark and Spencer. I will return there too with Helene…

Then it was time to do laundry and pack my things for tomorrow. Early in the morning I am travelling to Liverpool. It is exciting!

Since I had plenty of time I went in my favorite park and stayed there for about two hours reading my book in a perfect weather, not to cold, not to warm… just perfect! Saying that, just before I went to the park, I saw on internet the weather in London and it was showing rain. Really strange. Look at the picture I took…

Day 21

July 31

If there is a thing the british dont do better than us is weather expectation! They can’t say even for the day what would be the weather without going wrong and if you look to different channels, they dont even say the same thing.

So this morning, when I hearded about a rainy day, I didn’t pay attention and go for a tour to Greenwich… and that was a very good decision.
First I met the group at Tower Hill Underground, just beside The Tower of London. I visited twice The Tower on previous trips so no need to go in. We walk a little bit around and when on the pier for our boat to Greenwich. On the boat, we had a very interesting comment of what we saw on our way. It was a very pleasant 30 minutes boat ride. For awhile we even had sunshine with us.

Greenwich is well know because it is at meridian 0 longitude. It is situate in south-east London, on the south bank of the Thames. It is also the site of a royal palace where lived Henry XIII and Elisabeth I (daughter of Henry XIII and Ann Boleyn). On the royal observatory, you can see a Time ball. It is a large painted wooden or metal ball that drops at a predetermined time, principally to enable sailors to check their marine chonometer. Time balls are usually dropped at 1pm. They were raised half way about 5 minutes earlier to alert the ships, then with 2–3 minutes to go they were raised the whole way. The time was recorded when the ball began descending. We saw the ball drop at exactly 1pm. Cool!
Our guide was pretty well informed and gives us plenty of interesting informations.
After the tour, I went to Greenwich market. I love markets! Then I came back with the DLR (train). It was a nice day without a drop of rain.

I didn’t push my luck too far and choose to go read my book in a local pub instead than in St-James park. The sky was getting dark grey by then. The pub was lively, full of gentlemen and ladies well dressed. I sat at the bar, had half a pint of lager and read my book for about half an hour.

Day 20

July 30

The warm weather is back today, so I thought it would be a great day to explore Little Venice. I when to meet our guide Peter for this walk at Warwick Avenue Underground. He was the most entertaining guide I had so far. He is joking, singing and laughing all the time. He seem to really enjoy his job. He talk to us about those little green shacks for cab drivers. There is twelve left in London. There were created to avoid the cab drivers to stop at a pub and get drunk when they are working. In those shacks they can take a break and have a tea, a coffee or other non-alchoolic drink. But there are rules there : no alcool, no gambling, women are not allowed, and cab drivers should have their trousers on. Funny isn’t it ? People can now order breakfast or light lunch from a window on the side of the shack.

We walked around a very rich area. The area is comprised of about ten tree-lined streets with beautiful 17th century white stucco homes. Lady Di brother live there. David Gilmore from Pink Floyd sold him the house. This house is just beside one owned by Paul McCartney when he was living with Jane Asher. The cost of the houses there is about 10 to 50 millions POUNDS. We are talking about rich people there! We follow our guide on the side of the canals. Very strange atmosphere : you feel like you are miles away from London. You can have lunch or drinks on the side of the canals in a very relaxing ambiance. I didn’t go for a ride on the canal because I want to do it with Helen next week. We will go to Candem by the canal.

On the afternoon I went on High Street in Kensington. It is another big shopping spot. I was very interested by the Whole Foods Market. Founded in 1980 as one small store in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market is now the world's leading retailer of natural and organic foods, with more than 270 stores in North America and the United Kingdom. Everything there is free from artificial preservatives, colours, flavours, sweeteners and hydrogenated fats. They seek out and promote organically grown foods. The store on High Street Kensington is big and very attractive.

Well, that is it for today. Ginette was the first to let a comment. Congratulations! Who will be second ?

Day 19

July 29

Well, it is already cooler today. It is not cold but I had to wear my jeans jacket. We even had a few drops of shower, but again nothing to open the umbrella. Hopefully the weather was nice because it was the day for my Beatles tour : In My Life. We met Richard Porter, the Beatles brain of London, at Marylebone station (pronounce Marlebone). He show us places where Hard Days Night and Help movies had been filmed. He show us the place where Paul and Ringo got married, Marylebone Registry Office. Not together… Paul with Linda (1969) and Ringo with Barbara (1981). Richard got married there too four years ago but there was no screaming when he came out with his new wife! He show us were John and Yoko live together at first. It was in a flat owned by Ringo. Ringo use to live there with Maureen at the beginning of their mariage. He keep the flat and offer it to any one who may need it. Jimi Hendrix live also there just before John and Yoko. (I think Jimy Hendrix moved often) Richard walk us to what was Apple boutique on Baker Street. There is no more psychadelic painting on the wall now. But there is a blue plaque for John Lennon. I was touched by that.
Of course we ended the tour at Abbey Road studio. I know Paul have a house just near the studio, so I went to pass in front. I didn’t saw him tho. I guess he is still in America… Before I leave the tour group, I asked Richard if we ever will see Let It Be in DVD. He said he don’t expected it for soon. George, John, paul and Ringo, all of them don’t like the film of Let It Be. For them it is like if you had make a movie of a divorce. Sad…

One thing, that is really different when you travel alone, is that you can choose to go out the tube at any station at any moment, just because you feel like it. I did that today. I had a coffee on a terrace and walk a little bit to found myself on Picadilly at Green park Station. I walk in the park and notice there was a memorial for Canadian who help the United Kingdom in wold war I and II. I haven’t noticed it before.

Day 18

July 28

It was the warmer day since I arrived. I’ve done the Old Mayfair walk in the morning. I can tell for sure now that I will never own a house in Mayfair. 2 millions pounds is an affair for a townhouse in Mayfair!!!! I know it is a nice area, with alot of small boutiques and café but 2 millons POUNDS!!!!! I also learn that Handel and Jimy Hendrix has live in the same building… no, not at the same time.

After a break with a double expresso on ice, because the sun being too heavy, I went to a special exhibition called LOVE at the National Gallery. It just start last Friday. It is a resume of 500 years of Love in the painting world. There was a work in progress by Yoko Ono. It was a big babillard and she ask people to write a love message on a piece of paper or take a photo and then put it on the babillard. Every day the babillard is sent to her and a new one is installed. Of course I put a message on the babillard and of course the love message is dedicated to my love Marcel.

I love to sit in the park and look at people. It is well known that gentlemen are well dressed in London. They dont walk in town with short and baseball cap. But they are not straight as we may imagine. We (Chantal and me) notice at looking in the showroom of store that mens socks are very colourful …and that is without talking about the boxers! But we dont see it, it is only for the intimate moments. I would add that the shirt and the tie began to be a little bit less conventional. There is still many blue shirts but some with color stripes.

P.S. Who will be the first to leave a comment on the blog ?

Day 17

July 27

A very quiet Sunday. This morning I didn’t rush. I had a good breakfast and coffee at my flat. I thought about doing a Beatles tour today but found out it is the wrong day. It was yesterday!!! It will be available next Tuesday, I won’t miss it this time. The tour I choose today is a literary tour. It is scheduled at 14h30. So I went around noon and had light lunch reading the new Time Out magazine. It could be compared to Voir in Montreal.
The tour was very interesting. It took place in Bloombury and Fitzoria areas. Both were working class areas in the late 1800 and early 1900. It is now see as an intellectual quarter. I saw many famous places associated with literacy. I saw where lived : Virginia Woolf, Oscar Wilde, T.S. Eliot, Charles Dickens, Lytton Strachey… I also heard about Marie Stopes, who was campaigner for womens rights and family planning. She edited the journal Birth Control News which gave anatomically explicit advice. Her sex manuel Married Love, which was written while she was still a virgin, was controversial and influential because it told women how to enjoy sex. Not very at “le goût du jour” in the early 1900.

After a good walking around, we went to the British Library. It is a gigantesque modern edifice, just beside the gothic architectural St-Pancras station. Even if both buildings are very different, it is still beautiful because the architech of the British Library choose to use the colours of St-pancras Station. British library was inaugurate in 1998 by Her Majesty The Queen. We didn’t spend much time there because it was almost time of closure when we arrived. But I saw the manuscript of some songs of the Beatles and I heard them talking with headphones. I will have to go back…

Tonight there was rain over London, …for about half an hour.

Day 16

July 26

As time go fast !!
Today I was the personnal guide for Chantal and Raymond for the second time. We first went at Harrods, The food hall, the size of the building, the quality and variety of the merchandise and the PRICES really impress my friends. I thought it would be better to be there as early as we can because it is the last day of the big sale. It was a good idea… We were there for about an hour and when we leave, it was full of crowd already. We then walk toward Kensington Palace. On our way we saw Victoria and Albert museum, the Royal Albert Hall and the Albert memorial, Victoria really loved Albert. She want the name of Albert all over London. We had a chic lunch at l’Orangery at the palace.

After lunch, we decide to give a little visit at Notting Hill because we were so near. I will have to return, It is a very active market; absolutly different from the others I saw before in London. It is a cool hippy area. I love it. I am sorry I was so captivated by the area, I forgot to take pictures. Another reason to go back.

We’ve look for a bus to go on Trafalgar. The only one we saw was for Picadilly. We jump on it and the route was changed on the way for Oxford Circus. There was a so big trafic, the bus have to stop and we had to walk on Oxford Street for awhile. It is hell on Oxford street on saturday afternoon. All the big department stores have an address on Oxford St.. We could hardly walk. As soon as we can, we leave that street an found our way to the National Café were we experimente afternoon tea. We didn't go for the « big » afternoon tea but we had scone and tea. It was cool and relaxing after the walk on Oxford St.

We visit some rooms at the National Portrait Gallery and walk around Trafalgar Square to see where is the Citadines and the Sherlock Holmes pub. We decide to end the day with a nice supper at Le Café Des Amis at Covent Garden.

As you can see, it was all about eating today.

Day 15

V&A

Knightsbridge

July 25

Another beautiful day. In the morning, I went to South Kensington to join a London Walk. Before our guide arrived, I walk on Bute Street to look at the french books shop. South Kensington is well know to be the french quarter of London.

With the guide, we went to Victoria and Albert museum. She introduced us to some masterpieces of the museum. This museum is so big, it is like a little town. Londoner call it V&A. It is the world's greatest museum of art and design. In this somptuous victorian building, there is 146 different galleries; enough for me to get lost. You can’t see everything in a simple visit. My favorite expositions were the fashion and the statues of Rodin. I will have to go back. After the visit, I had a scone and coffee at the café of the museum. It is affortable and there is a lot of choice for lunch time.

Since I was not to far from Harrods, I thought it would be great to stop for a few minutes. Oh my!!!! I stayed there for 2 hours. The big summer sale is on the last days. There was a big crowd. There were people coming from the 11 doors. The food hall is even bigger and impressive that it was in my souvenir. I took my time to visit the first floor where is the women fashion. I didn’t buy anything, except a calendar. Harrods is situate in Knightsbridge, where the architecture is beautiful.

Talking about department stores, I think London is the megapole of department stores. There is Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Selfridge, Liberty, John Lewis, House of Fraser, Top Shop, Debenhams, Fortnum and Mason, Marks and Spenser… All have good range of shopping, well some better than others… The quality of Mark and Spencer can variate a lot from on place to another; it depend in which area it is. And I am not talking about « grands couturiers » : there is so many all around the different areas of London I couldn’t named them without missing some.

London is really a place to shop… if you have the money to do it of course !

Day 14

July 24

Today I suddenly decide to go to Bighton on the sea shore. As soon as I notice the weather for the day, I take the decision to escape from town for awhile. Brighton is a town on the south coast of England. The name means bright town. Brighton is mostly popular because of the beautiful beach. Being less than an hour from London by train has made the city a very popular destination. I hang around the beach for about an hour, (I am not too much into beach) then I when to the lanes. It is small pedestrian streets full of boutiques. You can found there gypsy boutiques or very luxurious jewellery stores. I had lunch at Cornwall bakery and ate outside.
I travel with the train to go at Brighton. I really like travelling by train. I always close my eyes and dream as I listen to good music from my mp3. I don't see the time go by. I didn’t had a clue how was Brighton but as I expected, I found a city map at the train station and manage easily to found my way in this small town. I don’t feel insecure when I travel that way because I know there will always be a nice person to help if I have a question. I am not shy to ask.

I was back just in time to go sit in the park with my book. But today I treat myself with an ice cream cone. Miam ! It was good… even better because I was in St-James Park. ;-)

Day 13

July 23

Today I was hesitate between two London walks : Little Venice or Chelsea Riverside Village. What make me choose was the time schedule. Little Venice was in the morning and Chelsea in the afternoon. I choose Chelsea so I could have plenty of time to go at Shepherd Market in the morning.

So I was on my way around 10am and walk around Shepherd Market for awhile. It is a beautiful area. I sat on a terrace and had a cappucino watching people passing. I walk the little streets of Mayfair and found myself on the big Oxford Street.

I was near Hyde Park so I choose a path there and walk to Hyde Park Corner where I jump on a bus that took me to Sloane Sq. It was time for lunch so I done what almost every Londoner do : I grab a lunch at Prêt and ate it in the square. I was just in time for the tour. It was a very interesting tour where I learn about Oscar Wilde being arrested and put in prison for sodomia. Maybe I am the only one, but I didn’t knew about that. I saw where Keith Richard and Mick Jagger lived (not together) in the early sixties. Keith Richard was just near the Physian garden that may explain why he is still alive after all the abuse of drugs … (He most had choose the good ones). Our guide told us that she think any of the Rolling Stones would never have a blue plaque in front of their house because you have to die first and they will live forever!! You can see many blue plaques on the walls of the houses in London. Each plaque is in memory of a famous person who had live there. The blue plaque come if someone ask for it and the honoured person should been died since twenty years.

It was a beautiful day today so I went to the park (St-James, my favorite) before supper to read for about an hour. I am reading : Wonderful Today by Pattie Boyd. For those who may don’t know her, she was the first wife of George Harrison and the wife of Eric Clapton aswell.

Day 12

July 22

Oh what a day!!! I was acting as a guide in London for all day. I’ve met Chantal and Raymond at their B&B and we went to my place. Chantal was curious about my flat. As we were passing beside, we enter Westminter Cathedral to have a quick look.

Then we go for a longgggggggggg walk. Via Buckingham Palace, we took St-James Street to see St-James Palace. We walk on St-James Street until Jermyn where we admired the luxurious mens stores. We visit Piccadilly Arcade and Burlington Arcade and went to Fortnum and Mason. We then follow Regent Street to go back on The Mall and head up to Trafalgar Square. We’ve hang around for awhile and had lunch at the crypt of St-Martin in the Field. After this little break we follow The Strand until the Inns of Court. We visit Temple Church. We then walk on north Thames path and cross Golden Jubilee bridge to walk on the south path of the Thames. That was very animated like always. From there we could have a great view of the parliement and Big Ben. We cross back Westminter Bridge and follow our road on Victoria Embankment where we visit and relax in the gardens. Then it was time for something to drink, We went at the Somerset House yard. We sit there for half an hour then got back on our feet and head up to Covent Garden. Chantal was surprise because she had on her mind that Covent Garden was a garden. There is no garden there. That a place to shop for souvenirs or watch entertainers doing show and music. We visite Neal Street and Neal Yard and finish our promenade at Belgo Centraal. Another surprise for Chantal. But I think it is usual to be surprise the first time at Belgo… just to found out there is no restaurant when you come in!!
Anyway, we had a great time. We kiss goodbye at Victoria Station where Raymond bought the oysters card. I will meet them again Saturday for the lunch at Kensington Palace L’Orangery.

Day 11

Neal yard

Londoners at lunch time

July 21

Another beautiful day in London. I really appreciate each single moment. This morning as I was drinking my coffee at Starbucks, they were playing John’s music. Ahhhhhhh! I got my train ticket for Liverpool. Was easy to buy at Victoria station. I went early for my tour because I want to spread some time in Covent Garden area. I love to go on Neal Yard. There is no other place like that in London. After that I got lost… again. And I found myself on Endell street where you can have a very delicious Fish and Chip at Rock, Sole and Plaice. That was my lunch for today. I took it for take out and ate it in Bloombury Square.

Then I was not to far from Holborn Underground were the tour begin. It was an interesting tour : Legal and Illegal in London. I learn that there is 2 kinds of Lawyer : Barrister and solicitor. When people need legal advice, they contact a solicitor. Solicitors offer skilled advice on all kinds of legal matters – from buying a home to selling a corporation. Solicitors also represent their clients in court, mostly in the lower courts. Barristers act on instruction from solicitors; they have little or no contact with members of the public. Barristers perform two roles. When specialist expertise is needed, they give opinions on complex matters of law. And when clients require representation in the higher courts (Crown Courts, High Courts, Court of Appeal and House of Lords), barristers provide a specialist advocacy service. It is not so clear for me but I just wish I wont need any solicitor or barrister as I am in London.
Tonight I’ve talk with Marcel and Chantalon the phone. Make me feel a little bit at home. Cool!

Day 10

July 20

Today I realize I was underestimated myself. I never travel alone before. So I didn’t know what to expect. I’ve heard many stories, many advises, I was doing it like a challenge. But what surprise me is how I go with my plans without too much hesitation. I am comfortable alone in a restaurant. I am not to shy to ask for informations. I appreciate travelling alone. That doesn’t mean I prefere to travel alone tho. (I have a good partner at home which who I like to travel.) There is positive points in both situation. Saying that, it will be a thrill meeting Chantal and Raymond next tuesday afternoon.

Today I went on a London Walk : Old Hampstead Village. We met Adam at Hampstead Underground and he entertain us for 2h with many funny anecdotes. I was impress by the « window tax ». I never heard about that before. In 1766 The House and Window Duties Act was passed by Parliament. This meant that every house in England had to pay a certain amount of tax per window. The more windows you had, the higher the tax, so many people decided to have many of them bricked up. This can still be seen on the walls of old town-houses everywhere in London. Adam told us that this tax also exist for awhile in France but to avoid to pay French people have create french door with their windox. Doors weren’t taxed…

Following our guide Adam

After the walk I head up to trafalgar to have a light lunch at national Gallery dining room. There is 3 eating places in national Gallery. The view from the restaurant is fantastic !

In the park

Then I came back home, grab a book and when to do what I was wanting to do since a long time : read in St-James park. AHHHHH! What a pleasure. And there was and orchestra doing a free concert. Couldn’t ask for more. I was home early and didn’t go out because it is chilly tonight in London. I cook myself a real good meal and rest inside my flat.

Day 9

July 19

This morning I went to the famous Borough Market on the south side of the Thames. I didn’t knew for sure how to get there but I managed to found my way. I am glad the weather was again on my side. BBC weather was expecting rain for the morning and we got sunshine instead.
Borough Market is London’s oldest food market. . It is a place of colours and savours. You can taste alot of food. I had my breakfast at Monmouth Coffee. It is the best coffee in London. I bought sausages and bacon from farmers and home made pasta. If I was living in london I would have a lttle wicker basket.
I came back by the south thame path. It was very « animated » There was many tourists and family with many street entertainers.
I was glad arriving at my flat in the mid-afternoon to have a rest and read newspaper.

For supper I went to Ebury, on Pimlico Street. I h

ad a succulent steak serve with a very big stuffed mushroom and blue cheese fondue. Delicious!! …And yes it is out of price like every good things in London.

About Paul doing a concert in Quebec there is what I found on BBC: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7513148.stm

Day 8

July 18

Last day of english lessons. It was very instructive especially about the accent. Sara, the teacher make us repeat and repeat until it sound correct to her ears. She said american accent is the way an english person talk after more than seven pint : ouch!!! Hopefully there wasn’t any american student in the class! After the course I went to the movie with Mirjam a young girl from Budapest. We went to see Mamma Mia! It starring Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth … If was a good entertainment. You have to see it if you like Abba’s music. Meryl Streep is absolutly divine.

There is a peculiar fashion here in London : women (young woman) wear long boots even in the summer. Odd, isn’t it ?

You know what are the 3 big news that made the cover of newspaper this week ?
1- The story of British canoeist John Darwin, who faked his own death and defrauded insurance companies. A U.K. court heard how John and Anne Darwin staged the disappearance to try to escape a financial crisis by defrauding insurance companies of $500,000.
2- The story about Ron Wood 61 years old, having an affair with a 18 years old Russian girl.
3- Camillia wearing the same birthday suit than last year. And they have pictures to prove it. Isn’t it chocking???

http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/femail/article-1036035/Camilla-lives-Good-Life-recycles-birthday-outfit--gets-giant-cabbage-present.html

Day 7

July 17

Day 7 already. Time go fast. I will bought flowers tomorrow to celebrate my first week solo in London.
Today, we were expecting rain for all day, so I change my plans a little bit. I when to do grocery in the morning. I wonder why there is less conservative ingredients in england food ?? For example, you can’t keep your milk for more than a couple of day. Why do we need so much conservative ingredents ? Is it good for us ? I am suspicious about that.

Like the last 2 day, I took the bus to go to school but today it was verrrrrrry sllllllow, so I arrive just in time. I hate to be late especially in a course.
After my lesson, I went to National Portrait Gallery. The Tudor room and the comtempory gallery interest me the most.

I when then to Liberty store. What a place! Nothing in Montreal can be compare to this store. It is even difficult to explain. I took some pictures to give you an idea. No need to say I didn’t bought anything there! Even on sale at 70% it is much to expensive for my poor wallet. I took a new bus that land me to Westminter tube and I walk to get home around 8h. Well, it was cloudy all day long but no rain exept a few drop and it was not necessary to open the umbrella.

Day 6

July 16

I can't belive I just came back from a musical in London!!!! And what a musical!!! I was so impress! I saw Billy Elliott at the Victoria Palace. The theater is just 5 minutes walking from my flat. I never saw such a show! Really everything was perfect. The young dancer who do Billy is so good! We clap our hands for about 20 minutes.

Talking about the theater himself, it really look like a palace. If you want to know more about the theater go visit this link: http://www.victoriapalacetheatre.co.uk/History_London_Victoria_Palace_Theatre.html

I start my day by a good news: my shower is fixed and it will be proper to use friday morning!!! Yeah! This morning, I when at Stella McCartney boutique. Oh la la !! It is not the kind of place I use to visit. I can't afford anything there even soxs. Then I've been at Burberry. Well, why not ? It was just there. The nice lady make me try the new fragrance of Burberry: Beat. Smell good. It is amazing how many areas has chic boutiques. You can found Chanel and Cartier in many areas. I walk on Cavendish Square but didn't found it very interesting: just another park. On my way to school there was a celebrity who was doing is shopping in a boutique on Oxford Street, so this portion of the street was closed. I don't know who it was because I could stay and wait. I wouldn't had been late for the class. I just hope it wasn't Paul!!

My lesson today was very interesting because we do alot of pronunciation. I found out that french sounds are more like british sounds then americans. I love it! Now I am always thinking in english and I found myself thinking with british accent. I would love to have this accent, but I know a month is not enough to have it.

Day 5

Are you lost ?

Sloane Square Russel Square

July 15

Today, there was no way I would leave my flat without talking with the working mens who work at fixing my shower. I want to be sure they wont lock the bathroom again. They were very kind (like all londoners) and assure me they will let it unlock and that the shower will be ready to use tomorrow. They had to remove the ceramic to fix the pipes.

Anyway, after that I went to buy my newspaper and my coffee. Wasn’t easy to choose a newspaper when you are in stranger country. I think I found the one that will please me : Daily Mail will be my newspaper.

Today I walk two news areas. Before my course I walk in Bloombury area, where is the British museum. It is an intellectual area with alot of writers living there. I had lunch in Russel Square. A very nice little park mostly visit by local people. After my course, I’ve been to Sloane Square. That is a rich area with many luxurious shops. There was a crowd there. (another crowd!) On my way back I notice many nice places to have a drink or a meal.

I am getting better with transport. I already told you about blisters on my toes… It is not getting better, so today I travel more with bus. I like it. You never wait more than a few minutes and many buses road the same streets, especially busy streets. I have to found out now how I will know when my oyster card will be empty. I wouldn’t want to be caught with a unvalide card!! Saying that, I wonder if it will be the same in Montreal ??? Here, people enter the bus in the front, in the middle or in the back and they just touch one of the sensor with there card. Nobody check if you have done it. I can’t imagine such a system in Montreal ! I just see so many student trying to fraud with unvalided card at the metro of Longueuil…

I guess I look more like a londoner, because many people ask me about directions or informations today. If they knew how much I get always lost… I am getting a little bit better around my accomodation but the streets dont go straits and they change names often. Hopefully there are those streets signs to help me… Now, if I live in London for a long time, I would choose another area. Victoria Station is not a place to live, it is a place to transit. I try to avoid it as much as I can; not easy because I live beside. There is so many nice places in London, I would had trouble to choose my camp… South Kensington ? Bloombury ? Belgravia ? Mayfair ?

Well, I leave you with this deep english thoughts.

I just read an article on the dangers of drinking....

Scared the shit out of me.So that's it!

After today, no more reading.

Day 4

July 14

Bonne fête aux Français !! Today is my first day of english lessons. I sleep not so bad. In fact I think I am like « la princesse au petit pois », I always found a problem with my bed. At Belgravia, the mattress was very hard and at Wigram it is very soft. Would appreciate something in the middle but I will have to wait until Liverpool for testing another bed. Today I really saw what look like rush hour around Victoria station. It is incredible!! The crowd of workers is bigger than the crowd of tourists on Sunday around Big Ben. I was trap in the middle of it and had to walk at the same beat. Crazy!!! I went to buy a newspaper and have a coffee. Suddlenly, around 9h, it slow down a little bit.

Before I go for my english lessons, I bought Oyster card. It is a card for travelling by bus and tube. It is like a pay as you go. When you leave London you can cash back what is left on your card. I took bus 73 and get out in front Selfridge. Oh wow!! It is really classy; like Ogilvy but alot bigger. I didn't bought anything there but I smell some nice perfume for men call: Dirty English.

My class is at the University of Westminster. It is a very modern building. The class is interesting because it is all about conversation and pronunciation. There was people from around the world there. I found out that I am not so bad. I understand everything. The funny part was when we do the pronunciation part. Oh boy! It is not easy.

On my way back, I choose a road I've never done before so I got lost a little bit but as I always say : I love to be lost in London. On my way I stop at Foyles bookstore. It is an institution on Charing Cross Street. I came back by The Mall and, what a coincidence, I saw my travel agent. Yes, just there half way between Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square!! We laugh so much.
When I arrive at my flat, I found out my bathroom had been locked because there is a problem with the pipes. I have to use the bathroom in the corridor. Hopefully it will be fixed tomorrow.

Day 3

July 13

Today is day of moving. I am moving to Wigram House. I was anxious a little bit about it because I have not much informations about the place. So I went there around 11h. My flat was ready. It was a good surprise. The flat is separate in 3 areas : room, living and kitchenet. The building is old and would need to be refresh but I guess that would affect the rate of the accomodation. At least it is clean enough and comfortable.

Today I visit Westminster Cathedral. There was a religious ceremony and it was very impressive. After I’ve been to Dean Yard. A very quiet place just behond Westminster Abbey. I continue my way on Victoria Embankment. It was crazy how many people are there around Big Ben!!!! I visit the Victoria Embankment Gardens : a peaceful place to escape from the tourist crowd. I went to Somerset House court yard. I was hoping to rest there for awhile, but it is not possible to sit there for a drink now because there is some music concert every day until July 20. I came back by The Strand and had a lunch at Prêt on Trafalgar Sq. I sit in the window and watch the traffic around. It make me feel dizzy!! The crowd is even bigger there then at Big Ben.
It was time to go back « home ». I’ve been to Sainbury for my first grocery. Not easy to choose what I will need but I’ve been to essential. Before supper, I took a walk at St-James park. I was back before 19h. My feet are still painful. I will have to stop walking that much… but how???

Day 2

July 12

After a good night of sleep I was ready for another London day. I start day 2 with a traditional english breakfast : scrambled eggs, beans, sausage, bacon, toasts and coffee. It was very good. Beside the full english breakfast, you can also have continental : yaourt, croissant, muffin, cheese, cereal, juice and fresh fruits. At nine I was on my way. I head up Picadilly street and walk on Burlington Arcade. Then I went to Hatchards Bookstore. Seven floors of books!!! I stay there for more than an hour. I bought 3 books. After shopping, I went at Fortnum and Mason for a coffee. It was a threat but I wont talk about the price!!!!! Then, I went to visit the art gallery James Hyman on Saville Row (just beside where the Beatles played on the roof) to look at Linda McCartney photography. The dedicace at the entry of the gallery had been wrote by Paul. There is not alot of photos but they are all beautiful and how signifiant for me. On my way back, I bought some postcards. Then it was time for a snack and an afternnon nap.

Before supper, I went to the Grenadier, an old pub on Wilton Row. It wasn't easy to found it but it was such an experience. I sat at the bar and had half a pint of light lager. At the bar there was 3 mens working for France and Belgian ambassy. It was funny to listen at them.

For supper I tried Goya Tapas bar on Lupus St.. I had garlic chicken, spicy potaoes and green salad. Delicious.

Day 1

July 11

I was anxious travelling with Zoom because all the bad reviews I’ve read but I have my own opinion now. It was a very good fly. It was enough confortable and the service on board is excellent. For the food, they serve a sandwich (I didnt taste it because I wasn’t hungry) and something to drink around midnight and a little breakfast : scrambled eggs, potatoes, bread, yaourt, juice and coffee. It was fine for a plane standard.

We arrive at Gatwick in time 10h21. The queue for immigration was very long. I took Gatwick express and arrive at Victoria station around 12h30. My first impression was to remember how hugly is Victoria area. But I already pull my heavy luggage to the bnb and was please to see it was much better on Ebury street.
The bnb Belgravia is a very simple place but very clean. I’ve been welcome by a gentle guy who took my luggage (did I already said it was heavy!!!) 4 floors up.
The room was fine, small but pretty clean and modern. I leave my stuffs there and already go to look around.

First thing, I went to Wigram House. I found it easily. Victoria street until Thirleby road, turn right and it is on your left a little walk after. Sadly, the building it under construction so we can't have a look at this beautiful architecture. Oh well, that is life!

I went then in St-James Park to have a light lunch at Inn the Park. I was surprise. I thought it would be more high class. It is perfect for a quick stop and the view is fabulous. I had carrot cake and coffee and sat outside. I continue my way to Trafalgar square. Enjoy to be there. I feel so alive in the middle of this place. I went then on Leicesture square and to Piccadilly. I head up to Oxford Street to register to english class and buy my cellphone. It was easy doing both. After that I’ve want to come back on feet but didn’t took the right way so it took me 2h to get to the bnb. I was exauted and had blisters on my toes. So no way I will go at the Tripadvisor reunion. I took a shower and went at Mark and Spencer for a sandwich (cheese and celery) and pineapple dessert, gone straith to my room. After I called Marcel, I read a liitle bit and felt asleep. ZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzz.

malheureuse coïncidence

AWWWWWWWWWWW!!! J'y avais pensé, mais je n'osais même pas imaginer que c'était possible... Paul McCartney sera au Québec pendant que je serai à Londres! Non mais quel hasard! Il sera sur les plaines d'Abraham le 20 juillet pour le 400e anniversaire de Québec et cela pour offrir un concert gratuit! Il n'est jamais venu à Québec. Il est venu à Toronto en 2005 et avant ça, il était venu à Montréal en 1989. On peut admettre qu'il n'est pas assidu.
Je suis déçue de manquer cette occasion mais je suis bien contente pour tous les fans qui auront le plaisir d'être là.
On ne peut pas tout avoir...

Des nouvelles

Des nouvelles.

J'ai maintenant mon billet de train pour Venise-Paris. Nous partirons de nuit dans une cabine double.
J'ai acheté quelques petites babioles: cadenas pour mon sac à dos, réveille-matin et adaptateur. J'ai essayé la nouvelle caméra. C'est une petite Sony très facile d'utilisation.
J'ai maintenant tout le nécessaire pour partir.
Il ne reste plus que 19 jours... Wouahhhhhhhhhh!!!!! C'est excitant!!!!!

un jour de moins

J'ai appris cette semaine que mon avion partira 24 heures plus tard que prévu. Quelle déception!! Bon, bien sûr je passe quand même plusieurs semaines à Londres, mais j’ai besoin de tout ce temps. Je voulais partir 1 an, puis ça été 6 mois, puis 3 mois, puis 6 semaines et là on m’enlève encore une journée. GRRRRRRRRRRRR!

J’ai pensé partir avec un autre transporteur mais il n’y a rien de disponible à un prix raisonnable pour la même date.

Je m’y ferai.

Je continue à me préparer…

Voyager seule

Depuis hier, on a repris espoir de voir disparaître l'hiver. Je pensais que l'hiver s'était installé définitivement. Alors qu'ici l'espoir revient, à Londres il y avait de la neige ce matin. Misère !

Je lis beaucoup sur Internet au sujet des personnes qui voyagent seules. On nous dit que ce n'est pas pour tout le monde mais qu'on y trouve plusieurs avantages. On nous met en garde contre l'anxiété de se sentir seul dans un monde étranger qui peut survenir dans les premiers jours. C'est évident que j'y pense et que je vivrai certainement de petits moments où je me demanderai ce que je suis venue faire là toute seule... mais en même temps, c'est ça que je veux vivre. Un peu comme un défi. Ce que je retiens surtout de toutes mes lectures, c'est qu'il faut être bien préparé. Il est préférable d'avoir une bonne idée de ce qu'on fera surtout dans les premiers jours. J'essaie de planifier le plus possible tout en me laissant la liberté de changer d'idée une fois sur place. J'ai fait une liste de ce que je veux faire et voir pendant mon séjour. J'ai déjà vu les attractions touristiques les plus populaires. Je veux davantage me mêler au gens. J'aimerais visiter différents quartiers, me promener dans les parcs et fureter dans les marchés. Je veux faire quelques sauts à l'extérieur de Londres. J'irai à Liverpool pour une nuit et je souhaite passer une journée à Brighton.
Pour planifier mon séjour, je lis le forum de discussion sur Tripadvisor à tous les jours. J'ai aussi visité plusieurs sites: London footprint, London for free, London Walks, LondonTown, Rick Steves, London Tourist, Time Out, Visit London, et Walk It, pour ne pas tous les nommer. Walk It est particulièrement intéressant pour évaluer la distance d'un point à l'autre quand on voyage à pied.

Ça avance

Bon. Ça avance bien. J'ai mes billets d'avion, mon B and B pour les trois premiers jours, ma réservation pour quatre semaines à la résidence universitaire, mes billets d'avion et ma chambre à Venise. (Oui, je poursuis mon voyage à Venise et je termine à Paris.) Il reste à réserver le train Venise-Paris. Ce sera un train de nuit avec cabine privée. Puis vers la mi-avril, je dois réserver la chambre à Paris.
Pour le reste, je prends plaisir à faire des recherches pour organiser mon séjour afin d'en profiter au maximum.

où loger ?

Les préparatifs sont un plaisir pour moi. La première étape a été de trouver un endroit pour loger. J'ai commencé mes recherches en octobre 2007. Au départ, quand je pensais rester plus longtemps, je regardais pour un studio ou un "flat" un peu en dehors du centre de Londres, dans les zones 2 ou 3. Mais puisque je n'y serai pas très longtemps, j'ai décidé de concentrer mes recherches en zone 1. Mais là, attention quand on dit que c'est cher de vivre à Londres, ce n'est pas une blague!!! Je sais par expérience (j'y suis déjà allée 3 fois, à raison d'une semaine à la fois) que les chambres à bon marché sont souvent minuscules et pas toujours très propres. À l'aide du site Tripadvisor j'ai fait des recherches. Je voulais un peu plus qu'une chambre, puisque j'y serai pour plusieurs semaines. Je voulais aussi avoir la possibilité de cuisiner sur place pour épargner des repas au resto. Je voulais un endroit, propre, sécuritaire et surtout abordable. Au départ tout ce que je trouvais revenait à plus de 1000$ la semaine. Mes trouvailles les plus intéressantes en ce qui concerne les apartements avec services sont: Astons Apartments, Base2stay, Vancouver studios, Aspen hyde Park. Il y a aussi les agences de location pour des "flats" privés. Celles-ci semblaient très bien: VRBO et Holidays rental... et je sais qu'il y en a d'autres. Ceci étant dit, mon budget étant serré, j'ai regardé du côté des résidences universitaires. C'est moins cher... et plus rudimentaire. J'ai trouvé et eu de petites difficultés à réserver. Je resterai donc dans une résidence de l'Université de Westminster le Wigram House. C'est bien situé, tout près de la gare Victoria à l'ombre de la Cathédrale de Westminster. Je devrais entendre Big Ben sonner. Au Wigram House, il y a plusieurs chambres et 2 petits studios avec cuisinette et salle de bains privée. Dès le mois d'octobre, on m'a dit que c'était déjà loué pour l'été 2008. Puis, surprise, le 4 janvier je reçois un courriel m'informant qu' un des studios serait libre à partir de la mi-juillet pour quatre semaines. Sans attendre, j'ai réservé. Je partirai un peu plus tôt, alors j'ai cherché un B and B pour mes premiers jours à Londres. Voici des choix vraiment intéressants et abordables pour de courts séjours: B and B Belgravia (ne pas confondre avec Belgravia Hotel), Lime Tree Hotel, Luna and Simone, Morgan Hotel et Arosfa. Il y en a d'autres mais ce sont mes premiers choix.

plusieurs mois plus tard... où j'en suis

Je voulais partir un an. Techniquement c'était possible en effectuant un échange de poste à poste avec un enseignant de Londres. Mais voilà, mon petit mari trouvait cela un peu long... Pour partir moins longtemps, il faut prendre un congé ici et trouver un travail là-bas. Le Working Holidaymaker Scheme est un arrangement où les citoyens du Commonwealth peuvent venir au Royaume Uni pour une période de vacances qui peut être étendue à 2 ans. Le travail au Royaume Uni ne doit pas être la raison principale du séjour. Il y a un problème incontournable avec ce permis: il n'est offert que pour les personnes agées de 17 à 30 ans. Je suis passée date! Donc pour ne pas perdre trop de salaire et passer un bon moment à Londres, j'ai pensé prendre un congé différé et le joindre à mes vacances d'été. Ça me donnait environ quatre mois. Mais bon, le congé différé étant refusé, je me vois contrainte de faire un court séjour de six semaines.

Alors plus ça va, plus mon séjour est court. Mais bon, j'y retournerai plus tard dans de meilleures conditions. Je pars donc six semaines. Mais là, en principe, ça ne peut plus bouger, j'ai mes billets d'avion.

C'est non!

J'ai reçu ma réponse depuis un bon moment. J'attendais avec impatience mais la réponse est NON. Je ne peux pas prendre un congé avec traitemnent différé pour une période 1\4 d'année scolaire. Donc je dois changer mes projets. Je prendrai un congé de quelques semaines sans traitement et je partirai juin, juillet et août. J'en suis là.

Bon ça y est...

J'ai fait ma demande de congé avec traitement différé pour l'an prochain. Je n'ai pas pris de risque, j'ai pris ¼ d'année. Ça + le congé d'été, c'est pas mal.
Remplir le formulaire était pour moi un geste très significatif. C'est le premier pas vers mon séjour à Londres. J'en ai des frissons...

the british dreamer

Je n'ai pas encore expliqué pourquoi j'ai choisi "the british dreamer" comme titre pour ce blog. C'est très simple: je rêve de vivre à Londres. J'en rêve depuis longtemps et j'aimerais que ce soit une réalité dans un proche futur. Je cherche toujours le moyen de réaliser ce rêve. Plusieurs options s'offrent à moi, à petite ou à grande échelle. Il me reste à choisir et à évaluer les possibilités. Mais ce n'est pas simple puisque j'ai une famille, des amis et un travail que j'aime. J'en reparle...