Today, we awoke fresh and fit to undertake another beautiful day. We are lucky because the weather is on our side again. After breakfast, we went to St. Paul's Cathedral. Gabriel climbed the 528 steps for a magnificent view of London. After the visit of the crypt, we chose to have coffee outside to enjoy the sun.

We then crossed the millennium bridge to go for a walk on the South path and take lunch at the Tate Modern. I had a precious memory of having eaten there a great fish and chips with my friends Danielle and Josée. We had the pleasure of eating on the terrace.
We then went to Covent Garden where we attended a very entertaining performance of opera. We thought we would stop a few minutes, and finally we saw the whole show.
I was eager to go to Neal Yard with Gabriel. This place is one of my favorite in London.  We did not stay very long because it was time for our appetizer and we wanted a beer. There is a wine bar but there is no beer. So we went in a beautiful pub in Endell Street. Gabriel is still amazed that the English take their beer standing outside the pub.

We returned to the flat to take a short break before going back outside for dinner.  Tonight we went to Il Posto in Pimlico.  It is a good family run casual restaurant.  It is now 23h and about time to go to sleep.  See you tomorrow.

Finally there... Late, but there,  It was the first time I had a sky view tour of London before landing.  Cool!!  There was a lot of aerian traffic so the commandant had to turn around a little bit before landing. 
We found our way with the tube to our accomodation on Turk's Row.  Keren our greeter was there and after a brief introduction to the facilities, she left us at our home for the next 11 days.
We arrived exausted, but we didn't want to lose a day in London, so as soon as we have been ready, we have been on our feet and go.  What about jetlag?  Well, we slept in the plane for about two hours (not straight, of course) but we didn't want tireness to win on us, so we fought and it is the good thing to do.
First, let me tell you about our accomodation.  We rent a flat in Chelsea: 2 bedrooms (adequate size), kitchen (very small) living room (small) and a bathroom.  It is clean and in a beautiful neighborhood.

Today, we did what I call The Royal Tour: Buckingham Palace, St-James Park, Trafalgar square, stopped for a lager, Jubilee bridge, South path, Westminter bridge, said hello to Big Ben and that was it.
Then, we went for a pizza, did the grocery at Waitrose and goodnight, we are off to sleep.

C'était un rendez-vous

Voilà!  Comme prévu, j'y retourne.  Je devais y aller avec mes deux garçons et Elisabeth, mes les plans ont changé:  Alexandre et Élisabeth ne pouvaient prendre de vacances à ce temps-ci de l'année.  Je pars donc avec Gabriel.  Nous partons ensemble onze jours.  Marcel vient nous rejoindre pour les trois derniers jours à Londres.  Gabriel repartira alors que nous ferons un "road trip" de neuf jours dans le sud de l'Angleterre.  Nous ferons un premier arrêt de deux jours à Rye; ensuite deux jours à Arundel; puis deux jours à Bath et finalement trois jours à Bourton-On-The-Water.  Bourton est une base pour visiter les villages du Cotswold.

Bilan du voyage 2012

Encore une autre fois, je suis revenue avec le goût d'y retourner le plus rapidement possible et ça s'annonce pour 2014, avec mes fils cette fois. J'ai déjà hâte!

Ce voyage-ci était différent puisque j'étais accompagnée de deux amies qui visitaient Londres pour la première fois. Comme c'était ma sixième visite, je me sentais un peu comme une guide. J'avais envie de leur transmettre mon amour pour Londres. Je ne sais pas si j'y suis parvenue, en partie du moins; il faudra leur demander.

La partie n'était pas gagnée d'avance puisqu'il y avait des éléments qui changeaient un peu le portrait de Londres tel que je le connais. D'abord, les jeux olympiques. C'était une chance de pouvoir être là l'été des jeux olympiques ne serait-ce que pour y voir les installations et l'effervescence qui régnait tout autour du site. Mais en même temps, cela apportait son lot d'inconvénients. Par exemple, les parcs n'étaient accessibles qu'en partie puisqu'il y avait des installations dans tous les grands parcs. La rue The Mall était fermée, ce qui enlevait beaucoup de charme à l'environnement où est situé le palais de Buckingham avec ses deux parcs: St-James et Green Park. Car passer sur The Mall en empruntant l'Admiral Arch c'est quand même impressionnant. Et finalement, la température n'était pas de notre côté. Il a plu un peu chaque jour et le temps était plutôt frais. Remarquez que le temps frais est plus propice aux visites dans les grandes villes... Mais la pluie à tous les jours, on aurait pu s'en passer. En parlant avec des amis anglais, on m'a dit que c'est le pire bilan météo d'été, depuis des décennies.

Cela étant dit, ce n'était pas la température et les quelques petits contre-temps reliés aux jeux olympiques qui allaient gâcher notre voyage. Nous sommes trois filles positives et nous avons tiré le meilleur de la situation.

J'avais quelques doutes quant à la situation de notre hébergement. C'est un peu éloigné du centre de Londres (Trafalgar Square) mais comme la ville de Londres est très étendue, il est impossible d'être près de tout. Nous étions à côté de Tower Bridge et de la Tour de Londres, tout près de la marina de St-Katrine docks. C'était facile pour le transport en métro, en autobus et même par bateau. Comme c'était moins central, c'était aussi plus paisible le soir venu.

Alors, pour résumer, voici mes coups de coeur pour ce voyage. Pour connaître mes endroits préférés à Londres, il faut voir les deux bilans précédents.

Curiosités: Les pianos partout dans Londres sur lesquels il est écrit: Play me, I'm yours. Génial ! Ce n'est pas exclusif à Londres, puisqu'on retrouve ce concept dans plusieurs grandes villes à travers le monde, mais c'est très agréable, dès que le soleil sort d'entendre quelqu'un oser quelques notes comme ça sur le trottoir. http://streetpianos.com/london2012/

La décoration des boîtes téléphoniques. Des boîtes téléphoniques traditionnelles sont décorées par des artistes pour ramasser des fonds au profit de l'organisme Chilline. On en voit un peu partout en ville. Certaines représentent des icônes de Londres, d'autres représentent des idéologies et d'autres encore sont des oeuvres originales et abstraites. http://www.btartboxes.com/00Home.php

Musée: BP au National Portrait Gallery. J'adore cette exposition annuelle qui présente des oeuvres d'artistes contemporains de partout dans le monde. Les visiteurs sont invités à voter pour leur portrait favori. http://www.npg.org.uk/whatson/exhibitions/bp-portrait-award-2012/the-exhibition.php

Excursion: Canterbury. J'avais des attentes et je n'ai pas été déçue, autant par la cathédrale que par le village. On peut facilement y passer la journée. Bucolique !

Repas:La fish and chips au Tate Modern. Josée Distasio avait raison, il est succulent. Et parlez à Josée (Deslauriers) de la purée de petits pois...

Moment: Sur le pont Jubilee, près de Trafalgar Square, le dernier jour, juste après l'apéro du jour. Josée ne se rappelait plus avoir vu Big Ben. On y a flâné un court instant mais c'est resté gravé dans ma mémoire comme un arrêt sur image dans un film.

Une impression générale: Qu'ils sont donc aimables les Anglais !!! C'est vraiment remarquable.

J'ai revu et visité plusieurs endroits et j'en ai découvert plusieurs autres. Ma liste de choses à voir et à faire à Londres est encore bien remplie. Ce sera pour une prochaine fois... en 2014.

Day 8

Our last day in London. We would have like to visit Regent Park but just like all other parks in London it is not accessible because the Olympic games. So we already went to Little Venice to take the waterbus running on Regent canal to Camden. The weather was mix: rain-sun-cloud. We walk around for a few hours. We taste a very good sausage plate. There was a crowd in the road. We can notice people are different from people from the city. We return with the tube to Charing Cross where we went to visit National Portrait Gallery. There was this film portrait of David Beckham. It was quite impressive to look at him sleeping. It is interesting to watch the mouvement of the eyes, the mouth in the sleep. We enjoy visiting the BP Portrait of the year. After our visit, we vote for our favorite portrait.

It was then time for the apero. We went at Covent Garden because Josee and Danielle want to buy a poster they saw on there previous visit at Gallery One. We had our apero in a pub. We walk back to Embankment station. We hang around Trafalgar square for awhile, even went on Jubilee bridge to see Big Ben another time because Josee dont remember at all the first day. It was a magic moment.

Then, we may our way to Gloucester Road for our Indian dinner. Frank (Rose's brother) suggest us Bombay Brasserie. It is a very chic Indian restaurant. We had there a delicious meal. It was our most expensive meal of the trip so far. We came back early at our flat and since it was our last night in London, we bought a bottle of wine to cheers at that last night. My heart is bleeding. I will be back, believe me.

Other pictures will be add from time to time.

Day 7

In the morning, Danielle et Josee visit the Tower of London. I didn't went because I already visited it twice and to be honest, I was happy to be by my own in London for a couple of hours. For a moment, I could pretend I live there. I just love it. Today was a day important especially for Josee as she want so much to see the olympics installations. I have to admit I wasn't so interested but I want my fellow travelers to be happy so lets go for olympics area.

As soon as they got back from the Tower we went to take que Thames Clippers (w

aterbus on Thames) to Greenwich. The ride was pleasant, but there is nothing to do in Greenwhich (pronounce Greenich) because they are preparing the park for the olympics. In fact, all the park in London are unavailable at this time because the olympic games. Oh well!! We found our way to Stratford, the officiel Olympics Park. They are getting ready and the ambiance is electric. I was impress by the set up they made for the Olympics. It is a lively area.

We stay there for a while and came back for the apero at OXO Tower a very chic bar with a fabulous view over the city. Oxo was a suggestion of Frank Buffone, brother of my friend Rose. We end our day at Fish! on Borough Market where we taste another Fish and Chip. Nothing to compare with Tate Modern.

Day 6

Windsor.

We took the train to Windsor in the morning from Waterloo because there is no train changes but I am not sure it is the better way. It took more time because the train stop very often. Anyway. we visit the fabulous castle and have lunch in a nice pedestrian alley.

We came back in London in the late afternoon to rest a little bit before our dinner at The Narrow, a Gordon Ramsay restaurant. The Narrow is situated in east London about 40 minutes walk from our flat. We decide to walk there as the weather was nice. Without plan, we manage to found the restaurant, asking two peoples the directions on our way. The area around the restaurant is nice and peaceful and the river view front the restaurant is very beautiful. For our meal, opinion are different: Danielle had cod and she found her meal absolutly delicious; Josee had pork roast and she appreciated the vegetables but wasn't impressed with the meat; for my part, I had the sunday beef roast, it wasn't my best meal ever in London but it was good. There is a lively ambiance in at The Narrow. We laught a lot and really enjoy our evening. We start our way back walking but mid way we took a taxi.

Day 5

Time go so fast !! It is scaring.

Today we bought our train ticket to Canterbury. I had alot of expectations about Canterbury and I wasn'teceived. WOW!!! What a cathedral and what a beautiful vi

llage. The cathedral is the most impressive I saw in my life. The caracteres of Ken Follet novel were alive in my head as I do the visit. I could almost heard them walking in the alley of the cathedral. After our visit, we walk along the riverside of Canterbury. The landscape is magnificient.

You know how important apero is for Josee ? We've been to Gordon Wine Bar and she was quite impress by the ambiance there. The place was fool of young people. There was a groupe of the gay pride. They ask us if we were in the group with them. It was kind a buzz to be there. I will go back for sure.

We had our evening meal at Da Mario, a place where you can't go wrong. In fact we were all very satisfied with our choice. Thye best meal so far in London.

Time to say goodnight.

Day 4

Day 4 wa s a late starting day. It was a rainy day so we took our timeand we finally arrive at St-Paul cathedral around 11h. We made a good visit and Josee climb the stairs to the whisper gallery. Danielle and I wait for her on the ground floor.
Sadly there was still raining when we cross the Millenium Bridge to Tate Modern. I have to admit the picture of all the umbrellas on the bridge was beautiful though. We decide to have lunch at the museum just like Josee Distasio suggested. We had fish and chip and it was delicious. Josee enjoy especially mashed peas they serve with the fish and chip. We then walk around the museum for awhile and Danielle wasn't too impress by those kind of modern art. When we came out the museum the sun was shinning so we sit on the stair for a moment. There was a piano outside just for everyone to play as he wish. In fact, there is pianos outside in many places in London this summer where people are welcome to play. So we listen many people paly piano before we got up to walk to Borough Market. We bought our supper and have

Oxo Tower Wharour last meal of the day at "home".

Day 3

So (heard it pronounced with a british accent it make all the difference), day 3; what a day ! We begin our day on Piccadilly street. Of course we visit Hatchards book store and Fortnum and Mason where we bought tea and other souvenirs. We made our way on Carnaby Street via Burlington Arcade and Regent street. On Regent street we shop a little bit for shoes for Josee. We took a lunch at Pret and eat it out door on Carnaby. It was very good. Josee was impress by that way of lunch time. We visit quickly Liberty and made our way to British Museum. That is where we sit for the first time of the day (it was around 3pm at that time) We saw Rosetta stone, the momies and walk around the great court for awhile. Then we decide to have apero at Neal Yard. My fellow travelers were surprise to see people drink everywhere outside just like they eat everywhere outside at lunch. We've been to Covent Garden and end up at Belgo for chips and mussels. Would have been a day without incident but on the bus, on our way back home, Josee found out she didn't had her camera anymore. She didn't even remember where she could have let it. At the restaurant ? In the toilet at the restaurant ? In a store at Covent Garden ? She tried shoes at many stores on Neal street, could it been there ??? We got out the bus and took it back the other way to go back at Belgo first. At that point Josee was very negative about the chance to found her camera. She even told us, that if she found it back, she will come to live one year in London instead of Paris when she will be retired. The streets were very crowded so it wasn't easy to walk fast. Anyway, we enter Belgo, ask if they found a camera and the minute after our waiter came with the camera. I dont have to tell you how Josee was happy. What a smile she had !! She was happy to kiss him to thanks him. We came back home late but all so thankful for that happy end. And believe me I will remember to come visit Josee in London in the near futur.

Day 2

I am so sorry. First, I am sorry I wrote the review of my first day in french (I was too full jet lag and dont even notice about it until the next day) and second, I didn't post for day 2 ( I was too full tired this time).

Ok, day 2: We start our day with a delicious breakfast at our flat : bread, cheese, jam and raspberries. We then took the tube to South Kensington to visit Victoria and Albert Museum. What a beautiful museum. Even if there was some rain from time to time, it was never too much to stop us from walking in Hyde Park to the Serpentine Gallery to see Yoko Ono Exhibition. I was interested but I can understand it doesn't interest all the people. In fact, it is the mix of many art works she have done over the past years, so there was not much new to see for me. Have a look: http://www.serpentinegallery.org/2011/03/yoko_ono_to_the_light.html

We then go for our rendez-vous for the afternoon tea at The Capitale Hotel with peoples from tripadvisor. Wow ! What an experience ! Meeting all those people from all around the world: Australia, Germany, USA, Canada and UK. Was not always easy to understand each other but we manage to understand enough to enjoy the experience. The lunch was really good: little sandwiches, pastry, scones, cloth cream and jam. And tea of course !





After the tea, we needed to walk and we have been to Harrods before apero at The Grenadier. We didnt really feel like having a big supper, our belly still full from the afternoon tea so we make our way to our flat and had a pizza at a restaurant near our place.

day 3 will follow tomorrow.

Revenue à Londres, jour 1

J'y suis... et tellement heureuse !!

Nous sommes arrivées (Danielle, Josée et moi) à Londres sans problème. Un vol tranquille, les formalités de sortie d'aéroport faciles et un accueil agréable. Après avoir passé la douane et pris nos valises en moins de 45 minutes, Ray, notre chauffeur, nous attendait un signe avec mon nom à la main. Ray très agréable nous a fait faire un petit tour de ville, puis nous a présentées à David notre concierge. David a fait le tour de l'aparte avec nous, expliquant tout ce qu'il y avait à savoir et offrant ses services pour revenir au besoin.


Malgré des signes de fatigue évidents, nous sommes reparties tout de go prendre le bus 15. Nous avons vu aujourd'hui Trafalgar Square (clin d'oeil à Hélène); nous sommes traversées sur le South path où Josée a été charmée par une installation de lettres de l'alphabet; nous sommes revenues par Westminster bridge et avons jeté un coup d'oeil à la maison du premier ministre au 10 Downing St. Nous souhaitions flâner dans St-James parc, mais étant donné les jeux Olympiques, on est à le convertir en immense terrain de volley-ball. Nous avons poursuivi notre chemin pour voir Buckingham Palace et revenir tranquillement vers notre hébergement. Nous sommes rentrées tôt et avons mangé sur notre terrasse. Je vous reparle de l'aparte demain. Je suis crevée. Ah oui!! La température ?? Et bien finalement, et ce malgré tout ce qu'on annonçait, c'était nuageux avec une pluie fine en fin d'après-midi. Rien pour freiner notre ardeur en ce premier jour à Londres.


Goodnight.

Un bilan...

Je pourrais répéter tout ce que j'ai écrit lors de ma précédente visite, mais je vous éviterai le radotage. Vous le savez, je les aime les anglais et ils n'ont pas (ou si peu) de défaut.

Avant de vous faire part de mes découvertes, je vous dis tout de suite que je ne suis pas encore rassasiée de Londres, alors j'y retournerai. Tant pis pour ceux qui diront: Encore ?!!

Je vais commencer par le commencement et vous raconter mon voyage en avion. J'ai pris un vol sur Air France. J'ai imprimé ma carte d'embarquement à la maison. Comme je vous l'ai écrit, j'ai eu droit à un surclassement en classe premium. Cela fait vraiment une différence quand on voyage de nuit. Voici une image des sièges:

Mais quand je me suis assise sur mon siège, je ne savais pas que c'était une classe premium et je trouvais cet avion très confortable... jusqu'à ce que je me rende aux toilettes derrière le rideau en classe économique. C'est à ce moment que j'ai remarqué que j'avais eu un surclassement. Bon... Arrivée à Paris, je devais changer d'avion, alors encore un peu endormie, je me rends à la porte d'embarquement. Tout roule comme sur des roulettes et j'entre dans l'avion. Au premier abord, tout ce que je remarque c'est que c'est un avion à 2 étages. J'ai déjà pris un 747 et je n'avais pas vraiment apprécié mon vol. Mais bon, c'est juste pour une heure vingt de vol. Les gens avaient de drôles de comportements au cours de ce vol. Ils se prenaient en photo les uns les autres. Le personnel affichait un sourire de fierté qui me semblait exagéré. Et puis il faut le dire, ça semblait être un avion assez neuf. Arrivé à destination, ça a pris au moins 30 minutes avant qu'on ouvre les portes pour nous laisser sortir. On nous a tous fait sortir par l'avant de l'avion. À l'avant, c'était vraiment très chic, comme un salon avec de gros fauteuils. Les gens essayaient les fauteuils. En sortant le commandant nous a remis un certificat pour avoir fait un voyage inaugural sur le nouvel appareil A380 d'Air France. Je ne comprenais pas vraiment pourquoi toute cette histoire. Je n'avais jamais entendu parler de cet avion jusqu'à une semaine plus tard, quand Marcel a vu ce certificat dans notre chambre. Il m'a demandé pourquoi j'avais ça ? Je lui ai dit que je l'avais eu en sortant de l'avion à Londres. Il m'a dit: Tu as pris un A380 ? WOW!! Il m'a alors parlé de ce nouvel avion.

Il semble que je devrais être impressionnée... Bon.

Ce que j'ai remarqué de nouveau à Londres, c'est qu'on utilise de plus en plus la bicyclette. D'ailleurs à notre image, ils ont maintenant des bornes à bicyclettes communes. Mais aussi, j'ai vu une plusieurs hommes avec des bicyclettes pliantes dans le tube. Ils sortent, déplient leur bicyclette et partent dans la rue. Ça complique un peu le trafic routier pour le moment mais j'imagine qu'il y aura plus de pistes cyclables dans un proche avenir...

Mes coups de coeur:

York, à deux heures de Londres. Un monde enchanteur à revoir.

La cour intérieure du Wallace Collection: Un conte de fée pour le lunch.

John Lewis: pour la mode masculine surtout.

Shakespeare, The Globe: du théâtre d'une autre époque. Une expérience inoubliable.

Vats: petit un bar à vin avec une cuisine du terroir (East Sussex) et ambiance agréable

Boots: Pour ses produits cosmétiques de qualité et à bon prix

Baker and Spice: pour un lunch santé et super bon près de Little Venice.

Mon petit apparte à l'ombre du quartier Bloomsbury: il me manque.

Et tout le reste ...

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!