tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67427568149674648112024-03-19T18:45:57.483+11:00Green Gourmet GiraffeRecipes and reflections in which our vegetarian heroine dreams of being tall and graceful as a giraffe, being a goddess in the kitchen, and being gladdened by green gadgets, green food and green politics because green is the colour of hope.Johanna GGGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08594201473931487490noreply@blogger.comBlogger2475125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6742756814967464811.post-76928325781391940292024-03-19T07:00:00.001+11:002024-03-19T07:00:00.133+11:00Edinburgh: Mimi's Bakehouse, City Art Centre<p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiywxijV1-zLIT9jGMfI23MccVx4vB1tneRVlp9Y6sX2f0EZFiYyInH564bmHlDQiYZEQyRYirI9zHBqTi6YJJHzRQR2RCG4dyImk6-W1NpA0LCca7TidyYuMxqTI3jom_PqRkm294nP8rJET_Mgebp4G6_vFW-oMCwj82xVj11gMyfKVVUkGEXR3avQ9XP/s1280/mimis.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1135" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiywxijV1-zLIT9jGMfI23MccVx4vB1tneRVlp9Y6sX2f0EZFiYyInH564bmHlDQiYZEQyRYirI9zHBqTi6YJJHzRQR2RCG4dyImk6-W1NpA0LCca7TidyYuMxqTI3jom_PqRkm294nP8rJET_Mgebp4G6_vFW-oMCwj82xVj11gMyfKVVUkGEXR3avQ9XP/w355-h400/mimis.jpeg" width="355" /></a></div><br />Mimi's Bake house rates highly in our memories of our <a href="https://gggiraffe.blogspot.com/2016/03/edinburgh-cafe-mimis-bakehouse.html" target="_blank">last trip to Edinburgh</a>. Even Sylvia remembers the delicious slices and hot chocolates. We went to the Royal Mile bakehouse one day but it was packing up. So we made sure to include a trip to the City Art Centre bakehouse in our week. It was much bigger, closed later and overlooked Waverly Railway Station.<br /><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimVyy7bGRfSJixBtNLN8On8mVr0O1Cdm0mi5TSJW5hScm6tlryCHulazF5p6R3HvNlFOhJIEir31fbWkEBVM8xaj2ormg49ukvyU20hfxYcK7fFmlOJ26gXrikS5CeIvvlMSOe4MSVk_18Z_qoxX2wLn4dbZMDJIICbp_CqIYTSQ2vcKrPsRGmk4bRgbCo/s1280/Mimis%20(3).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimVyy7bGRfSJixBtNLN8On8mVr0O1Cdm0mi5TSJW5hScm6tlryCHulazF5p6R3HvNlFOhJIEir31fbWkEBVM8xaj2ormg49ukvyU20hfxYcK7fFmlOJ26gXrikS5CeIvvlMSOe4MSVk_18Z_qoxX2wLn4dbZMDJIICbp_CqIYTSQ2vcKrPsRGmk4bRgbCo/w300-h400/Mimis%20(3).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Inside the City Art Centre bakehouse had the cinematic gaiety of black, white and pink umbrellas suspended from the ceiling. It seems to correspond to the colours of the seating. There was a lot of seating compared to the cute and cosy Royal Mile bakehouse where we had gone last time. (In fact it had so few seats when we went the Royal Mile one earlier in our trip that I thought they must have made it smaller since we visited in 2016 but I was assured they hadn't.)<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgacEW5mfNf9TSRw2yh_Y5ag7VMlWofHcmowREWAIk0W1R1CiT4j8sKR905fqVCD50-NVJTj5eCmgiWJ8e2p0a0_ZELw8RAcKeNm6CwkDJaHcwHdO50piBzYsZI4IGE5EfgWBrGZ8K1BG9D7qVy1biT6gWs9DDxxOt6YncGUQSu0DkRQLHh8Y4oSI0RgZbn/s1280/Mimis%20(1).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgacEW5mfNf9TSRw2yh_Y5ag7VMlWofHcmowREWAIk0W1R1CiT4j8sKR905fqVCD50-NVJTj5eCmgiWJ8e2p0a0_ZELw8RAcKeNm6CwkDJaHcwHdO50piBzYsZI4IGE5EfgWBrGZ8K1BG9D7qVy1biT6gWs9DDxxOt6YncGUQSu0DkRQLHh8Y4oSI0RgZbn/w400-h300/Mimis%20(1).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>I went to the counter to order and found the service really friendly and helpful. I really wanted a scone but was told that they had just sold out. It seemed the woman in front of me had ordered a bag of them. She was kind enough to let me have one. I then I had a discussion about if there were any peanuts in the macaron that topped the special hot chocolate. I don't think it had peanuts but people get very wary about any nuts if they are unsure about which ones are in a product. Even if with kids like Sylvia who can cope with all other nuts and traces of peanut.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_-aPGjtEy8EVrJqe8e45TDdMWR7eNrU8_Dm2RQEl-V8sttOoLvLgi6EHolHmfjOTGKCn2SjcaWUHaDu-00zPW_aDO_Ipn7NtQ6hcs2NVw6K5AhPB6BoGRhs705bPhfE5KG_nkxykzCVSXWMeT0e1cjBajT9iza1S5kub-dl8_jx5ezkX5sjDqbv6GquS/s1280/Mimis%20(4).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1098" data-original-width="1280" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_-aPGjtEy8EVrJqe8e45TDdMWR7eNrU8_Dm2RQEl-V8sttOoLvLgi6EHolHmfjOTGKCn2SjcaWUHaDu-00zPW_aDO_Ipn7NtQ6hcs2NVw6K5AhPB6BoGRhs705bPhfE5KG_nkxykzCVSXWMeT0e1cjBajT9iza1S5kub-dl8_jx5ezkX5sjDqbv6GquS/w400-h344/Mimis%20(4).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>In the end she did not have the macaron on her Raspberry hot chocolate with whipped cream and candy hearts on top. It was very nice and we could taste pleasant raspberry flavours in the drink. Sylvia was very pleased to have one of the monthly special hot chocolates. I had the Cranberry apple riot herbal tea. I could not taste the flavour well but I did drink it quite hot because it was cold outside. Our drinks came in eggshell blue crockery that matched the colour on the walls.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfIZEzJLD9xT1Xh5CNBROip0ohomhK7-gIAe3LFxqS3DYpwCxlh5st7RwXZAjGm6BX7lgxpQlNDAnJKL1StA0DRwFo6nWJ0kETZkQPHtsz-gses9bPy3VfwNQ_gq5yl_rSXeeJzQEngtEyCa1EjULiJ5bUJTQT7Ru_go3BPXd4ZnH6a0eEW12mJGKeA_a/s1280/Mimis%20(5).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfIZEzJLD9xT1Xh5CNBROip0ohomhK7-gIAe3LFxqS3DYpwCxlh5st7RwXZAjGm6BX7lgxpQlNDAnJKL1StA0DRwFo6nWJ0kETZkQPHtsz-gses9bPy3VfwNQ_gq5yl_rSXeeJzQEngtEyCa1EjULiJ5bUJTQT7Ru_go3BPXd4ZnH6a0eEW12mJGKeA_a/w400-h400/Mimis%20(5).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p>I had planned to get a cheese scone but the options were a plain scone or a fruit scone. I chose the fruit scone and really enjoyed it with butter and raspberry jam. The scones were warm and soft. The jam was wonderfully fruity.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGtWBr5EotJIU899pBkRrcQcxJvXEwW-qXZSyo3-cVHRAkkRsU02P2XgomxyE0HWwqhW77fpNM3l3bEOu_tiXGUFfbClxkNddLIVVnQ_sLyiPknXtLtydqNgqtET3oqkVs-xvE5r6zH2tdxjqIO3oMzspGDeyOHuOHljJF0URjbiPeMh2hvoSyCFhbcm6K/s1280/mimis%20(8).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGtWBr5EotJIU899pBkRrcQcxJvXEwW-qXZSyo3-cVHRAkkRsU02P2XgomxyE0HWwqhW77fpNM3l3bEOu_tiXGUFfbClxkNddLIVVnQ_sLyiPknXtLtydqNgqtET3oqkVs-xvE5r6zH2tdxjqIO3oMzspGDeyOHuOHljJF0URjbiPeMh2hvoSyCFhbcm6K/w400-h300/mimis%20(8).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Sylvia ordered the Avocado Toast from the All Day Brunch section of the menu. I had order envy! The plate came with two decent slices of wholegrain toast, a generous serve of avocado smashed with lime, fried squares of halloumi, tomatoes, mixed greens, crispy onions, a drizzle of vinaigrette and a generous sprinkle of chilli flakes. It was amazing. The crispy onions and halloumi were excellent but perhaps a little restraint on the chilli flakes would have been better.<br /><br /></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2bFtpVKUheLoorwjJ7MdEGv85zrJiMrtu9j_3ruBNML_UEe09WIrExPy_rDgKZGUf2MUXjAOVKhWfpUm9R8NiJsg3ZwpGCME3byriCuGZlXojgLQJu2CsSuGueYELAaVDpak_SVmx1qH-JLvE-cIaORJB6maxB_XQfcQ7F9gtQyX3EjVSGovKtQhUm3Fv/s1280/Mimis%20(7).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2bFtpVKUheLoorwjJ7MdEGv85zrJiMrtu9j_3ruBNML_UEe09WIrExPy_rDgKZGUf2MUXjAOVKhWfpUm9R8NiJsg3ZwpGCME3byriCuGZlXojgLQJu2CsSuGueYELAaVDpak_SVmx1qH-JLvE-cIaORJB6maxB_XQfcQ7F9gtQyX3EjVSGovKtQhUm3Fv/w400-h300/Mimis%20(7).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p>I liked the cute cakes and cake boxes in the window. We could see people going back and forwards to the railway station just across the road. And in the background was the grand building which is currently the Balmoral Hotel but is remembered by some older locals by the original name as the Great North British Hotel.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPQYUklBzM9fI81Won3_CS0Qokfe5G1Vwky7Ng5-_d4RZO87QxugCa09Y-TchYYF2xzALNCfpNwpilsZJRXSV_EM6keexutsdaO5LmVHmpHzzLjVfnNhCUtQr0xYSxz5lBXwzVrGSK6snvweiPeHkbeILV4Ddgqok9f0AMprjpq1I8goj5rp3aDyhkdNW0/s1280/Mimis%20(2).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPQYUklBzM9fI81Won3_CS0Qokfe5G1Vwky7Ng5-_d4RZO87QxugCa09Y-TchYYF2xzALNCfpNwpilsZJRXSV_EM6keexutsdaO5LmVHmpHzzLjVfnNhCUtQr0xYSxz5lBXwzVrGSK6snvweiPeHkbeILV4Ddgqok9f0AMprjpq1I8goj5rp3aDyhkdNW0/w400-h300/Mimis%20(2).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>As we found on our previous visit, the slices at Mimi's are wonderful. I had already been to the Edinburgh Farmers Market that morning so I had already indulged enough and Sylvia was full from the extreme avo toast. It was not easy to resist. There weren't lots left as we arrived at the end of the lunch rush but they looked adorable.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH21WS9ZpbE8u-OV6gogyNVPFo9WlLoj1oAwzRuIwsIM2PC_6qOfhEUWxO_e4eEpnEPHJSfDaAT30WVdvqqaoGeozuPQJ9kYRqdugAdkYHs-qSR-rnhr1Ygetyj6l8NH7CTY-voJrHkda6Q5FmWHqFLc09KX65Fv3wF9fgDT9SnGsz9-vi4cwOPvOynbnz/s1280/Mimis%20(6).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH21WS9ZpbE8u-OV6gogyNVPFo9WlLoj1oAwzRuIwsIM2PC_6qOfhEUWxO_e4eEpnEPHJSfDaAT30WVdvqqaoGeozuPQJ9kYRqdugAdkYHs-qSR-rnhr1Ygetyj6l8NH7CTY-voJrHkda6Q5FmWHqFLc09KX65Fv3wF9fgDT9SnGsz9-vi4cwOPvOynbnz/w300-h400/Mimis%20(6).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p>We had more plans for the day so once we finished we walked through to the City Art Centre and checked out its gift shop. E remembers that there was another cafe linked to the City Art Centre before Mimi's. I don't remember it but Mimi's is artistic enough with is food to be linked.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixi_cuuiEaL_Jq0b15iN5vI14L9-m7bEaC0juKZ5LmLd-PA4s9-EhwZgsvVVXQD3h_A2sGOluzh-tg4yfDmxcggKgoSvPaq2xxMNrcf0yGu2QB8iCFfVP52_J3rxXENWLZgH8oebpyJKkDLt2QnEOa9TcePafaKsYPha2Xi52OMtsnhLz10eWfDfVoz3tT/s1280/IMG_5542%203.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="961" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixi_cuuiEaL_Jq0b15iN5vI14L9-m7bEaC0juKZ5LmLd-PA4s9-EhwZgsvVVXQD3h_A2sGOluzh-tg4yfDmxcggKgoSvPaq2xxMNrcf0yGu2QB8iCFfVP52_J3rxXENWLZgH8oebpyJKkDLt2QnEOa9TcePafaKsYPha2Xi52OMtsnhLz10eWfDfVoz3tT/w300-h400/IMG_5542%203.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>One last look of admiration at the <a href="https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinburgh-news/edinburghs-market-street-gets-stunning-19322422" target="_blank">purple lit thistle street art</a> outside the City Art Centre and then we set off up the steep steps of one of the closes up to the High Street. It was pretty tiring. Hard to believe I used to go down Cockburn Street at lunchtimes when I worked at the Edinburgh Council Chambers and then would head back up those steps before returning to work.<br /></p><p><b>Mimi's Bakehouse</b><br />City Art Centre<br />1 Market Street Edinburgh EH1<br />Open 7 days a week 9am-5pm<br /><a href="https://mimisbakehouse.com/" target="_blank">https://mimisbakehouse.com/</a> <br /></p><p></p>Johanna GGGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08594201473931487490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6742756814967464811.post-91567621103673842362024-03-18T17:04:00.000+11:002024-03-18T17:04:05.055+11:00Edinburgh fry ups: Holy Cow, Coffee Mill, Edinburgh Larder<p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfSxu36iRa4FFA3UcmIcs9kWjN4EFozr3HkF52_kLSdSF8KHkxIBp5frdp4TF3GDUMgjnCNK4-Hc0H4c6bGmJoaw-IaouWRho6ov2ANPilcJaXHxP3wPjfMqdOaGyx4qV0ywhiKvnS9rOW51rOaC8ZTbxHZzXvuHPIkHoYu2_CQ8f94UvOjheSWIqqAqnY/s1280/edinburgh%20fryups%20(6).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1036" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfSxu36iRa4FFA3UcmIcs9kWjN4EFozr3HkF52_kLSdSF8KHkxIBp5frdp4TF3GDUMgjnCNK4-Hc0H4c6bGmJoaw-IaouWRho6ov2ANPilcJaXHxP3wPjfMqdOaGyx4qV0ywhiKvnS9rOW51rOaC8ZTbxHZzXvuHPIkHoYu2_CQ8f94UvOjheSWIqqAqnY/w324-h400/edinburgh%20fryups%20(6).jpeg" width="324" /></a></div></div><p></p><p>British cafes excel in a vegetarian fry up. While in Edinburgh I was delighted to have fry ups in a few cafes with interesting additions that I would be less likely to be given at home in Australia: vegan haggis, tempeh bacon, tofu scramble and vegan black pudding. And even the regular fry ups delighted with the addition of "potato scones", those wonderful flat breads that are scones in Scotland (and farls in Ireland). So today I am sharing the three fry ups I enjoyed in Edinburgh cafes.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRqinghsiiTwz93xNmbyHigEvnEkbTVSUr_GEo_l-3ESxEKTP7HLgydFAfZ7Bkdfi0TWbVG7tZi2FoP2_Jov23ItxsU8VpizrZr7G_oP_7pMNN2sOOGoN49wSXwjzTD2ke4ZnTEcdGodinxEUzbUxeP4cH3cgQ0HkZas_ogqbmf9ceUNSKsTXs-liaHgf8/s1280/edinburgh%20fryups%20(2).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRqinghsiiTwz93xNmbyHigEvnEkbTVSUr_GEo_l-3ESxEKTP7HLgydFAfZ7Bkdfi0TWbVG7tZi2FoP2_Jov23ItxsU8VpizrZr7G_oP_7pMNN2sOOGoN49wSXwjzTD2ke4ZnTEcdGodinxEUzbUxeP4cH3cgQ0HkZas_ogqbmf9ceUNSKsTXs-liaHgf8/w300-h400/edinburgh%20fryups%20(2).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p><b>Edinburgh Larder / The Little Larder</b></p><p>The first place we went was Edinburgh Larder which Sylvia had found online before we left Melbourne. She was surprised to find that she had been there on a visit to <a href="https://gggiraffe.blogspot.com/2012/12/edinburgh-larder-and-national-museum.html" target="_blank">Edinburgh in 2012 </a>when she was a toddler. It is on a steep street off the Royal Mile near South Bridge.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_STzMqtcbe91sCXft8NN6jXq5NiEOyG7g7y6icnIi-SbNod-9wlpmH8bmexhGLjR3XRWkFfGRIxcGUCoizwfId2fb-ogECAjwEt15DC8L8WuRzDHY4huSBuqawSs4-HWmYeFF4mfoxAAycEJ7UvNYfQQqWTFJavXj8Kwv5HHeybMbPloP0PBNZk_9VzN/s1280/edinburgh%20fryups%20(11).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_STzMqtcbe91sCXft8NN6jXq5NiEOyG7g7y6icnIi-SbNod-9wlpmH8bmexhGLjR3XRWkFfGRIxcGUCoizwfId2fb-ogECAjwEt15DC8L8WuRzDHY4huSBuqawSs4-HWmYeFF4mfoxAAycEJ7UvNYfQQqWTFJavXj8Kwv5HHeybMbPloP0PBNZk_9VzN/w300-h400/edinburgh%20fryups%20(11).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>When we arrived at the Edinburgh Larder on a weekend, we found that it was fully booked. However they have a sister cafe next door called Little Larder which serves the same food and only takes walk-ins. So we went there for our brunch. </p><p>I liked this map of some of their suppliers on the wall near our table. On the website Edinburgh Larder claims they are "built a solid reputation as being the place to eat seasonal, locally sourced and tasty food".<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu4thtxdQRPh9Xg5ZaQYuK_Gxio1PdPtQJ0NHEHqajuOdGZPu8Em8F6W1b6IflQT3_3Zxtz6KR9_3sTZmHBdfzPXhbH2JgPzJltzvNyOu2m99E0gwuoREWcI1V7VpyUpSfaYvwOnK0cfE2zY6QxMAaTMPodS278GdoeMmm7lxASazQ6RmCp7g8mQ0F2fHk/s1280/edinburgh%20fryups.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu4thtxdQRPh9Xg5ZaQYuK_Gxio1PdPtQJ0NHEHqajuOdGZPu8Em8F6W1b6IflQT3_3Zxtz6KR9_3sTZmHBdfzPXhbH2JgPzJltzvNyOu2m99E0gwuoREWcI1V7VpyUpSfaYvwOnK0cfE2zY6QxMAaTMPodS278GdoeMmm7lxASazQ6RmCp7g8mQ0F2fHk/w300-h400/edinburgh%20fryups.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>To drink Sylvia had an iced matcha oat latte and I had the lovely smooth Bon Accord rhubarb soda. Sylvia was not impressed with her latte. She usually has soy in her lattes but in the UK this was less common than in Melbourne, and oat milk was more usual.<br /></p><p>We sat at a window seat overlooking a hostel. I think this is the hostel where I stayed when I first stayed in Edinburgh. It must have changed a lot since this time.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRzhh0vsVo4-dFGsCfMyyN7Tgh3mZbMwlChdN6ukipRd0BNY_B5TUv_c8Y4utMNf-vk_pJDi1cJij1h45Ui4If8ppBKcElSwwWU25YPlWZqsA7wmeX8-tK6qzY99SlGpbEq8_vs8U9ZGAFlCpfnPSlveIyKP8kAbef12HX9LhvRDwf_EZGqGweZituDhyphenhyphen3/s1280/edinburgh%20fryups%20(3).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRzhh0vsVo4-dFGsCfMyyN7Tgh3mZbMwlChdN6ukipRd0BNY_B5TUv_c8Y4utMNf-vk_pJDi1cJij1h45Ui4If8ppBKcElSwwWU25YPlWZqsA7wmeX8-tK6qzY99SlGpbEq8_vs8U9ZGAFlCpfnPSlveIyKP8kAbef12HX9LhvRDwf_EZGqGweZituDhyphenhyphen3/w400-h300/edinburgh%20fryups%20(3).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Our food was cooked at the Edinburgh Larder and brought to the Little Larder in metal bento boxes. I had ordered the Vegan breakfast: Roasted balsamic mushroom, blistered cherry tomatoes, vegan black
pudding, veggie haggis, wilted herbed spinach, potato scone, homemade
beans, granary toast drizzled with olive oil (<span>£14.50 on the menu but a note that there is a </span>12.5% service charge on all tables.) Sylvia had the Vegetarian breakfast which costs 45p more to include a poached egg and butter on your toast.</p><p>The breakfast was excellent. I would have liked more of the home made baked beans or some extra chutney for the haggis and black pudding. This might be due to Sylvia deciding to give me her haggis and black pudding because it is not something she is used to eating.<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7caBTslS-A27hOAyyeh9vDxca7xK8krb6bmZ_T4AB_hTy6PWstE41zqxI6OV57axa_5GbzzFaUuizM0uFWK_e2zmF72f8vHBLtlDcp0t16FASvKwvmNf7GWyiWtbHhRCYzoRBdEhgkM3hXSKnuop-YhhzlVkm7kdm7atx86Kp3xXvdZgHf1XKc3ZfqYGA/s1280/edinburgh%20fryups%20(1).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7caBTslS-A27hOAyyeh9vDxca7xK8krb6bmZ_T4AB_hTy6PWstE41zqxI6OV57axa_5GbzzFaUuizM0uFWK_e2zmF72f8vHBLtlDcp0t16FASvKwvmNf7GWyiWtbHhRCYzoRBdEhgkM3hXSKnuop-YhhzlVkm7kdm7atx86Kp3xXvdZgHf1XKc3ZfqYGA/w400-h300/edinburgh%20fryups%20(1).jpeg" width="400" /></a><br /></p><p><b>The Coffee Mill Cafe</b></p><p>We had a more traditional brunch at The Coffee Mill. It is a few doors down from where we were staying on the West Port. We passed it each day and liked the look of it. On the day we went, we had planned to go to Morningside but I got back later than expected from visiting E's family friends and then the cafe we planned seemed to have a different menu online than Sylvia had originally seen. <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7hg1DF7u-Zh36rNM82E9_huK5KDiSJgGPv530Yh1Q7YBw5Jz21GBnW5p8NiPORQCgjBT7f6mvuWzXaeOvUf0O_w9BIF328ruVIf3eaQWejm0vUHJGd0ei71q-FBiaVHVngEr_34yfhJxXEaItcl4xNSoBNEZ3KPoh1x1hyphenhyphenCsKan4gqIEguJ5b_E2SE5HG/s1280/edinburgh%20fryups%20(4).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7hg1DF7u-Zh36rNM82E9_huK5KDiSJgGPv530Yh1Q7YBw5Jz21GBnW5p8NiPORQCgjBT7f6mvuWzXaeOvUf0O_w9BIF328ruVIf3eaQWejm0vUHJGd0ei71q-FBiaVHVngEr_34yfhJxXEaItcl4xNSoBNEZ3KPoh1x1hyphenhyphenCsKan4gqIEguJ5b_E2SE5HG/w400-h300/edinburgh%20fryups%20(4).jpeg" width="400" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The south of the West Port has a lot of old stone buildings. The Old Coffee Mill had a modern decor with hints of heritage. As well as some of the stone walls being exposed, I loved the nook in the back corner that was covered in old vinyl records.<br /> <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfrXbOk2W2i1Xe6LHu6DEqOT3TBMXe6T9dnE15fPI131tiz2-funHf2zNbJ2BzCjTgpgMTvbxjyEIR-_lx8-FzGZutV9Se3ivPkUQ7e7fvqYFAAL2xeaJbwLWbuEmq4Ic3ydVDyyxM-kf6OReljVwTkKopwnAm5bLWZCTE0FvuRLMYDdgcHpETX9DYk5G-/s1280/edinburgh%20fryups%20(9).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfrXbOk2W2i1Xe6LHu6DEqOT3TBMXe6T9dnE15fPI131tiz2-funHf2zNbJ2BzCjTgpgMTvbxjyEIR-_lx8-FzGZutV9Se3ivPkUQ7e7fvqYFAAL2xeaJbwLWbuEmq4Ic3ydVDyyxM-kf6OReljVwTkKopwnAm5bLWZCTE0FvuRLMYDdgcHpETX9DYk5G-/w400-h400/edinburgh%20fryups%20(9).jpeg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We sat at a table by the bookshelf. It was an interesting area with books, plants and graffitied bricks around the shelves. If you look closely, it seems that years ago these bricks were used for a menu but now so many people have left their names and notes with marker pens.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQqmnz6fWknTtKvHDdAWG8LzIJJ1pJDxHu99eHI9wUUS9C9_UbN2LxmfQH2iOBN1okSCXoejutNxjCcD-Tn9o2QzhQTIcOX1yfDEW0Fvm9vdP9FC0HKG5-g8eQNfOfeh7hk9_ACWpWXafqTLH4h5RMePg_xCMtdFi94_gsemRckk6bV6YtqC4sQJlB_NIA/s525/Edinburgh%20coffee%20art.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="375" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQqmnz6fWknTtKvHDdAWG8LzIJJ1pJDxHu99eHI9wUUS9C9_UbN2LxmfQH2iOBN1okSCXoejutNxjCcD-Tn9o2QzhQTIcOX1yfDEW0Fvm9vdP9FC0HKG5-g8eQNfOfeh7hk9_ACWpWXafqTLH4h5RMePg_xCMtdFi94_gsemRckk6bV6YtqC4sQJlB_NIA/w286-h400/Edinburgh%20coffee%20art.jpeg" width="286" /></a></div><p></p><p>Sylvia had a cafe latte. She was not impressed by her latte art. This would not pass muster in Melbourne where baristas consider themselves artists. I had an Appeltiser: a sparkling apple juice that I have not had for some time.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTrWM1ndaIq-as2YaGxAYgbw3LlCZdB4hEOf1iwdbU_j-tRqfcqjI99zA54PM6fXmjnkBBvzG8DF46D5yCvVOoIPdQ_T_aMgYm1FjqcFu_pbSDeDwkSPMpZUe0Tf-iIvLN2fxUv1wxS0AUq-cB27ykIIbdZnnN_WrC7RhdPurKH2TnZHBXYnmGfRcpAV72/s1280/edinburgh%20fryups%20(13).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1096" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTrWM1ndaIq-as2YaGxAYgbw3LlCZdB4hEOf1iwdbU_j-tRqfcqjI99zA54PM6fXmjnkBBvzG8DF46D5yCvVOoIPdQ_T_aMgYm1FjqcFu_pbSDeDwkSPMpZUe0Tf-iIvLN2fxUv1wxS0AUq-cB27ykIIbdZnnN_WrC7RhdPurKH2TnZHBXYnmGfRcpAV72/w343-h400/edinburgh%20fryups%20(13).jpeg" width="343" /></a></div><p>There were lots of fried breakfast options: Full British, Full Scottish, Amercian, Mediterranean. We each had a Vegetarian Breakfast: Two fried egg, vegetarian sausage, two potato scones, baked beans, mushroom, tomato, toast, and butter (<span>£</span><span>10.95)</span>. I gave Sylvia my eggs (eurgh) once I had taken a photo. I really liked my breakfast. Even Sylvia liked the sausage (she is fussy about them, even though we first thought it looked very like a meat sausage. The potato scones were crispy and generous, the baked beans were the traditional tinned ones and the extra vegies were lovely. </p><p>There were a few other dishes on offer with falafel and hummus but I particularly liked that they had Cheese and Beans on Toast.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT0UkRkm3ggXdtsjreWUkj0OLczNDRaJodvJZGxQb-NM0sL_rXc7kRd1xk4_42nknRckSxFeup4dKKnX-7svUtVRXdotzK1nyb4qt1IA6U43MWNv9w81iPgntVBedXSKE8iVKLwya9r470yHHXix0Jgd2tER7DoRlFrwmlmrjNDcPemJsF5TBuLYwSPZFr/s1280/edinburgh%20fryups%20(7).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT0UkRkm3ggXdtsjreWUkj0OLczNDRaJodvJZGxQb-NM0sL_rXc7kRd1xk4_42nknRckSxFeup4dKKnX-7svUtVRXdotzK1nyb4qt1IA6U43MWNv9w81iPgntVBedXSKE8iVKLwya9r470yHHXix0Jgd2tER7DoRlFrwmlmrjNDcPemJsF5TBuLYwSPZFr/w300-h400/edinburgh%20fryups%20(7).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p><b>Holy Cow Cafe</b></p><p>My favourite fry up on my holidays was at Holy Cow. Their website describes it as "one of the first fully vegan cafés based in Edinburgh" when it was established in 2016. (This is over 100 years since the <a href="https://threadinburgh.scot/2022/10/11/the-thread-about-the-early-history-of-vegetarianism-in-edinburgh-the-pioneering-cafe-that-was-a-haven-for-suffragettes-and-the-tragic-demise-of-its-idealistic-founder/" target="_blank">first vegetarian cafe in Edinburgh</a> in 1892-3 though I think some of the early 'vegetarians' would be called 'vegan' in those times.)<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit0Q8jEwn_DTBpG8f8__h1lvGdLJ1V6MTYwnoKRaeg8CMV8pQMi1OxOfou1ftKif4P1knd_ziF3k3p66F-0qBW3yV_e85ArZMdAq72GP30BV5tfrHu9NkMF9F_Bg9DWwVu0a-Na-dMlJ8wqo2L49AxiOBy1Tjgk71H5rp7TT1YaupE2XKM-Ffa4GP2hU4o/s1280/edinburgh%20fryups%20(5).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit0Q8jEwn_DTBpG8f8__h1lvGdLJ1V6MTYwnoKRaeg8CMV8pQMi1OxOfou1ftKif4P1knd_ziF3k3p66F-0qBW3yV_e85ArZMdAq72GP30BV5tfrHu9NkMF9F_Bg9DWwVu0a-Na-dMlJ8wqo2L49AxiOBy1Tjgk71H5rp7TT1YaupE2XKM-Ffa4GP2hU4o/w300-h400/edinburgh%20fryups%20(5).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The cafe was downstairs off Elder Street near St Andrews Square at the East End of St George Street in the New Town. It had natural light streaming in through the large window and plants and artwork around the room. I had a kombucha and Sylvia had the blue matcha latte. Mine tasted very refreshing and Sylvia's was so pretty. She liked it.<br /><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUodQC1Kj7nQxN0e2mg49mHpCF7CywP05JpX43KqQg-EvFeUO-l6oVNtPwa3QTQcIqOk-eSO_E7Io6zJCW5RCz2nnlabtL_qYHacu0CUXZVEKVvjgWlW8K4WivaNxJf1OiRc5QOEQ8ohuwBGPeQMiOThONgI7PKoKi5qvDtpJcn0AlEJzhOpI821V23rlR/s1280/edinburgh%20fryups%20(10).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUodQC1Kj7nQxN0e2mg49mHpCF7CywP05JpX43KqQg-EvFeUO-l6oVNtPwa3QTQcIqOk-eSO_E7Io6zJCW5RCz2nnlabtL_qYHacu0CUXZVEKVvjgWlW8K4WivaNxJf1OiRc5QOEQ8ohuwBGPeQMiOThONgI7PKoKi5qvDtpJcn0AlEJzhOpI821V23rlR/w400-h400/edinburgh%20fryups%20(10).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>I ordered the Full vegan breakfast: Italian style sausage, smoked tempeh bacon,
organic baked beans in tomato sauce, scrambled tofu, potato scone,
mushrooms, tomato and greens served with toast (<span>£16.20)</span>. I had been looking forward to it especially because it had tofu scramble and tempeh bacon. They were really good. Sylvia just had some hot chips with vegan cheese. She enjoyed these but also sampled mine and particularly loved the mushroom and tofu scramble. The potato scones were nicely fried and the mix of elements was great. I would have liked some scramble (because it was so good) and baked beans (because who doesn't want a generous serve of beans to eat with everything else).<span><br /></span><b> <br /></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJYdB6Ln6ZHgWnx4lFCpu-P6VQQmcOAUgXmc1h0pY165K26UQ3YW6FcddMvByy9Tvp7IZnLRQXTQgzzNBvsu5ADNWchlejDOURznwv5kZReSnQwy3k-XOl9RkS4wIlCMSnciPnhtOyofNlPaNArie9gqZ7HG7yB4M4G_emz1xZePnYfkzVLgnAnOXOmyyK/s1280/Image%2075.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJYdB6Ln6ZHgWnx4lFCpu-P6VQQmcOAUgXmc1h0pY165K26UQ3YW6FcddMvByy9Tvp7IZnLRQXTQgzzNBvsu5ADNWchlejDOURznwv5kZReSnQwy3k-XOl9RkS4wIlCMSnciPnhtOyofNlPaNArie9gqZ7HG7yB4M4G_emz1xZePnYfkzVLgnAnOXOmyyK/w400-h400/Image%2075.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>While we have fried breakfasts in Melbourne, they are more likely to focus on the meat and eggs.<b> </b>As a vegetarian who does not like eggs, I really love how easy it is to find vegetarian options, potato scones and baked beans in Edinburgh when it comes to breakfasts.<br /></p><p><b>Edinburgh Larder</b><br /><span class="LrzXr">15 Blackfriars St, Edinburgh EH1 </span><br />Open Mon-Fri: 7.30am-3pm, Sat-Sun: 8am-3pm<br />Take reservations.<br /><b>Little Larder </b>is 11 Blackfriars St<br />Open Mon-Fri: 9am-2pm, Sat-Sun: 8.30am-2pm<br />Walk-ins only.<br /><a href="https://www.edinburghlarder.co.uk/" target="_blank">https://www.edinburghlarder.co.uk/</a><br /></p><p><b>The Coffee Mill Cafe</b><br />54 West Port, Edinburgh EH1<br />Open 7 days a week, 7.30am - 5pm<br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/yavuzgino/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/yavuzgino/</a></p><p><b>Holy Cow Cafe</b><br />34 Elder Street, Edinburgh EH1<br />Open Mon-Thurs: 12-10pm, Fri-Sun: 10am-10pm<br /><a href="https://holycow.cafe/" target="_blank">https://holycow.cafe/</a><br /></p><p></p>Johanna GGGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08594201473931487490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6742756814967464811.post-11859946977457713812024-03-17T00:05:00.009+11:002024-03-17T11:34:06.230+11:00Edinburgh: David Bann Vegetarian Restaurant<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCvsN2anHRy5H6JR7dgm8HBvz_SiXjx94WFGjCx2iR5Z8ged2lEnzJAfFYQxB3xnYJRESEsAJeUGZc5mZo3efJi0uvaVD-vtcN89g4NrfuhOnFXWCEhtgXf_rNNwtk6ZNv2Ft8mFBkfmOD_GB0bZJaqsrcscllrWL2Lg27IRC_Tei7b5P728GsleoizR4n/s1280/David%20Bann.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCvsN2anHRy5H6JR7dgm8HBvz_SiXjx94WFGjCx2iR5Z8ged2lEnzJAfFYQxB3xnYJRESEsAJeUGZc5mZo3efJi0uvaVD-vtcN89g4NrfuhOnFXWCEhtgXf_rNNwtk6ZNv2Ft8mFBkfmOD_GB0bZJaqsrcscllrWL2Lg27IRC_Tei7b5P728GsleoizR4n/w300-h400/David%20Bann.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p>It is fifteen years since <a href="https://gggiraffe.blogspot.com/2009/12/david-bann-vegetarian-excellence.html" target="_blank">my last visit</a> to David Bann Vegetarian Restaurant. At the time I was impressed with the food but my photos in the dimly lit evening were sub-par. I went again with Sylvia on our visit to Edinburgh. Again the food was inspiring and looked beautiful. I think you will find the photos more flattering this time as we sat in a window seat for lunch.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMHv1nSY4nioBEgaXRhAELN9gLcQ5M3fI1WxvoH5MBmOLNbbJ8XtC0jmn0f6udwiEFWZfrPSfhuXaq7SYan6GffCrIqrczThLvaPDw9ExGCj5Pe5RURR7DIgOB0k2cHv_5xOJy7olMQuuaPB_8i6gRgv6uanZPlKX2NDD8d82QkiHY2cscjS4c9mgFIQ3/s1280/David%20Bann%20(3).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMHv1nSY4nioBEgaXRhAELN9gLcQ5M3fI1WxvoH5MBmOLNbbJ8XtC0jmn0f6udwiEFWZfrPSfhuXaq7SYan6GffCrIqrczThLvaPDw9ExGCj5Pe5RURR7DIgOB0k2cHv_5xOJy7olMQuuaPB_8i6gRgv6uanZPlKX2NDD8d82QkiHY2cscjS4c9mgFIQ3/w300-h400/David%20Bann%20(3).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>We were brought a chilled bottle of water with mint and orange wedges and I ordered a mocktail. The Blackberry, elderflower and ginger spritz: comprised ginger beer with lemon, organic blackcurrant and elderflower cordial with a top-up of soda water. It was a lovely fruity refreshing drink.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix9DtgPqCIWQQIRY-n7oiIfJ-sSEjxGndurDnumF9ajBxw3jAMavTtajYXPcTR2XoXFstKuHIJOvnH5JSC-8p-tMBVpLedMdh-LJlSPVX9eK7o94QPliORQkky2H0ODKDsr8ltd9TG-yhYqjSpMMl5GPJCPk1_rAcD8ElG0_EE5MlQ_Yu3d31v_9n1RBt9/s1280/David%20Bann%20(2).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix9DtgPqCIWQQIRY-n7oiIfJ-sSEjxGndurDnumF9ajBxw3jAMavTtajYXPcTR2XoXFstKuHIJOvnH5JSC-8p-tMBVpLedMdh-LJlSPVX9eK7o94QPliORQkky2H0ODKDsr8ltd9TG-yhYqjSpMMl5GPJCPk1_rAcD8ElG0_EE5MlQ_Yu3d31v_9n1RBt9/w400-h400/David%20Bann%20(2).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Sylvia was not feeling great and just ordered "Chunky chips with fresh rosemary and thyme, served with homemade apple and tomato ketchup and sour cream." It is a shame she did not get to try any other meal, even though she was not impressed by the menu. <br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG00uA7vZKDlc6ydyW9Dzng7gb2peirqe45MJT7HTLtqe-Qa1IoToQIrJEt0jwFuBRBn6FDhML7YELgCyDr0-yVpzo2Oyf-w-37RcbgEeENDAAG3B3HxiXhI9E1cd8P_bmrATpjN-ERVceQmTieptvPCN17iLRyGHDJvI3lJlqKOwpi1BTrlKOZB1Ci1Cn/s1280/David%20Bann%20(5).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG00uA7vZKDlc6ydyW9Dzng7gb2peirqe45MJT7HTLtqe-Qa1IoToQIrJEt0jwFuBRBn6FDhML7YELgCyDr0-yVpzo2Oyf-w-37RcbgEeENDAAG3B3HxiXhI9E1cd8P_bmrATpjN-ERVceQmTieptvPCN17iLRyGHDJvI3lJlqKOwpi1BTrlKOZB1Ci1Cn/w300-h400/David%20Bann%20(5).jpeg" width="300" /></a></p><p></p><p>Meanwhile I had an amazing meal: Jerusalem artichoke and smoked cheese pudding served with polenta chips, roasted carrot and beetroot velouté and a garnish of micro greens on top. The baked pudding was quite soft and light, like a souffle. By itself I would not have so been keen but the generous helping of the beetroot veloute was both a great sauce and a great contrasting flavour. I enjoyed the roast carrots. Possibly my favourite part of the meal was the polenta chips which were satisfyingly crisp on the outside and comfortingly soft on the inside. The meal also looked stunning .</p><p>It was gluten free or Non Gluten Containing Ingredients (NGCI) which I assume is shorthand for saying that they do their best to be gluten free but they cannot guarantee that there is no gluten in the meal as it made in a kitchen which cooks with gluten ingredients. I had not seen the use of NGCI in Australia but saw it in a few places in the UK.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgh_SiPJu-91bcyVjpbCPHi3O31QLtIFgfQD1e6M0OMm3mLUxVewByyZsX5FeN2oR2ihwFh-RTR16qYDtN_HWtJOYBIJrm8dcjwaO41tc_SLWU3CIy6L-PVZAsFqc6ATzywpfxBiXTT2XBRdYibWNz-fuXSOwSThweRoWH70867c9TNIFPjNkyq4-Geacs/s1280/David%20Bann%20(6).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgh_SiPJu-91bcyVjpbCPHi3O31QLtIFgfQD1e6M0OMm3mLUxVewByyZsX5FeN2oR2ihwFh-RTR16qYDtN_HWtJOYBIJrm8dcjwaO41tc_SLWU3CIy6L-PVZAsFqc6ATzywpfxBiXTT2XBRdYibWNz-fuXSOwSThweRoWH70867c9TNIFPjNkyq4-Geacs/w400-h300/David%20Bann%20(6).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>For dessert I had the Chocolate cake: warm chocolate coulant with plum and port compote and beetroot, coconut and whisky ice cream. It was really beautifully presented and I was pleased it wasn't a huge slab of cake. Although I had pudding for mains and dessert they were very different puddings with contrasting textures and sides.</p><p>And it was vegan. David Bann, like a lot of vegetarian restaurants these days had a good selection of vegan food. In fact all starters were vegan, only two of the mains weren't vegan - including my savoury pudding - and four of nine desserts were vegan. <br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQ7N8h75ka2VA2WmdsiA9cI8U-BbbFGJADSO1ZfscJqKKXrCnU8bFsk2NDwQPCRlQhh07Pj1YuZ8dc4grSG49LPzEQGwJ1O1xHnNM6FQs5f3IAdyyEbDdZr1dbmvw2EdAa3lWVI4lEcMakVXQsvxzjFHlkW8yLZ_m87mPzNihqeDy3ADtgtnBpJIfs1F1/s1280/David%20Bann%20(4).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQ7N8h75ka2VA2WmdsiA9cI8U-BbbFGJADSO1ZfscJqKKXrCnU8bFsk2NDwQPCRlQhh07Pj1YuZ8dc4grSG49LPzEQGwJ1O1xHnNM6FQs5f3IAdyyEbDdZr1dbmvw2EdAa3lWVI4lEcMakVXQsvxzjFHlkW8yLZ_m87mPzNihqeDy3ADtgtnBpJIfs1F1/w400-h400/David%20Bann%20(4).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>I have not come across the term coulant before. It is French for flowing and like a lava cake. It was so unexpected and amazing and gooey and satisfying. And did I mention how good the fruit and ice cream served with it. Sylvia tasted the ice cream before me and was not impressed. I had forgotten it had port it in which was quite intense. It was a really lovely winter dessert. I was delighted at the plums because it was hard to leave stone fruit season behind in Australia. It was also nice that plum, blackberry and port seem very British flavours.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1OhTt3Bzec3Ix61MxNR7MxrqAC8Mbj4qqSd60Wr8a1_ugPVWT6DAgY-gfBRLFj2aYwp81PIyHY8nTXsRxlyDEWOlpLHj2_Goh3hWnNBw8Jp6bsZJTKXJLbRRts7fk6eHZVVsQgXutpx_opNxtppuQXcegS0cZalRc_W0EOPD3nj6duQ6HQjk1WPLwRczv/s1280/St%20Mary%20St%20(1).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1OhTt3Bzec3Ix61MxNR7MxrqAC8Mbj4qqSd60Wr8a1_ugPVWT6DAgY-gfBRLFj2aYwp81PIyHY8nTXsRxlyDEWOlpLHj2_Goh3hWnNBw8Jp6bsZJTKXJLbRRts7fk6eHZVVsQgXutpx_opNxtppuQXcegS0cZalRc_W0EOPD3nj6duQ6HQjk1WPLwRczv/w300-h400/St%20Mary%20St%20(1).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Then we headed out into the chill wind in St Mary's Street. While the street had some modern buildings, I enjoyed admiring the old stone buildings. This beautifully painted shop front was the studio workshop of artist <a href="https://www.gerrygapinski.com/" target="_blank">Gerald Gapinski</a>.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrjfaEtXEwfwXup85seROoP2zi9c08Y8oyZK5wqw4fOud9I3j6jYGtkEGXf1aigS-GvUuoqiKAN87LS23LaZgXqsoSCeD2MnXZ-0RyGPJZYx0uF4C1xrZSL_sE_ebvo0MMvPpCD65uLAkvPnv9LdBr63MG3HYRvOEhv08BkYAeFibTwYxu9AIRedkhiTI/s1280/St%20Mary%20Street.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrjfaEtXEwfwXup85seROoP2zi9c08Y8oyZK5wqw4fOud9I3j6jYGtkEGXf1aigS-GvUuoqiKAN87LS23LaZgXqsoSCeD2MnXZ-0RyGPJZYx0uF4C1xrZSL_sE_ebvo0MMvPpCD65uLAkvPnv9LdBr63MG3HYRvOEhv08BkYAeFibTwYxu9AIRedkhiTI/w400-h400/St%20Mary%20Street.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We passed by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ragamuffinclothesandknitwear/?locale=en_GB" target="_blank">Ragamuffin</a> on the way there and went in on the way back. The display of Jelly Cat soft toys was gorgeous. Inside they have the most beautiful knitting. I loved the jumpers but just purchased a paid of fingerless mittens with a thistle pattern.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuwOOzcx2hrsyaaHJtCDC90SM-4Y6RQKyg3nSiAH5zn7EB9ATdlOtyC3iHEFs0P0rvaImDr6PZsXP75vhwUN593EBEGOab26MPo9-SNFisb8u_lKOTYQhvdBEgESwnqgoiFulW9jVulLRewc7_Y3HCzvn3VCv7woDtfALNX_67stYXVAbovah-G_WhO-RU/s1280/St%20Mary%20St.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuwOOzcx2hrsyaaHJtCDC90SM-4Y6RQKyg3nSiAH5zn7EB9ATdlOtyC3iHEFs0P0rvaImDr6PZsXP75vhwUN593EBEGOab26MPo9-SNFisb8u_lKOTYQhvdBEgESwnqgoiFulW9jVulLRewc7_Y3HCzvn3VCv7woDtfALNX_67stYXVAbovah-G_WhO-RU/w300-h400/St%20Mary%20St.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Across St Mary's Street from Ragamuffin is the Waverley Bar (right next to the World End pub on the Royal Mile). Notable is the blue figure climbing the wall above the bar.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyoHIO2AQY8leLdjIO7dYEipEpmr_x9tUefFfKlv0VZJNwtcxPKDICKFRl0jd-nHg_GhJkhyGSd9zDLInVWmJV1-vA2duJo2S8HRc_JF9ZPbkKAfGgpS4Dk5Y3FVR8L2M1S588PISPro0JKkjzj55skBQuWiiWhH865o9LNF72boK-xyGC4Du40iSTmc20/s1280/David%20Bann%20(1).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyoHIO2AQY8leLdjIO7dYEipEpmr_x9tUefFfKlv0VZJNwtcxPKDICKFRl0jd-nHg_GhJkhyGSd9zDLInVWmJV1-vA2duJo2S8HRc_JF9ZPbkKAfGgpS4Dk5Y3FVR8L2M1S588PISPro0JKkjzj55skBQuWiiWhH865o9LNF72boK-xyGC4Du40iSTmc20/w300-h400/David%20Bann%20(1).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div></div><p></p>I really enjoyed my meal at David Banns. The staff were attentive and the decor was pleasant. My mealwas without a doubt the best British
cuisine I had in my time in London and Edinburgh. Most of the menu had a
lot of international dishes but I really appreciated that it included
some more traditional British options. The innovative use of local
ingredients with clever incorporation of elements of other cultures. I
have always loved how the vegetarian food traditions have developed in
the UK and I loved how there were items on the menu to reflect
old-school vegetarian dishes in a most elegant and delicious style.
Sylvia tasted so much interesting food during the trip that I feel if
she had felt better she might have enjoyed some exciting food at David
Bann. I would definitely liked to return if and when I am back in Edinburgh.<br /><p><b>David Bann Vegetarian Restaurant</b><br />56-58 St. Mary’s Street, Edinburgh<br />Off Royal Mile near the Cowgate<br />Opens 7 days a week 12-9pm<br /><a href="https://www.davidbann.co.uk/" target="_blank">www.davidbann.co.uk</a></p>Johanna GGGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08594201473931487490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6742756814967464811.post-27313306487476731852024-03-16T18:45:00.001+11:002024-03-17T19:17:08.525+11:00London: London Eye, transport, shops and miscellaneous<p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-evV84v4PMNjNf0MutmgAGCzRTlYFRsr59sJ_GcyUnTYQuA57e4E3iMt5FrNy5hw0gm2T3mMiQRiI4aVNvMYx-bftFR75O4WIdLzd-quJPca1AH7kTVcdwIaSomRfyfPgYZWOvEyDT10vbCVGlU7e-aXr9PdMelQFT1gdJK_XCXe3DmiZNcN5YTwG04UZ/s1280/London%20miscellaneous%20(27).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-evV84v4PMNjNf0MutmgAGCzRTlYFRsr59sJ_GcyUnTYQuA57e4E3iMt5FrNy5hw0gm2T3mMiQRiI4aVNvMYx-bftFR75O4WIdLzd-quJPca1AH7kTVcdwIaSomRfyfPgYZWOvEyDT10vbCVGlU7e-aXr9PdMelQFT1gdJK_XCXe3DmiZNcN5YTwG04UZ/w400-h300/London%20miscellaneous%20(27).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>This is the last of my posts on my recent London trip. (Then onto Edinburgh posts.) I am going to squeeze in our London Eye trip on our last morning with some random photos and reflections. London Eye is just across Westminster Bridge so we took the tube to Westminster station and also spent some time around the historic British Government buildings.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5NED2Jh0k3Qtez-UIvQ4_M_Swx6Qs65zZO8QVtD5QJ8ucdqTPc0mvzYftEi1ZHOXiyMSkU5Ep_LKiBg3I2dZewnbuj44anpRcyEc7OXeqo9aaqpu6jUJKf_um4TmzMC1HVpN8WX11zOHKzaTB_qpHqQeWlqjP-yaVcJZyt6NLsd1RH_WYqdS7Z8oyjES/s1280/London%20miscellaneous%20(15).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5NED2Jh0k3Qtez-UIvQ4_M_Swx6Qs65zZO8QVtD5QJ8ucdqTPc0mvzYftEi1ZHOXiyMSkU5Ep_LKiBg3I2dZewnbuj44anpRcyEc7OXeqo9aaqpu6jUJKf_um4TmzMC1HVpN8WX11zOHKzaTB_qpHqQeWlqjP-yaVcJZyt6NLsd1RH_WYqdS7Z8oyjES/w300-h400/London%20miscellaneous%20(15).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Big Ben was on Sylvia's list of things she must see in London. So she was excited when we walked out of Westminster station and was confronted with the huge clock tower of Westminster Palace. (For pedants, Big Ben is actually a nickname for the largest bell and the tower is called The Elizabeth Tower.) It is one of those icons that we see in culture and London souvenir shops so much that to see it in real life is a reminder of that is so awe-inspiringly large and beautiful. </p><p>As an aside, when I look at Big Ben I can't help think of the family in National Lampoon's European Vacation being lost in London and the constant refrain of "Look there's Big Ben." It is funny but also true that it is a landmark that can be seen from many parts of central London and even from our plane home.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEp3uMY25hw_UOBcpS-VzsdoOBvcJLNCH-xkXk_lfyVGknlSAUUJwdTaiFlun_1GDpy5R0C0LyOwgSENLQASkibuCefDZ26PNAQfc7j0iERD2Y4WJGYyMd2d6ZV0rI9hIEx8nslAaQchNTx6iwe1FUeN-GarqI2_JEATp8w1xbNY55UojIjargG8jOlkKc/s1280/London%20miscellaneous%20(14).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEp3uMY25hw_UOBcpS-VzsdoOBvcJLNCH-xkXk_lfyVGknlSAUUJwdTaiFlun_1GDpy5R0C0LyOwgSENLQASkibuCefDZ26PNAQfc7j0iERD2Y4WJGYyMd2d6ZV0rI9hIEx8nslAaQchNTx6iwe1FUeN-GarqI2_JEATp8w1xbNY55UojIjargG8jOlkKc/w400-h400/London%20miscellaneous%20(14).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>I have never been inside Westminster Palace to see The Houses of Parliament and now that I am older and more interested in politics (and have a sentimental memories of <i>Yes Minister</i>), I think maybe I would find it interesting. Sadly we did not have the time and Sylvia did not have the inclination. Maybe there will be another trip in which I can see it. Even so, just seeing the details of the building was amazing. Like Big Ben, it is such a well known site that it is easy to take from granted. Seeing the details makes it less of a hackneyed symbol of British Parliament and more of an architectural wonder.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxTrfGJXkJBUY0F3mikC952puDhAMZbzdHkJLA2EzBJnRcDK_5qD0O_0dqDj_YA2D2NglLcJZEJ79VhxE7brDPM4JY2G3WC8YDIBiTO8wTGEbd8dE5XabLzlFsh28cVkRlymrZf7AVODA42kLU-rVmV_v_lwGa0Ji1ZjCA_wtoeHnUWOqnkvCvjSl9sx-l/s1280/London%20miscellaneous%20(13).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxTrfGJXkJBUY0F3mikC952puDhAMZbzdHkJLA2EzBJnRcDK_5qD0O_0dqDj_YA2D2NglLcJZEJ79VhxE7brDPM4JY2G3WC8YDIBiTO8wTGEbd8dE5XabLzlFsh28cVkRlymrZf7AVODA42kLU-rVmV_v_lwGa0Ji1ZjCA_wtoeHnUWOqnkvCvjSl9sx-l/w400-h300/London%20miscellaneous%20(13).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>It was no surprise that tourists flock to this section of London. So many tourist shops and incredible architecture can be seen here. This is a view from the west side of Westminster Bridge.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4PbOvoSyU8Z_e0XQBK5d7yRNFeS2CeMBeun14pMVOyVyzEi86CgYTRYoZ8nOznPssPnETX1-m5-MlKKb4VyxfHr8RqSz799fZZbJgL_z5A9I1ssAahRAVe4l7opBnPLhuTJ6MYyBt3gAZOhUb-iVSasmvsZNEP82GpsVM2z6QjcleCe_LTVRBNyGldJz/s1280/westminster%20palace.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4PbOvoSyU8Z_e0XQBK5d7yRNFeS2CeMBeun14pMVOyVyzEi86CgYTRYoZ8nOznPssPnETX1-m5-MlKKb4VyxfHr8RqSz799fZZbJgL_z5A9I1ssAahRAVe4l7opBnPLhuTJ6MYyBt3gAZOhUb-iVSasmvsZNEP82GpsVM2z6QjcleCe_LTVRBNyGldJz/w400-h300/westminster%20palace.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westminster_Bridge" target="_blank">Westminster Bridge</a> which spans the Thames River is actually quite beautiful. Originally opened in 1750, it was replaced in 1862 as a seven arch, cast iron bridge with Gothic detailing. It is the oldest of the bridges crossing the Thames in central London. It is mostly painted green because that is the colour of seats in the House of Commons which is the nearest to the bridge.</p><p>From the Bridge there is a great view of Big Ben and Westminster Palace. It is a very popular place to take selfies but it is so big that it is hard to fit into a photo. Which I assume was one of the motivations for building the London Eye. <br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnSOTK5MPt_uQ3UB3t656PZImFe1Hj_ZpKy2qnIuoWaFprsNgOMCPv6yS64BHZM_cXnP1eTJPOJm_cMiWksY22a4gZOJKitO4iRGWrUkW4R1xNvMtqFS40Xr3nbHP5GC6_WnnBAJR9FvPOuBV7SF6fsBO992mRJmJ-3F8Cm9NDy7SF-moj1E6IhDPgU0gM/s1280/London%20miscellaneous%20(16).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnSOTK5MPt_uQ3UB3t656PZImFe1Hj_ZpKy2qnIuoWaFprsNgOMCPv6yS64BHZM_cXnP1eTJPOJm_cMiWksY22a4gZOJKitO4iRGWrUkW4R1xNvMtqFS40Xr3nbHP5GC6_WnnBAJR9FvPOuBV7SF6fsBO992mRJmJ-3F8Cm9NDy7SF-moj1E6IhDPgU0gM/w300-h400/London%20miscellaneous%20(16).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Before arriving in London I had read about the <a href="https://www.nationalcovidmemorialwall.org/" target="_blank">National Covid Memorial Wall</a> that was created in 2021 by bereaved families and activists to remember those who died of Covid. It is strategically situated directly across the Thames from Westminster Palace (the Houses of Parliament). As you can see, there is a tally of deaths on this gate near Westminster Bridge.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJO20OMgAslXA9WEj0LQJN3D5SKM1U1OvEIGGohXZFBDZwMNVWzNM6_e6u-CXCXF5Dq9A0v_ZNQLmCMxhTL0zioKVG86b5gHmqlZwzCJHuJHE5uZLFR2rs3MvDV1gzw5NQ5U22mA_VV9j-1KYGRn8J0Ui0-J09bMpQZsxoAtISIS6VIn89tr_kwStE5WC/s1280/London%20miscellaneous%20(17).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJO20OMgAslXA9WEj0LQJN3D5SKM1U1OvEIGGohXZFBDZwMNVWzNM6_e6u-CXCXF5Dq9A0v_ZNQLmCMxhTL0zioKVG86b5gHmqlZwzCJHuJHE5uZLFR2rs3MvDV1gzw5NQ5U22mA_VV9j-1KYGRn8J0Ui0-J09bMpQZsxoAtISIS6VIn89tr_kwStE5WC/w400-h300/London%20miscellaneous%20(17).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p>The Memorial Wall stretches from Westminster Bridge for 500 metres and is a striking visual display of the sad effects of the Covid pandemic on the UK. Hand-painted red hearts represent each death and it is a place for the bereaved to visit and write their messages and memories. It was originally planned to be temporary but now there is talk of making it permanent. I would have loved the time to walk along and read the hearts but we had a time booked for the London Eye.<br /><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLEAYZSJUdI8ITbPsciv-BZmRYLEOI5eRPj0pyS4UmxJlnkg4-z_Oqr4jkiOFIoUCu8ZFZa_Zc3QeFyoEMBrW8diNIvj2Z6ctG4EeJMr_v4GMn3qd5xhe0nloeuRlnoSvqzZRz4hCU5WEpzR0wDyZ0IVWmhu46F_LN5_bIbyErOSgPrCi4qP2dASB9abrU/s1280/London%20miscellaneous%20(18).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLEAYZSJUdI8ITbPsciv-BZmRYLEOI5eRPj0pyS4UmxJlnkg4-z_Oqr4jkiOFIoUCu8ZFZa_Zc3QeFyoEMBrW8diNIvj2Z6ctG4EeJMr_v4GMn3qd5xhe0nloeuRlnoSvqzZRz4hCU5WEpzR0wDyZ0IVWmhu46F_LN5_bIbyErOSgPrCi4qP2dASB9abrU/w400-h300/London%20miscellaneous%20(18).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>This was my second time riding the London Eye. It was new and exciting the first time in 2002 and expensive the second.more recently Online advice was to book ahead for a discount. I wasn't sure of our plans and only booked two nights before and had to pay full price of <span>£42.50 each. Once we had paid I enjoyed the ride although it felt slow. (The sort of ride where you couldn't wait to finish and then wondered why you hadn't paid attention to more details once it was over.) </span></p><p><span>The pods don't actually stop so you have to jump on a slow moving vessel. By luck we were among the first to enter so I got this almost empty photo of the interior of the pod. In the middle is a wooden slatted seat but people mostly gathered around the windows with their cameras.<br /><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0CcSHXzrWY7s06pzT4LNRf0z7MBtflbWhDMRkYCHU7T17Amc44ABhrJbu8UH0Os1UKHsVqlbM1327FSIBBnK1taCN9aXL3U6fmNyVfycjUWqvt-iJqYISi1ipJD9UiRpnd4-m-d9KonCNK5K3IKfpL9W3Z_4KTFVs0RnPFrYcRIuKayWoWs5AxOmOgvX/s1280/London%20miscellaneous%20(20).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0CcSHXzrWY7s06pzT4LNRf0z7MBtflbWhDMRkYCHU7T17Amc44ABhrJbu8UH0Os1UKHsVqlbM1327FSIBBnK1taCN9aXL3U6fmNyVfycjUWqvt-iJqYISi1ipJD9UiRpnd4-m-d9KonCNK5K3IKfpL9W3Z_4KTFVs0RnPFrYcRIuKayWoWs5AxOmOgvX/w400-h300/London%20miscellaneous%20(20).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>It was fun to get a birds eye view of London but I don't know it well enough to spot many sights. Sometimes it was just fun to see the pods around us, which look quite spectacular this high up. You can see how tiny Westminister Palace looks from the top.<br /><br /></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0vIa2XfKzxqjNqzHMGIr9IifvIKdtpawX-lC-KSh7fPNkUu3HwR6OcZ4W5BRI5so4j5IWtAiDduHy7zAir2H9ib4eI_L7Wr8SYtIpdQ0Is5oTav_h5Z3N8tNnvWBSdr8zmvQAnlxjMoj5ox041CeodGqa3qSqSsxR1xMoCDK5VVEbfo2-kVf9LmPJhjH/s1280/London%20miscellaneous%20(21).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0vIa2XfKzxqjNqzHMGIr9IifvIKdtpawX-lC-KSh7fPNkUu3HwR6OcZ4W5BRI5so4j5IWtAiDduHy7zAir2H9ib4eI_L7Wr8SYtIpdQ0Is5oTav_h5Z3N8tNnvWBSdr8zmvQAnlxjMoj5ox041CeodGqa3qSqSsxR1xMoCDK5VVEbfo2-kVf9LmPJhjH/w400-h300/London%20miscellaneous%20(21).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>As the wheel brought us further down towards the West of London, we got closer to Westminster Palace and Big Ben. With some zoom I got a far better photo of it from this perspective than I could get from the Bridge or the opposite shore.<br /><br /></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBI0dtsxyZNOgVIODfuTHSkZnNqGkFx4v6u9iv-Wiuanzdb0XbvVoLtM8kmNioJrRJPrQ4w7EK1YNAUmkyDeFw9psghyqoKUnmt-1pIE28JJNFEap7GihRISefvkhbyfOEpcWTPBJTTEdmSnR0ziZJPlpdZbP750lJR224ndXXoxJKQW3B4Ny3qiS4vOj/s513/London%20miscellaneous%20(26).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="513" data-original-width="366" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBI0dtsxyZNOgVIODfuTHSkZnNqGkFx4v6u9iv-Wiuanzdb0XbvVoLtM8kmNioJrRJPrQ4w7EK1YNAUmkyDeFw9psghyqoKUnmt-1pIE28JJNFEap7GihRISefvkhbyfOEpcWTPBJTTEdmSnR0ziZJPlpdZbP750lJR224ndXXoxJKQW3B4Ny3qiS4vOj/w285-h400/London%20miscellaneous%20(26).jpeg" width="285" /></a></div><p></p><p>We got to see some other London icons. Buckingham Palace is the large building just above all the trees. It astounds me just how much parkland surrounds the royal residence. In the middle of such a huge city! </p><p>The buildings in the foreground of the photo are government departmental buildings but I can't remember which ones. (Foreign Service or Economics?) A voice from a loud speaker announced some of the significant buildings at regular intervals. I could not always follow. A father pointed out buildings to his kids but I didn't really take it in. The Prime Minister's residence at 10 Downing Street was also nearby.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1TDNzCyayCp_-SgxW68f2eseKkbJqAT1FMHT_GFEtWPSua-hvrsSidxjUhCTxW7eWXyIIPatwnKYzo8vd4A5DxzX_rFA8rxOaP4IOBimMgHPxhe8nhOaNTQX9F3bakFj8VFeAOxA6gwBmK_IdsaItloDmwkbHZdsQSPYUzQsDTguzz63XnsUwV_yktYG0/s1280/London%20miscellaneous%20(19).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1TDNzCyayCp_-SgxW68f2eseKkbJqAT1FMHT_GFEtWPSua-hvrsSidxjUhCTxW7eWXyIIPatwnKYzo8vd4A5DxzX_rFA8rxOaP4IOBimMgHPxhe8nhOaNTQX9F3bakFj8VFeAOxA6gwBmK_IdsaItloDmwkbHZdsQSPYUzQsDTguzz63XnsUwV_yktYG0/w400-h300/London%20miscellaneous%20(19).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>To the East we could see St Paul's Cathedral, Tower Bridge, the Shard and the City. You can see the dome of St Paul's above among all the City buildings.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR9Gw8qBiyD9KkNSR8tWZwhq0kkbHWWzZ3A8KytBiGEgZu0Alf0YP54mug1Qr2wgn2eFl1HCkg0Sg0xpsEXu4h8jXtNJydTtvEI3GmBo7kiitFuquL4bhqA3_oMVvwWcF_QDPx3QiWKYH9CCr2De_K1bWl8PkVqWzhGUdlN1yx09I_7nOlYIf4zBowYkne/s1280/London%20miscellaneous%20(22).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR9Gw8qBiyD9KkNSR8tWZwhq0kkbHWWzZ3A8KytBiGEgZu0Alf0YP54mug1Qr2wgn2eFl1HCkg0Sg0xpsEXu4h8jXtNJydTtvEI3GmBo7kiitFuquL4bhqA3_oMVvwWcF_QDPx3QiWKYH9CCr2De_K1bWl8PkVqWzhGUdlN1yx09I_7nOlYIf4zBowYkne/w300-h400/London%20miscellaneous%20(22).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>I love this photo of one of the pods coming down near the esplanade where the crowds make their way to the fast moving queue to ride the London Eye. The pod looks like a flying saucer invading the Earth; just like in a <i>Doctor Who</i> episode or <i>War of the Worlds</i>.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwAi2EUQzG8Qbi8cQDVeO1MIHkgSjJN-S0c8Zo8XbMw9hjG29wEytzL3F3uv3Ipvqz4D8wkbekmVFetKUBsoOR3uqsliRWR7Lf-G9XwQ1ZyutYAq5oUW0aSNTBIIXT30XaZd7VEXQ9nEiMc0ym7u0RNlT95iYBLc1TobVsgZ-KoF-Ly-mlCBSn6Xw7xaYt/s1280/London%20miscellaneous%20(23).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwAi2EUQzG8Qbi8cQDVeO1MIHkgSjJN-S0c8Zo8XbMw9hjG29wEytzL3F3uv3Ipvqz4D8wkbekmVFetKUBsoOR3uqsliRWR7Lf-G9XwQ1ZyutYAq5oUW0aSNTBIIXT30XaZd7VEXQ9nEiMc0ym7u0RNlT95iYBLc1TobVsgZ-KoF-Ly-mlCBSn6Xw7xaYt/w300-h400/London%20miscellaneous%20(23).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Once we were off the London Eye we went to <a href="https://gggiraffe.blogspot.com/2024/03/london-westminister-abbey.html">Westminister Abbey</a> and then took the bus to Mayfair to see the <a href="https://gggiraffe.blogspot.com/2024/03/london-wallace-collection-private-art.html">Wallace Collection</a>. We went past the Parliament Square Garden where there are many statues of famous political figures and we saw a colourful corgi statue (which I looked up online and it seemed to be one of the The London Heritage Quarter Platinum Jubilee Corgi Trail in 2022 that was to be auctioned off so I am not sure how it ended up here.)<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0nWpoREqv7Vr6oO4Ln5fjOF6HLVHW-7zrCvgeEuY6fAqqP2LLcoUGnYxPHS1XkU5iWS22Gbti2ssI_v3saflyRO6b-AjZ1vXroWmgQOwT-xMYIDS8m4gW4mv46DY7h6bK02UB5IVdCVXFlHrLNooomuNWxinYH13naN0_ZYOWECQ6NRTRjJPrlEk5fogn/s1280/London%20miscellaneous%20(3).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0nWpoREqv7Vr6oO4Ln5fjOF6HLVHW-7zrCvgeEuY6fAqqP2LLcoUGnYxPHS1XkU5iWS22Gbti2ssI_v3saflyRO6b-AjZ1vXroWmgQOwT-xMYIDS8m4gW4mv46DY7h6bK02UB5IVdCVXFlHrLNooomuNWxinYH13naN0_ZYOWECQ6NRTRjJPrlEk5fogn/w400-h300/London%20miscellaneous%20(3).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Red double decker buses are a common sight in London. The English Tea Bus decoration in the photo amused us. I am not sure if it was a special tour bus but there a few afternoon tea bus tours online. We found the regular red buses a good way to see more of London. <br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguysdVRm8VRFzbOKWFAMklrqhAWd30rLO0XJUbVh44rp6qUfP_i4zJzUUGzcDMlafNu9scEtErjyBi5mbjTWgNIb5NmB3cYqQ2GalrYFvBQCjLQE4B5-9UQOeFl623dOzZ-r2nL1Eu6RFfLqjQy9o0q9tFp4OzvWb7sXKYo6JkE-FYicWqe4Xk4HVjvbVY/s1280/London%20miscellaneous%20(12).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguysdVRm8VRFzbOKWFAMklrqhAWd30rLO0XJUbVh44rp6qUfP_i4zJzUUGzcDMlafNu9scEtErjyBi5mbjTWgNIb5NmB3cYqQ2GalrYFvBQCjLQE4B5-9UQOeFl623dOzZ-r2nL1Eu6RFfLqjQy9o0q9tFp4OzvWb7sXKYo6JkE-FYicWqe4Xk4HVjvbVY/w300-h400/London%20miscellaneous%20(12).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>We had quite a few bus journeys through areas - such as Bloomsbury, Hyde Park and Nottinghill Gate - that I am quite fond of but did not get time to explore on foot. We took the busy back to the hotel a few times and enjoyed seeing the streets en route to Kensington. Above is Harrods department store in Knightsbridge that was on our route.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnAsZ1j4ihFiZXdatFzYr_kzTBiL2JsZVgd9H2hHzaNu-XQCJD74g86XV5VVHmdE6g5G-WrVB8ZxMSs3hGH9Kp48kK4qbHCdtiGEpGSk5hriW4jV7GzjLh8f8QplVfEKhMQMnD4vJp8gHuscGrYKcICzUDanuuj1yN50ct5CyzuMnSvZtmImj1qn0vv34y/s1280/london%20bus.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnAsZ1j4ihFiZXdatFzYr_kzTBiL2JsZVgd9H2hHzaNu-XQCJD74g86XV5VVHmdE6g5G-WrVB8ZxMSs3hGH9Kp48kK4qbHCdtiGEpGSk5hriW4jV7GzjLh8f8QplVfEKhMQMnD4vJp8gHuscGrYKcICzUDanuuj1yN50ct5CyzuMnSvZtmImj1qn0vv34y/w400-h400/london%20bus.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p>The best view was on the upper level in the front seats. The above view shows both why it was easier than it used to be but was often still slower than the tube. When I was first in London, I found that working out where to get off a bus could be confusing in streets I didn't know. But now they have digital displays advising on the next stop, which combined with smart phone apps (such as Moovit) make it much easier to look out for a stop.</p><p>A probably that has not changed is London traffic. It has always been busy. I remember there were transit lanes to deal with it when I lived in London in the late 1990s. Now there is a congestion charge: a whopping <span>£15 per day. Sometimes the buses could only crawl along their route due to the volume of traffic. I heard someone behind me on a bus say "... and they pay a congestion charge to be stuck in this traffic." So true! At least the London public transport is cheaper: </span><span>£2.70 per trip on the tube (zones 1-2) with a daily cap of </span><span>£8.50, and </span><span>£1.75</span> per trip on the bus with a daily cap of <span>£5.25. Surprisingly, it was cheaper on the bus. </span><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsEUiysPZP0Rhb6MnxKZy85tM_VZ2o7SxC4hMmQmkZQrhuVBVeirAAlpHVvV-BG4lNlumlU5PF7U6BZn_5VWfn8EggsrLWt-58Kceh1PSVtnraeShaC4fHf4_tgeiqXZkNnsQqVWRxXaqN2Y1vBtvaSA53Wxbx_8xyn5YGjRuRveOoCtgGzi-6k4YJO-UW/s1280/London%20miscellaneous%20(2).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsEUiysPZP0Rhb6MnxKZy85tM_VZ2o7SxC4hMmQmkZQrhuVBVeirAAlpHVvV-BG4lNlumlU5PF7U6BZn_5VWfn8EggsrLWt-58Kceh1PSVtnraeShaC4fHf4_tgeiqXZkNnsQqVWRxXaqN2Y1vBtvaSA53Wxbx_8xyn5YGjRuRveOoCtgGzi-6k4YJO-UW/w400-h300/London%20miscellaneous%20(2).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>As well as avoiding the traffic, the tube had a few advantages. One is that many of the tube stations are beautiful historic buildings. The one above is the elegant Victorian arcade with <a href="https://150greatthingsabouttheunderground.com/2013/02/25/87-the-motifs-by-high-street-kensington/" target="_blank">attractive motifs</a> when you came out of High Street Kensington tube, which was a few minutes from our hotel. (For railway station enthusiasts, check out <a href="https://150greatthingsabouttheunderground.com/" target="_blank">150 great things about the Underground</a>.)<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghCsq4fJHaktXdWcoKMKJK-f6Nl-bX5Bt4Be8L77qYp9CSZs-yl-J32SVXgH_ZXNLYX0dDLQ82L_2byu6DLPKuWvIYYKFXlA6UMo2cqDAp5RP24bKwx4eBMbENY7-HTyN53Zy7Cb-Kw1gwYMe6kcxIR_j_8czPDy2rvb8k-AvWJP7lU3GgiYUt1zQey663/s1280/London%20miscellaneous%20(1).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghCsq4fJHaktXdWcoKMKJK-f6Nl-bX5Bt4Be8L77qYp9CSZs-yl-J32SVXgH_ZXNLYX0dDLQ82L_2byu6DLPKuWvIYYKFXlA6UMo2cqDAp5RP24bKwx4eBMbENY7-HTyN53Zy7Cb-Kw1gwYMe6kcxIR_j_8czPDy2rvb8k-AvWJP7lU3GgiYUt1zQey663/w400-h400/London%20miscellaneous%20(1).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>While the buses have now got far better signage with the dawn of the digital age, it was always a wonder how easy it was to navigate the tube thanks to really clear signage. Lists of stations and connections at every turn as you make your way through the curved tunnels of the station, including on the station and always on the trains as well. <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgepVgptNjkg0xvu1BUKKwPrMjl7G0fJl-k9LIEJ3lU2CuNjFpHb2tgVHmlEIpa99WzMztlAmDvFqKRgKTQjwECcgu0py_P7kbyndKLq2FnerKDJhDDsDHjhwxUa_DFe6-IjUeaJ_cChUhIPqEh9tebF318TFWBM7tDnwlEdrJLQLX3jK8wSVIhsmhOkBf8/s1280/London%20miscellaneous%20(5).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgepVgptNjkg0xvu1BUKKwPrMjl7G0fJl-k9LIEJ3lU2CuNjFpHb2tgVHmlEIpa99WzMztlAmDvFqKRgKTQjwECcgu0py_P7kbyndKLq2FnerKDJhDDsDHjhwxUa_DFe6-IjUeaJ_cChUhIPqEh9tebF318TFWBM7tDnwlEdrJLQLX3jK8wSVIhsmhOkBf8/w300-h400/London%20miscellaneous%20(5).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Some historic signage in stations has been retained such as this "way out" sign at Covent Garden underground station. Exits are well signed but not all are so easy to get out. Once you make your way through the labyrinth of tunnels at the end of a tiring day, it can be dispiriting to see that your only option on the way out is stairs. Some stations have escalators and there were some information about which online but when the nearest station to our hotel station did not have a lift or escalator, all we could do was drag a heavy suitcase up a flight of stairs.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPSG5M6S5Fn38T0F1gbFMKcCajTMMMv7CWypSK2TdGHQjGYCDVjkA7nhEUFYbeDqBktI1jrKWK8y86pVSBmBuQ3sX_zdGR02NHIWZgr8GCf0vfmtPqWCKg5eYrLcxNemMGry0-3r869RIgQyvBsZGQpLseWdIFmbrHEq6GTAmLsOX1ZsFXnV_LsKxDX7wC/s1280/London%20miscellaneous%20(4).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPSG5M6S5Fn38T0F1gbFMKcCajTMMMv7CWypSK2TdGHQjGYCDVjkA7nhEUFYbeDqBktI1jrKWK8y86pVSBmBuQ3sX_zdGR02NHIWZgr8GCf0vfmtPqWCKg5eYrLcxNemMGry0-3r869RIgQyvBsZGQpLseWdIFmbrHEq6GTAmLsOX1ZsFXnV_LsKxDX7wC/w400-h400/London%20miscellaneous%20(4).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>As well as gorgeous heritage stations, some also have fun artworks and posters. We went back and forwards past the Gloucester Road station a few times but never got out there. Of course I wanted to but had to satisfied with a photo on the go of the strange subterranean creatures in the exhibition by Monster Chetwynd: '<a href="https://art.tfl.gov.uk/projects/pond-life-albertopolis-and-the-lily/" target="_blank">Pond Life: Albertopolis and the Lily</a>'. This lizard brought to mind Mr Lizard in the iconic Australian books by May Gibbs about the gumnut babies. </p><p>Although not everyone can see this station, more accessible is the brilliant project of <a href="https://poemsontheunderground.org/" target="_blank">Poems on the Underground</a> that occasionally intersperses adverts on trains. They are very welcome because there is not too much to see out the window between stations on the tube.<br /><br /></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhacdGmU8p3uGX1jlXoXRBuytYgSg5HG6fwZVHm0pjODvVwYMp1dNukbwUCszY_ypdd-OJJH5F58AzCQJ7zX6UaQEWmJ06rOE8PIWLZ-y80ZsJMPVu4tqp7vP9LMyIfB67dNDvefgLefPEhJBR82rUgSlrHMvvfsUuti9qWQI-zxQS-WXyeZQOLeDM0pr6Y/s1280/London%20miscellaneous.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhacdGmU8p3uGX1jlXoXRBuytYgSg5HG6fwZVHm0pjODvVwYMp1dNukbwUCszY_ypdd-OJJH5F58AzCQJ7zX6UaQEWmJ06rOE8PIWLZ-y80ZsJMPVu4tqp7vP9LMyIfB67dNDvefgLefPEhJBR82rUgSlrHMvvfsUuti9qWQI-zxQS-WXyeZQOLeDM0pr6Y/w300-h400/London%20miscellaneous.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p>All over London interesting buildings that catch the eye and make you wonder at their history. Unfortunately there was so much to see that I often had to pass by such buildings with a fleeting thought and maybe a photo. This photo is the Camden Eye opposite the Camden Town tube station.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_5MTbUXxjDq26nA0XUz6Tebk3nDD3eW-sUDhOe_U8vqSDF6En-RDxPh_gmBWFmhMWLDTXF0aPcHvA4Rz62vGjitbOKi4BW_nN3K4sYyZBE6I0OKKl-DhSZ7pzvoHYTmFsIo_QonTBrGRbAUjo3Mxmlg2sDSitCaNeKDtIEgW-zuTkbZJe-QpEzeEx91v4/s1280/London%20miscellaneous%20(8).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_5MTbUXxjDq26nA0XUz6Tebk3nDD3eW-sUDhOe_U8vqSDF6En-RDxPh_gmBWFmhMWLDTXF0aPcHvA4Rz62vGjitbOKi4BW_nN3K4sYyZBE6I0OKKl-DhSZ7pzvoHYTmFsIo_QonTBrGRbAUjo3Mxmlg2sDSitCaNeKDtIEgW-zuTkbZJe-QpEzeEx91v4/w400-h400/London%20miscellaneous%20(8).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The iconic underground sign (or roundel) is such as brilliant representation of the London transport system and London itself. It sits atop most tube station buildings as a beacon, it is used in fashion and is popular in souvenir shops. There is a book written about it called <a href="https://www.fastcompany.com/3019061/the-amazing-history-of-londons-most-enduring-logo" target="_blank">Logo for London</a>. The above artwork was near the Whiskers and Cream cat cafe near the Upper Holloway station. Sylvia and I also loved the "Mind the gap" announcements because it would make us thing of a classic scene of Minions boarding an underground train in the <i>Minions movie</i>.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyUs2viTzV8JgRT-blfPrgKq2MaiFqZXPvUQex0Iutm3nPZN5aEFqjKBB1glEakMjtSh1i-rzsg5UXsdv5od-BQzh2vrTRuRZ5EwCxFFWvSLFMO7rlLNezXk9A9jS3kLRoch6k5-DDcMwluHgggTk9lCWlKDH0xMVWcN_QxyE4FWV9MA1fn3L1JPMdRQLg/s1280/London%20miscellaneous%20(6).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyUs2viTzV8JgRT-blfPrgKq2MaiFqZXPvUQex0Iutm3nPZN5aEFqjKBB1glEakMjtSh1i-rzsg5UXsdv5od-BQzh2vrTRuRZ5EwCxFFWvSLFMO7rlLNezXk9A9jS3kLRoch6k5-DDcMwluHgggTk9lCWlKDH0xMVWcN_QxyE4FWV9MA1fn3L1JPMdRQLg/w400-h400/London%20miscellaneous%20(6).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>You could not walk far in London without seeing a souvenir shop, usually with lots of red white and blue. Paddington, London icons, tea towels, fridge magnets, key rings, rubber ducks, nodding queens, phone boxes and double decker buses were all common. I have not adjusted to King Charles being the monach and found it both weird to see his face on so much and also that there was still so much merchandise with Queen Elizabeth II on it.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihPHMFA66fpWaQujgmD3RVgVEW5SKqzrPxlW3_CiDuN1h_NRvML7EWWfBXI-SFa7mx1KLqK538eingKTzRLLloECq5Hao1JfpXb4J6He836V67Dwo-MxMly5q32XNgyhJGVIkvFy-orO4u6Y0xecB2uUmjZ6gVVRAu75JktRQQmLIwiPjQfR_BKOQZOhmT/s1280/London%20miscellaneous%20(7).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihPHMFA66fpWaQujgmD3RVgVEW5SKqzrPxlW3_CiDuN1h_NRvML7EWWfBXI-SFa7mx1KLqK538eingKTzRLLloECq5Hao1JfpXb4J6He836V67Dwo-MxMly5q32XNgyhJGVIkvFy-orO4u6Y0xecB2uUmjZ6gVVRAu75JktRQQmLIwiPjQfR_BKOQZOhmT/w400-h400/London%20miscellaneous%20(7).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>While I don't drink coffee, I was well aware the British coffee is not up to scratch compared to Melbourne. I hear it has improved since I was first in the UK and found people excited about the Seattle Coffee Company. There are plenty of new kids on the block now. Sylvia loved the orange mocha latte and iced matcha blueberry latte at Blank St Coffee. This is a New York company which had quite a few stores. Those hats on the coffee cups were so cute that I looked them up. I think they are part of the <a href="https://www.ageuk.org.uk/somerset/get-involved/the-big-knit/" target="_blank">Big Knit fundraiser for charity</a>.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzY-3raGYaOPGXGUYKH52aiVcUE-OuXvHr0OYZHBumdIoy0SKWaWMCqYDt4Govx2G4HQ-bPTdvq917dTLl8uAanBC-5-5Bj0KjCUmDYsNxe-rwMzx412rEbYfiMxjjqRThVI5YpsOGcoXhcEwhJOEclkczFZOsMsBsd8ePVk-QjuPTeHf9ZszGkOQB1swl/s1280/London%20miscellaneous%20(9).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzY-3raGYaOPGXGUYKH52aiVcUE-OuXvHr0OYZHBumdIoy0SKWaWMCqYDt4Govx2G4HQ-bPTdvq917dTLl8uAanBC-5-5Bj0KjCUmDYsNxe-rwMzx412rEbYfiMxjjqRThVI5YpsOGcoXhcEwhJOEclkczFZOsMsBsd8ePVk-QjuPTeHf9ZszGkOQB1swl/w300-h400/London%20miscellaneous%20(9).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>I wish I had a better photo of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selfridges,_Oxford_Street" target="_blank">Oxford St Selfridges Department Store building</a>. My photo does not capture the awe and beautify of the rows of ionic columns. This store in Oxford Street was built in 1909 and is the second biggest retail premises (after Harrods). <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3zXLaVWKzyc1fEYfMS7m9aOujR3c1vv-cExJU285PUKTg5sBVFWPwfwlNnxqFQhWa0Ehq0V0pM9VUUJzMu9BryPryanbeGg0V2DJL34KCHMIbZ4H-L81oZG5KziBnZp169V27xwqtZ08JSmF8ggnRkz6G7u9ds-fX_K8pi7HWOrHsRub_c5-l_HNJGEpN/s1280/London%20miscellaneous%20(10).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3zXLaVWKzyc1fEYfMS7m9aOujR3c1vv-cExJU285PUKTg5sBVFWPwfwlNnxqFQhWa0Ehq0V0pM9VUUJzMu9BryPryanbeGg0V2DJL34KCHMIbZ4H-L81oZG5KziBnZp169V27xwqtZ08JSmF8ggnRkz6G7u9ds-fX_K8pi7HWOrHsRub_c5-l_HNJGEpN/w400-h300/London%20miscellaneous%20(10).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>We visited on en route to Mercato Mayfair when we were low on energy and time. We headed to the basement to look at the food hall and the kitchenware. The food was amazing and yet again I found myself tempted by pricey but gorgeous crockery. <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMzU9cxQ6tPeGLfw4mujWmwi7tO4JrFOzZfKKnE5AnuhB-PoKnM7rSrLmiPGZE0VAhAudpHzPpSPOgSigmpnQKX3T9U2tVjNEjzcrTD2f9acUJDszmyxi_yHDJlnXUuNYXT9MeMbr8inoud4Pzk_Z_tXxaTXtkhYBQufwh4Ihgs_Fhqkq0VcmsiDC5Fz5i/s1280/London%20miscellaneous%20(11).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMzU9cxQ6tPeGLfw4mujWmwi7tO4JrFOzZfKKnE5AnuhB-PoKnM7rSrLmiPGZE0VAhAudpHzPpSPOgSigmpnQKX3T9U2tVjNEjzcrTD2f9acUJDszmyxi_yHDJlnXUuNYXT9MeMbr8inoud4Pzk_Z_tXxaTXtkhYBQufwh4Ihgs_Fhqkq0VcmsiDC5Fz5i/w400-h300/London%20miscellaneous%20(11).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />It was worth going inside just to see the wonderful historic interior. We managed to leave Selfridges without a purchase. Just tourists passing through!<br /><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfePr60usXHgqZkiij0kAm645Pw9esktLATduakIxwV510nWIlythYWtIfwH3aX6rbwYqTXBxPQ9RMz5H1v-H6nACIACztJlduZUKB1ztsafA5ghu6zrdz_2DTuEJosPTrKX0mG2pC0Y1uhEF8Iu9KoVT3beH4rpsKWVBYKT_qha8OH4ZTK3iyXdTaPypJ/s1280/London%20miscellaneous%20(25).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfePr60usXHgqZkiij0kAm645Pw9esktLATduakIxwV510nWIlythYWtIfwH3aX6rbwYqTXBxPQ9RMz5H1v-H6nACIACztJlduZUKB1ztsafA5ghu6zrdz_2DTuEJosPTrKX0mG2pC0Y1uhEF8Iu9KoVT3beH4rpsKWVBYKT_qha8OH4ZTK3iyXdTaPypJ/w300-h400/London%20miscellaneous%20(25).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>After we visited the Wallace Collection, we wanted a quick meal before heading back to the hotel to pack and get an early evening before taking the train to Edinburgh. There was plenty on offer in Mayfair. We ended up at Pure. Earlier in the afternoon we had bought excellent chips at a street food booth. We had wanted the haloumi kebabs with salad, pickles and chips
but it felt too messy for food on the run so I just got chips. They were excellent but I needed some more wholesome food. Pure was a casual food outlet where we could eat quickly and go. I really enjoyed my Souper green soup served alongside a Halloumi toastie with hummus, mushrooms, sundried tomatoes and tomato relish. And a can of wild berry kombucha. It was just what I needed.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicG3-fFf3Bg6HG-oygJEDeSgXi61KWHeJdaRknihbTFmif63uIMKiL8EPbCKLMZTDt4AfCu3Ws6FaNOaHu8ITK5tXtqdC8sh6zo_jiTZ3zZyrWbj7RdcxQLhAOqoesBI-ETyQMn5pCImGG1lDfDcEwf3vypmAFMcmqaWFZOgpMo_OYV3Z7gNSfY2eu6pYH/s1280/London%20miscellaneous%20(24).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicG3-fFf3Bg6HG-oygJEDeSgXi61KWHeJdaRknihbTFmif63uIMKiL8EPbCKLMZTDt4AfCu3Ws6FaNOaHu8ITK5tXtqdC8sh6zo_jiTZ3zZyrWbj7RdcxQLhAOqoesBI-ETyQMn5pCImGG1lDfDcEwf3vypmAFMcmqaWFZOgpMo_OYV3Z7gNSfY2eu6pYH/w300-h400/London%20miscellaneous%20(24).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>When I first visited London, my sister told me that I must take photos of red phone boxes and photos with people in them. Digital photography had made it easier to take photos without people in them but I still think of Fran when I take a photo of a phone box. I used phone boxes a lot when first in London. My parents had given us a reverse charges card so we would keep in touch. These days many phone boxes are more shabby and the ones cared for seem more for tourist purposes than utility. But they are iconic and I am glad there are still ones about to see, especially around Westminster Palace. (You can see more reflections in my post on travel in the 1990s.)<br /></p><p>We saw so much in our week in London and yet it felt like we had only scratched the surface. When it comes to the veritable feast of tourist experiences in London, I often think of Samuel Johnson who said "<span>When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life." </span>So much to see and so little time. I cannot say if I will return but I am happy I we were able to see so many favourite places and interesting new ones, and that Sylvia had a great time on her first trip to London.</p>Johanna GGGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08594201473931487490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6742756814967464811.post-6416059640644653392024-03-14T22:50:00.014+11:002024-03-15T01:46:01.783+11:00London: Wallace Collection private art collection<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNa-QSzTAmqJFKTTB0ejC89w_8WLleANEEp3wVYctRPvm84P3WHu3zkjftztb_w1bRdQ2QarwS4XDv1ho8AYUJ0wOB3HNxf0HPEEmT9rlUp9maQ0y9KFMiJ4HIs9_MBNVw1wsSETWW9eqBR1xeUnXzut_J2BQPpKMI0-q78653bvgbC4tWzPqtupuRGIVe/s1280/Wallace%20Collection.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNa-QSzTAmqJFKTTB0ejC89w_8WLleANEEp3wVYctRPvm84P3WHu3zkjftztb_w1bRdQ2QarwS4XDv1ho8AYUJ0wOB3HNxf0HPEEmT9rlUp9maQ0y9KFMiJ4HIs9_MBNVw1wsSETWW9eqBR1xeUnXzut_J2BQPpKMI0-q78653bvgbC4tWzPqtupuRGIVe/w400-h300/Wallace%20Collection.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Our last sightseeing visit in London was The Wallace Collection in Mayfair. This magnificent art collection was an impressive way to finish up. We arrived about an hour before closing so I didn't have much time to stop and read the details. The rooms were so beautifully designed with wallpapers, chandeliers, fireplaces and ornaments.</p><p>The Wallace Collection was the art collection of Sir Richard Wallace (1818-1890), inherited from his likely father the 4th Marquess of Hertford. The latter was among the wealthiest men in Europe thanks to many properties throughout England and Ireland. The Collection was started by the 1st Marquess of Hertford, continued by the 2nd and 3rd but much of it was collected by the 4th Marquess who lived in Paris for most of his life. Richard continued to add to the Collection. After his death, his widow bequeathed his collection to the nation in her will. And so today we are able to see amazing art in an elegant 18th Century House for free.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgH_KCks-7aP_QAT7PDOrJUUtiXWtkvYn-eMeNxEM6QikTPqcOGaaFSy-h9LDr7_WJCD8IxO5ms0Yb3PKfBAwEaOkwmg5uB30kCziVzHmru-FZruMYAG-H6bknYePIPF_TYI8Exma7cT-M0QS8THmyrkWS7leoq_eaDUgrYET0Wz_BC_BKTjtOxQaOO5R6/s1280/Wallace%20Collection%20(46).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgH_KCks-7aP_QAT7PDOrJUUtiXWtkvYn-eMeNxEM6QikTPqcOGaaFSy-h9LDr7_WJCD8IxO5ms0Yb3PKfBAwEaOkwmg5uB30kCziVzHmru-FZruMYAG-H6bknYePIPF_TYI8Exma7cT-M0QS8THmyrkWS7leoq_eaDUgrYET0Wz_BC_BKTjtOxQaOO5R6/w400-h300/Wallace%20Collection%20(46).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />We didn't have a map or the app so we just walked through doors at random and made our way around with only a little information from signage at the doors to each room.<br /><p></p><p>We started in the ground floor. One thing that struck us about the house was the stylish wallpapers in each room. Most rooms also had ornate fireplaces and elegant chairs. They managed to be both vintage and boldly modern. The red walls in the Back State Rooms was a fitting background for the gilded Rococo furniture favoured by France's King Louis XV (1715-1774) and his mistress, Madame de Pompadour. The paintings of hunting scenes with dead animals were quite disturbing.<br /><br /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUhMO9Ir-jz4r4EoEH7y-neSbCeujIAwK4ZJD53Rvotj1Ug0ZgBaRO8oRbYkkHhcRdqQVlq4-wgLzFAWIXYmwmHAJpc-0ntC70uTYa34eenuqdhp4DfSezhXsPmSUYplmpAW1Kkp9hf9fg5veOTikzPi_fK-DZUXLSFL8Fhi0QHKIhgCR6yizIIGG2F-I/s1280/Wallace%20Collection%20(2).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUhMO9Ir-jz4r4EoEH7y-neSbCeujIAwK4ZJD53Rvotj1Ug0ZgBaRO8oRbYkkHhcRdqQVlq4-wgLzFAWIXYmwmHAJpc-0ntC70uTYa34eenuqdhp4DfSezhXsPmSUYplmpAW1Kkp9hf9fg5veOTikzPi_fK-DZUXLSFL8Fhi0QHKIhgCR6yizIIGG2F-I/w300-h400/Wallace%20Collection%20(2).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p>In the Dining Room I admired this bust of Madame Victoire de France, the daughter of King Louis XV which was framed by fine gold drapes. In this photo you can see the Restaurant and Cafe in a courtyard in the middle of the house. We would have liked to go there if we had arrived earlier.<br /><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7itAEV9MdQkRh30EdRqmomthT2pw8ho7hZHunXLBpZp0WhZ41rsqpU_KpLxl7bqKh09Iw-v2xLUOWNFe38tOOl-LK0rrJgf-fHSnaqyj-Wb-uvmFLhE2emiNCkpXahp4qzUSsRQgfWc4qLcayahADYav7iI-9zO1vySbdIeAKgW-1Le5ZT0aH2-Fdm_1V/s1280/Wallace%20Collection%20(5).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7itAEV9MdQkRh30EdRqmomthT2pw8ho7hZHunXLBpZp0WhZ41rsqpU_KpLxl7bqKh09Iw-v2xLUOWNFe38tOOl-LK0rrJgf-fHSnaqyj-Wb-uvmFLhE2emiNCkpXahp4qzUSsRQgfWc4qLcayahADYav7iI-9zO1vySbdIeAKgW-1Le5ZT0aH2-Fdm_1V/w300-h400/Wallace%20Collection%20(5).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p>The dimly lit Sixteenth Century Gallery and the Smoking Room had an extensive collection of Medieval and Renaissance art. Many display cabinets of plaques, medals, religious icons and crockery were to see under the paintings on the wall. This wee nook, displaying the statue of Love Triumphant, was lined with 19th Century Turkish-inspired tiles, This gives a glimpse of when the Smoking Room was lined with similar tiles that were fashionable when it was renovated in the 1870s.<br /><br /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmoMQ6kevSMdUJzh3towTohHQpNX4kuRK02q01bpu1pjTLjdloTQ1Sn6mmX2nkv62efC2cHTm4EEefN91U0S1jgSKQhFRs53JiwnQOuuidKwkIdxTpOKGocHbIoLkDUDjTrYfb-OnEN7abXnURfQ8PDWkhXngeOb2tHv0mcKRsi3O_J2B8Z9jBiW_EeKyI/s1280/Wallace%20Collection%20(6).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmoMQ6kevSMdUJzh3towTohHQpNX4kuRK02q01bpu1pjTLjdloTQ1Sn6mmX2nkv62efC2cHTm4EEefN91U0S1jgSKQhFRs53JiwnQOuuidKwkIdxTpOKGocHbIoLkDUDjTrYfb-OnEN7abXnURfQ8PDWkhXngeOb2tHv0mcKRsi3O_J2B8Z9jBiW_EeKyI/w400-h300/Wallace%20Collection%20(6).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Upstairs we saw the bold blue walled East Galleries with European artwork.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOv_GWl6H0bYVBBK3ILu0K6pUSVsjFyzMZELzbuCSqylVD8Nsp7Z3vhXRA9Yxb2Pcp-BzKK1QUX5MmiRosCPzQR2UvgoDF_h6oaPOtvr23Xldvlcmul9EtKPLtiPaGjMRkgCplZIsdkai1e3KlEoGGfD5_xGhdrJVsZl1CbLBUrIdJYy7Sx73kFt9knw4s/s1280/Wallace%20Collection%20(7).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1110" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOv_GWl6H0bYVBBK3ILu0K6pUSVsjFyzMZELzbuCSqylVD8Nsp7Z3vhXRA9Yxb2Pcp-BzKK1QUX5MmiRosCPzQR2UvgoDF_h6oaPOtvr23Xldvlcmul9EtKPLtiPaGjMRkgCplZIsdkai1e3KlEoGGfD5_xGhdrJVsZl1CbLBUrIdJYy7Sx73kFt9knw4s/w348-h400/Wallace%20Collection%20(7).jpeg" width="348" /></a></div><p></p><p>This Dutch painting is A Woman Peeling Apples by Pieter de Hooch. It humanises these Dutch masters to see that women centuries ago were sitting peeling apples and giving some peel to their child just like I do. But I am glad that children no longer look so uncomfortable in stiff adult clothes.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp4ouqU5Iv3aGKStn5EhG7mB4Oedq1Jez3pM5vXe1lQ_S1nJ0hFYYqn3vQQ4rPI6Yqp-LUG66qiu7-Ts9bwM-Ea2-_ds2ExunRG2OswXKbisc85PH1ZhxjrGkGyBV5dhv9YN0-NrA_JAqY5cW2PiHVmwE-cZe1FiUS3PF18tiqjPscKwEVW1e1VMpSfbze/s1280/Wallace%20Collection%20(9).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp4ouqU5Iv3aGKStn5EhG7mB4Oedq1Jez3pM5vXe1lQ_S1nJ0hFYYqn3vQQ4rPI6Yqp-LUG66qiu7-Ts9bwM-Ea2-_ds2ExunRG2OswXKbisc85PH1ZhxjrGkGyBV5dhv9YN0-NrA_JAqY5cW2PiHVmwE-cZe1FiUS3PF18tiqjPscKwEVW1e1VMpSfbze/w400-h300/Wallace%20Collection%20(9).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>More Dutch Masters, including a self portrait of Rembrandt, bottom centre. <br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-cinJDs1Jw41FbKsqKVPsu0UEjOjiaQpgakTBk9cYSp9BWfPlYIuJXUG1G-5zGJIIFemYjEMkEJeB94epjtnzUQoIcS3GFN1fqn_78ge1-f-VBDIs2MOE_gbBGOPhHph9WuMyVm84ttqp1fRC7tF3TKEUP3LCykvCw4Q5UIXLmkkttpnS88IkSkssUAQr/s1280/Wallace%20Collection%20(10).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-cinJDs1Jw41FbKsqKVPsu0UEjOjiaQpgakTBk9cYSp9BWfPlYIuJXUG1G-5zGJIIFemYjEMkEJeB94epjtnzUQoIcS3GFN1fqn_78ge1-f-VBDIs2MOE_gbBGOPhHph9WuMyVm84ttqp1fRC7tF3TKEUP3LCykvCw4Q5UIXLmkkttpnS88IkSkssUAQr/w400-h300/Wallace%20Collection%20(10).jpeg" width="400" /></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">The East Drawing Room had rich red walls and more Old Dutch Masters. These included Antwerp artists such as Reubens.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwV9upfeV_vbsuU2ac88hyKkj-1mZ5ULtHBZRwCZy2af05jM0hYpyMIexAeh-tvOBxQDjXKo6Qh-tD2OWS7YEvsZrtFrT3NHJqymPO6rKKz58A9KCyCpfBt8k_7k2sH5r7J3b7YxXTVJWjr_iSDzkVjasG6JwIVYqyn6cQ6s5L40HMP6vxU-G8YOsbM9s/s1280/Wallace%20Collection%20(12).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwV9upfeV_vbsuU2ac88hyKkj-1mZ5ULtHBZRwCZy2af05jM0hYpyMIexAeh-tvOBxQDjXKo6Qh-tD2OWS7YEvsZrtFrT3NHJqymPO6rKKz58A9KCyCpfBt8k_7k2sH5r7J3b7YxXTVJWjr_iSDzkVjasG6JwIVYqyn6cQ6s5L40HMP6vxU-G8YOsbM9s/w300-h400/Wallace%20Collection%20(12).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>With all the different coloured rooms, I loved the views through all the doorways. <br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP9Xw0a4qhHqbpgS5HquPoG0TJXRuY1NxQCYQp3-26wGk6X8M32hxCczdeZcZl3EV_zYHGhdCeQGYK4Kbd_pDtrtnF9qGw4_XkRdmc-gw-ipOZ3zY3L8LbzCBrMmyE7AagFHWTjs8pZUvzVl4M5k5rTOPwCMwKOIO4R9KYtabjz3WgbufPG8nrq7GVYilA/s1280/Wallace%20Collection%20(14).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP9Xw0a4qhHqbpgS5HquPoG0TJXRuY1NxQCYQp3-26wGk6X8M32hxCczdeZcZl3EV_zYHGhdCeQGYK4Kbd_pDtrtnF9qGw4_XkRdmc-gw-ipOZ3zY3L8LbzCBrMmyE7AagFHWTjs8pZUvzVl4M5k5rTOPwCMwKOIO4R9KYtabjz3WgbufPG8nrq7GVYilA/w300-h400/Wallace%20Collection%20(14).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div></div><p>The Small Drawing Room had a lot of 18th Century French art. You can see here how the rooms have plenty of space for visitors to walk through. Some of the pictures of the rooms in Richard Wallace's day show far more crowded rooms.<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYArKW31YfTOS8HY9gOH4qZdi9bskgxwOrYb8zY3EQS-wOPFZjnXSaI5lI4H192YEwrLIeS9tNG7nPK0NE2sa0BxChvKhc6ohT_mw6JZWj4XAw_B9PPY9HuiiK5VzQ9x2EHLHPtrWbEixcj-ZTd4VqrOogEN8-mKUhgST5BO0iINqLMn5LwjyuEI_oONP/s1280/Wallace%20Collection%20(13).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYArKW31YfTOS8HY9gOH4qZdi9bskgxwOrYb8zY3EQS-wOPFZjnXSaI5lI4H192YEwrLIeS9tNG7nPK0NE2sa0BxChvKhc6ohT_mw6JZWj4XAw_B9PPY9HuiiK5VzQ9x2EHLHPtrWbEixcj-ZTd4VqrOogEN8-mKUhgST5BO0iINqLMn5LwjyuEI_oONP/w400-h300/Wallace%20Collection%20(13).jpeg" width="400" /></a></p><p>It was fascinating to see two of a set of 18th Century Perpetual Almanacs (or calendars) that were made for King Louis XV. They are enamel with gold frames and feature January to March amd April to June. Enamel plaques display the months, Zodiac signs, phases of the moon, days of the week, dates and saints days. Imagine what they would have thought of digital displays!<br /><br /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2mZUIay-WbzBuNvTsUvb4gEE1bx4eT7X_zgTqmoO-kAQVCKlzgQNUeVTSR_uGkOhXMebchuZFQGbwiy3GTbwWZJgfu5BQwNFWo0Qs-PmNvZz8g0Mfwt9ANG17h5eBbQuU4O-RX4W7_PMKmD8W8V2gxGiceNNkOVmeGqmPeFV517SsF_xInT7scE-YMnFP/s1280/Wallace%20Collection%20(15).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2mZUIay-WbzBuNvTsUvb4gEE1bx4eT7X_zgTqmoO-kAQVCKlzgQNUeVTSR_uGkOhXMebchuZFQGbwiy3GTbwWZJgfu5BQwNFWo0Qs-PmNvZz8g0Mfwt9ANG17h5eBbQuU4O-RX4W7_PMKmD8W8V2gxGiceNNkOVmeGqmPeFV517SsF_xInT7scE-YMnFP/w400-h300/Wallace%20Collection%20(15).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The green walled Large Drawing Room was used for entertaining. It featured monumental Boulle furniture and large Dutch paintings.<br /><br /></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxI5Q27jj7NTm46O87md08OoPT7Xgf9E6cVyEkl8J72gaCJSWEeDBebU4_M-n9zNpfkhx3Hg3T_hS0AtEnvg5K9DY00s8Gg4MdoIrmGingFttANNnst8WgL5xkvyP3X8Q2W8xo53c8OQTUiv96ve1Qv8t85uL3aT1oR2-1JjH6GF0Po6_f2aC8kdsaa1yz/s1280/Wallace%20Collection%20(16).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxI5Q27jj7NTm46O87md08OoPT7Xgf9E6cVyEkl8J72gaCJSWEeDBebU4_M-n9zNpfkhx3Hg3T_hS0AtEnvg5K9DY00s8Gg4MdoIrmGingFttANNnst8WgL5xkvyP3X8Q2W8xo53c8OQTUiv96ve1Qv8t85uL3aT1oR2-1JjH6GF0Po6_f2aC8kdsaa1yz/w400-h400/Wallace%20Collection%20(16).jpeg" width="400" /></a></p><p></p><p>This was probably my favourite room because I loved the gorgeous green walls and the enormous Londonderry bookcase.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWmcqsc1ux5XMNRdBJbi4q6vWy5XjumCvgd3bVEk9ZDm6710RsqGRXiIa6cAssoDOs-r_mZJbL_TbjsExHy6-4-pOtlwVMPCq2L1L4l3fvYnlTOm5dIW6JAXVcY8I2dKUaK8ulXUteSHIoYlqpoGf7_9GYPklmP_Ba7IsbOGu_xzz8oO2P0htLz2DFP_Nu/s1280/Wallace%20Collection%20(19).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWmcqsc1ux5XMNRdBJbi4q6vWy5XjumCvgd3bVEk9ZDm6710RsqGRXiIa6cAssoDOs-r_mZJbL_TbjsExHy6-4-pOtlwVMPCq2L1L4l3fvYnlTOm5dIW6JAXVcY8I2dKUaK8ulXUteSHIoYlqpoGf7_9GYPklmP_Ba7IsbOGu_xzz8oO2P0htLz2DFP_Nu/w400-h300/Wallace%20Collection%20(19).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>The adjoining Oval Drawing Room was also used when entertaining. The<span class="tspValue"> desk is a slightly simplified version of the
roll-top desk made for Louis XV and delivered to Versailles in 1769.<br /><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61NGXIl3mp78Bd3NbIuQusg_QDi6phppwXGBpnwPVtENE1CSUiarvt2yXfe_FVKe89GSRg24creTWT0AlUYeBi90lDKHFvDH_TJGGltVwTBg_a9vKqifE87rR-H1nWYqMkxJBx3x4SaEWCvXQ0VMtY53CId7xRGYWmzzz_ssZ6JzTIG5Qj2x-lidKxBd6/s1280/Wallace%20Collection%20(18).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61NGXIl3mp78Bd3NbIuQusg_QDi6phppwXGBpnwPVtENE1CSUiarvt2yXfe_FVKe89GSRg24creTWT0AlUYeBi90lDKHFvDH_TJGGltVwTBg_a9vKqifE87rR-H1nWYqMkxJBx3x4SaEWCvXQ0VMtY53CId7xRGYWmzzz_ssZ6JzTIG5Qj2x-lidKxBd6/w400-h400/Wallace%20Collection%20(18).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Peeking through a doorway to the Study. Underneath the <span class="underline"><span class="tspReferenceLinkList"><span class="tspReferenceLink">Jean-Honoré Fragonard</span> paintings is a fall front desk, folded away neatly. It is far more discreet than the desk in the Oval Drawing Room.<br /><br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmXnr_Yfzr8l29hYR5TzLeUKIFQhaAetWqW-uTkEO4dzueYRxkW9Ak5biNZ2twjC3n0OLAAwqQkri0KJ3Fkhmpk3gvd07hB55VvWX86dju2TMQ0vAR4CLcu7p8WWmnXcTwa-dpu0f7AbjUhODdhrQLT-V4BSIW8vqJ-QH0QqLqANmWYcTVNxr2RIz0c_eR/s1280/Wallace%20Collection%20(20).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmXnr_Yfzr8l29hYR5TzLeUKIFQhaAetWqW-uTkEO4dzueYRxkW9Ak5biNZ2twjC3n0OLAAwqQkri0KJ3Fkhmpk3gvd07hB55VvWX86dju2TMQ0vAR4CLcu7p8WWmnXcTwa-dpu0f7AbjUhODdhrQLT-V4BSIW8vqJ-QH0QqLqANmWYcTVNxr2RIz0c_eR/w400-h300/Wallace%20Collection%20(20).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The Study was very elegant with ethereal romantic French paintings.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglXZi8NFH4cqS6F6dwnOAv6P6lc9ZkbpqotP6SDSWBmM56Ja9u5wb59wgxVyO-7inkZ56E0L16cmd-ekpfEHv-IylW45q2knj5i3VBxfECRGI3mDneYmg82ypFuzXBJlv3wjGDomyiL3mw_jsemryFl28qGY7l8iq7_hnVIkJJQBMaOGrDSwzuAZbdUie-/s1280/Wallace%20Collection%20(22).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglXZi8NFH4cqS6F6dwnOAv6P6lc9ZkbpqotP6SDSWBmM56Ja9u5wb59wgxVyO-7inkZ56E0L16cmd-ekpfEHv-IylW45q2knj5i3VBxfECRGI3mDneYmg82ypFuzXBJlv3wjGDomyiL3mw_jsemryFl28qGY7l8iq7_hnVIkJJQBMaOGrDSwzuAZbdUie-/w400-h400/Wallace%20Collection%20(22).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The details of this mantel clock are so impressive. It features gilt figures of King Louis XVII dressed as a Roman general listening to Minerva, the Roman Goddess of Wisdom. Ironic as he was unable to prevent the French Revolution!<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1ki9uhVSJkvLkVcwEwPpl0ZASy6ALc1PFh7upGnPcFBHKwY7WNvKtfjxw8nEb3FkLgtYihZSzisxNwLV-Kw5bG74amYhRt3JkiV0yaTFl01RfDJ5YAPwNVaFwl5EwcUDkEyirbCYdo-VGvuVfQf1RfvMfPJ4aq__WGvS1XUDwlZPJegLdSp-ErgJeRMb/s1280/Wallace%20Collection%20(25).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1ki9uhVSJkvLkVcwEwPpl0ZASy6ALc1PFh7upGnPcFBHKwY7WNvKtfjxw8nEb3FkLgtYihZSzisxNwLV-Kw5bG74amYhRt3JkiV0yaTFl01RfDJ5YAPwNVaFwl5EwcUDkEyirbCYdo-VGvuVfQf1RfvMfPJ4aq__WGvS1XUDwlZPJegLdSp-ErgJeRMb/w400-h300/Wallace%20Collection%20(25).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p>The West Room displayed splendid 18th Century English portraits by Gainsborough and Reynolds.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhumoOGhtmE-bnvswOT4PYpFHVs8iYtsUaqbJVO-kqDAkE-hVDOj85krcjutI-AUGS1xTs4srrYlRC7b1aZUDThTW8qEg1BRA1qFSzv0hKYPpmIdACNZsBnjIL4GkPnS21LYq4jYCngGh1H2XSraC1DWWceWJPo06i-LWVSPKpGyJrUNwJnucrgm3cxFOD5/s1280/Wallace%20Collection%20(26).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhumoOGhtmE-bnvswOT4PYpFHVs8iYtsUaqbJVO-kqDAkE-hVDOj85krcjutI-AUGS1xTs4srrYlRC7b1aZUDThTW8qEg1BRA1qFSzv0hKYPpmIdACNZsBnjIL4GkPnS21LYq4jYCngGh1H2XSraC1DWWceWJPo06i-LWVSPKpGyJrUNwJnucrgm3cxFOD5/w400-h300/Wallace%20Collection%20(26).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The West Gallery I has stunning landscapes of Venice by Canaletto and Guardi. They were acquired by the first Marquess on a visit to Italy. <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXs0_-RRyIz0-eAg7pgB3xQZJO9ozem5FXzz5DxYugAxqQt9HZlL4blIkBvnLUzNHzRVJEBaayTjpUT40hOOylsX2JLbiAM0xOaszPwmDQMPV5r7kQwyrtRSMyuPSa3gUbW6p8RMtOPuWNAvSQEdBtlgOED0FkRQi2UlNt3REy5UxO1cHeh1mE0hdZO7s/s1280/Wallace%20Collection%20(27).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXs0_-RRyIz0-eAg7pgB3xQZJO9ozem5FXzz5DxYugAxqQt9HZlL4blIkBvnLUzNHzRVJEBaayTjpUT40hOOylsX2JLbiAM0xOaszPwmDQMPV5r7kQwyrtRSMyuPSa3gUbW6p8RMtOPuWNAvSQEdBtlgOED0FkRQi2UlNt3REy5UxO1cHeh1mE0hdZO7s/w400-h300/Wallace%20Collection%20(27).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The purple-walled West Gallery II had plenty of lovely French and British painting. The middle one here is by Delacroix. In the foreground is a display cabinet with covers over its exhibits. I assume this is for conservation purposes but it made it feel slightly naughty to peel back the covers as if peeking at the forbidden.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8pSNnwTgqOldU2HtIReqvfJ3mVaZ_ZcSrm1fpFO1DNy6Yy3hI90kqWVwAkZAAbSpM3S85vGESTtoKUhihXlBFmGgqYBS8sPWbrfCZ6T-jt5O9iOvzMjg6-NyoNMa9o7gVJO5mdgWYWa3GfNByIWNQnEzVp4RQ9uAhhr7TSFFwcwWquSFTTmVskuI_XGve/s1280/Wallace%20Collection%20(39).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8pSNnwTgqOldU2HtIReqvfJ3mVaZ_ZcSrm1fpFO1DNy6Yy3hI90kqWVwAkZAAbSpM3S85vGESTtoKUhihXlBFmGgqYBS8sPWbrfCZ6T-jt5O9iOvzMjg6-NyoNMa9o7gVJO5mdgWYWa3GfNByIWNQnEzVp4RQ9uAhhr7TSFFwcwWquSFTTmVskuI_XGve/w400-h300/Wallace%20Collection%20(39).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>This large painting, Francesca da Rimini, by Ary Scheffer takes pride of place in the West Gallery III. It is a stunning painting of Francesca from Dantes' Inferno with her lover Paolo, as they are condemned with other lustful to the darkness of the second circle of Hell, watched by Dante and his guide Virgil. It is all the more striking for the ornate gilt frame which is an artwork in itself.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFzN1zDT-icc57Ofm9pNQscMyz2Oiko1PLP8xgmohpr91_JcYypiWW9zlvIOfSA41gd4e6eACvS7iOvjqykVr_fqthKB4Qn137GCbV6WMo1SqVH0zSUOfl-OSDpEZCvjBkcMsUJacnFuUrub325-IBCU3t8Rc9IecH0b-6_wSEWdqHTsOrtS4kBzSYMbAi/s1280/Wallace%20Collection%20(30).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFzN1zDT-icc57Ofm9pNQscMyz2Oiko1PLP8xgmohpr91_JcYypiWW9zlvIOfSA41gd4e6eACvS7iOvjqykVr_fqthKB4Qn137GCbV6WMo1SqVH0zSUOfl-OSDpEZCvjBkcMsUJacnFuUrub325-IBCU3t8Rc9IecH0b-6_wSEWdqHTsOrtS4kBzSYMbAi/w400-h300/Wallace%20Collection%20(30).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Finally we came across the Great Gallery which was the end of the rooms of 17th to 19th Century European paintings and sculpture. It included some great artists such as Reubins, Rembrandt and Van Dyck.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXosCkhuI7pxZxJ1FWpy2sgwitwsjlnlc0jKqCVBabqOjlfIzdUSic9ea2t9scZqdT5qf6TvfNc28sNHTyD7lWdXUz57Yc6T6RnRgK6ZJrIZd1eomUqI4Vdr3431-jJj0NOOOarx1zh8ULg7s0WYg7vCsbpGxR4XpcaA9RLQPIWEHUItB0-BBQ26_9Ate/s1280/Wallace%20Collection%20(31).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXosCkhuI7pxZxJ1FWpy2sgwitwsjlnlc0jKqCVBabqOjlfIzdUSic9ea2t9scZqdT5qf6TvfNc28sNHTyD7lWdXUz57Yc6T6RnRgK6ZJrIZd1eomUqI4Vdr3431-jJj0NOOOarx1zh8ULg7s0WYg7vCsbpGxR4XpcaA9RLQPIWEHUItB0-BBQ26_9Ate/w400-h300/Wallace%20Collection%20(31).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The red walls emphasised its grandeur. Here we see the middle painting is by van der Velde the Younger, above it is a der Ring and either side are Rembrandts. The pictures are arranged out equisitely like also an artwork in itself.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHXho16tLMH9TFahTAYcUwp6LUGY_WFCM5P83eo5mK6oijXiVmvi8CK2HDMPgA8Y5Oh9bJYlRaVGWPM-8c4YnMsOfRkD-4vaubmchaw0udbT7NK_tLz1ZGEf9R0u6VY7wgX3BbLcKTUuYrKojlWVpT_lw4nerz5Jrk5-kXhLBLwqraAVZusuQ7YNEIEmi/s1280/Wallace%20Collection%20(32).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHXho16tLMH9TFahTAYcUwp6LUGY_WFCM5P83eo5mK6oijXiVmvi8CK2HDMPgA8Y5Oh9bJYlRaVGWPM-8c4YnMsOfRkD-4vaubmchaw0udbT7NK_tLz1ZGEf9R0u6VY7wgX3BbLcKTUuYrKojlWVpT_lw4nerz5Jrk5-kXhLBLwqraAVZusuQ7YNEIEmi/w400-h300/Wallace%20Collection%20(32).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>And here is another Canaletto painting of Venice in yet another grand frame.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6p_vsG1WzfI7Cs_09pSmWV65LdiPj1qud-A0W7vTz42F7bkPMZl0DwhbyJOpkIAlcD2kt8o08DVMm7y1ME5AAKj9eSgiYutHkNteYIciHL5MNYV-1QxUrmZ3ofuR2GzmImCyV6Zjwa505Qm4bPV2kmpiIlB62K0EKPFhIcq8CQoSWu53zF_rNAWOh607f/s1280/Wallace%20Collection%20(33).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6p_vsG1WzfI7Cs_09pSmWV65LdiPj1qud-A0W7vTz42F7bkPMZl0DwhbyJOpkIAlcD2kt8o08DVMm7y1ME5AAKj9eSgiYutHkNteYIciHL5MNYV-1QxUrmZ3ofuR2GzmImCyV6Zjwa505Qm4bPV2kmpiIlB62K0EKPFhIcq8CQoSWu53zF_rNAWOh607f/w400-h400/Wallace%20Collection%20(33).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p>I loved these round seats that seem to encourage admiring the artwork rather than chatting to your neighbour. So much art to love and yet by the Great Gallery we were at the stage where we had seen so much that we were tiring.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgryxaME7VmTV39RZiW483zhYlerJK6th-GR-MBGRqTWHIky-Zn1wD0SjGI6qHvpf-S2UtKjLdcXnVHBkdlQhSlqFtSlPoFABPPHacVHZs6ai7dv7ECnoXIIFZt9kLrLuD0UpsvHRjMIy52620ysNJDQdCn0vtdYu1hNlsWpJm2wtYX4vEB_Vdx34Rki71x/s1280/Wallace%20Collection%20(41).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgryxaME7VmTV39RZiW483zhYlerJK6th-GR-MBGRqTWHIky-Zn1wD0SjGI6qHvpf-S2UtKjLdcXnVHBkdlQhSlqFtSlPoFABPPHacVHZs6ai7dv7ECnoXIIFZt9kLrLuD0UpsvHRjMIy52620ysNJDQdCn0vtdYu1hNlsWpJm2wtYX4vEB_Vdx34Rki71x/w400-h300/Wallace%20Collection%20(41).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>We walked through the Armoury with many suits of armour, swords and other weapons of war. <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJhsL4nKkNGX-jR1bMyfq_oGpisCTej8fXuspxlSAB-AswgTckYzlb95r8JWtAEQ_b9SFebQKiMVTf4Pxzv3y2hSJpKY267aNnwErXKutFMXH24rYcWEVKv6-tMgciHQR5ZSpdR8_XryHSupoQzUbVnxIxsLle8OXyxuxgyTSkWMP2kRjKa4cgzUiESV-v/s1280/Wallace%20Collection%20(42).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJhsL4nKkNGX-jR1bMyfq_oGpisCTej8fXuspxlSAB-AswgTckYzlb95r8JWtAEQ_b9SFebQKiMVTf4Pxzv3y2hSJpKY267aNnwErXKutFMXH24rYcWEVKv6-tMgciHQR5ZSpdR8_XryHSupoQzUbVnxIxsLle8OXyxuxgyTSkWMP2kRjKa4cgzUiESV-v/w400-h300/Wallace%20Collection%20(42).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>This armour display of the rider on the horse was particularly impressive. </p><p>I could not help by wonder if you owned all that armour if you would try on the armour and maybe even invite over a friend (if you could not convince your wife to join in) and get them to try on the armour as well so you could play with the weapons.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3uSteXbqrn-6LIaL-QG0Jzgqz3UqYlAT0x5ARm-brIGz5sF9M_2rxLB80oRYpQsFeODgLLDZSMqci4QruGEZFY893I0OjiAttvLBfceKSrdFxpesW6yLWFvAXwTIgdz4wTUviIRg621J4sT4YSiIXXmuQ57Kywhag981Fts8IcNdu8NuSv4w1U-MgBRGn/s1280/Wallace%20Collection%20(44).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3uSteXbqrn-6LIaL-QG0Jzgqz3UqYlAT0x5ARm-brIGz5sF9M_2rxLB80oRYpQsFeODgLLDZSMqci4QruGEZFY893I0OjiAttvLBfceKSrdFxpesW6yLWFvAXwTIgdz4wTUviIRg621J4sT4YSiIXXmuQ57Kywhag981Fts8IcNdu8NuSv4w1U-MgBRGn/w400-h300/Wallace%20Collection%20(44).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Lastly we saw a temporary exhibition: "Turner and Bonington: Watercolours from the Wallace Collection" in the Housekeepers Room and a quick flick through the Gift Shop. Then we were back at the Entrance Hall and it was time to leave because they were locking up fo the night.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrOa6h1rJjv0PZrCeU2VpygZzVMPFNUNC-KqpT8Gg79THolvtnb6BebO_5g7DCL5YiQELJm4ec5ypBOpgNElM9mCcOxrkxwESyha7OhaCfSaRt10Bra-tfgeHsdkoSd479V2CW2H7033B0p542odqL6JMB7tV6T7B2GiF-F2ae9ysvFkWur3qI1NqnnkO1/s1200/wallace-collection_collage.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrOa6h1rJjv0PZrCeU2VpygZzVMPFNUNC-KqpT8Gg79THolvtnb6BebO_5g7DCL5YiQELJm4ec5ypBOpgNElM9mCcOxrkxwESyha7OhaCfSaRt10Bra-tfgeHsdkoSd479V2CW2H7033B0p542odqL6JMB7tV6T7B2GiF-F2ae9ysvFkWur3qI1NqnnkO1/w400-h400/wallace-collection_collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>This collage shows a few more details from the Collection. I missed some of the main attractions but really loved some that were not necesarily the stars of the show. One of the joys of going to a gallery with no map or informatin is that you miss some stars and enjoy some more obscure works. You go with your gut. After all, though all signs point to the Mona Lisa in the Louvre and it feels like a must see I wonder if it would be a favourite pictures without all the prompting.<br /><br /></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjSP9737PEwbZeokkF2x6WHmYqkAHDW_AU0iWM0kL-FyGYkNHn6VksuDExVdC1u551_Bna4YYIxBjzB3dkiHDxXl0tkrUTzZ18ZfRcqyGfQv7qfL1eXgji0OoLMjGkoSilv-rm2DWS8B6uBTLWEeVN8GbfoO0Ke7R3sNjXH-FeDqHCacLbl38_nS-0cTQU/s1280/Wallace%20Collection%20(40).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjSP9737PEwbZeokkF2x6WHmYqkAHDW_AU0iWM0kL-FyGYkNHn6VksuDExVdC1u551_Bna4YYIxBjzB3dkiHDxXl0tkrUTzZ18ZfRcqyGfQv7qfL1eXgji0OoLMjGkoSilv-rm2DWS8B6uBTLWEeVN8GbfoO0Ke7R3sNjXH-FeDqHCacLbl38_nS-0cTQU/w300-h400/Wallace%20Collection%20(40).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p>We left the magnificent building with its amazing collection and found ourselves Manchester Square in the darkening evening, inspecting our Google Maps to try and find a route to the bus that might go past somewhere to eat. You can read more interesting information in this article with "<a href="https://www.diaryofalondoness.com/the-wallace-collection-london/" target="_blank">10 reasons why you should visit the Wallace Collection.</a>"<br /></p>Johanna GGGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08594201473931487490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6742756814967464811.post-65320941345227384322024-03-13T22:06:00.003+11:002024-03-14T12:05:52.511+11:00London: Westminister Abbey<div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNm5rF_xs2BHwWe31NdSIyM3v5XFID_0zNaxOSXlJ-CY6HUgyiKEaDsSHN5f55ezvq2M1jbpDkBwQZGFZKooGhWRsei8zNfXZkgYaMTv-4DFKpIKbpL0AyTKOkwawnN_pNhfEMnNbzIWC4_kw-B8kkdBxseOUZ7pThuvksmxShwmySx75FErs4jCcZQHlW/s1280/Westminster%20Abbey%20(34).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNm5rF_xs2BHwWe31NdSIyM3v5XFID_0zNaxOSXlJ-CY6HUgyiKEaDsSHN5f55ezvq2M1jbpDkBwQZGFZKooGhWRsei8zNfXZkgYaMTv-4DFKpIKbpL0AyTKOkwawnN_pNhfEMnNbzIWC4_kw-B8kkdBxseOUZ7pThuvksmxShwmySx75FErs4jCcZQHlW/w300-h400/Westminster%20Abbey%20(34).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Westminster Abbey is like the epicentre of English history. It has been the scene of royal weddings and coronations for around 1000 years. The building is crammed with royal tombs, burials and memorials to many great and ordinary people including politicians, statesmen, aristocrats, knights, military heroes, poets, artists, scientists and the unknown soldier. It is overwhelming and awe-inspiring. Everywhere I turned was a familiar name, a beautiful work of art or an amazing story. (Note: this is a long blog post because there was so much to see and reflect upon.)<br /></p><p>When I first visited Westminster Abbey in 1996, it was free and I was only weighed down by a backpack! Almost 30 years later I went with my 14 year old daughter and paid <span>£29 for both of us. So many lifetimes have passed between these visits. I can remember at least one occasion I refused to visit when I was annoyed that they had started charging to enter and I think I went there for evensong. I found <a href="https://www.ianvisits.co.uk/articles/westminster-abbey-lifts-its-ban-on-photography-39436/" target="_blank">an article</a> from 2020 saying that Westminster had lifted the ban on photos and that entry was </span><span>£18. Imagine the place being so much cheaper but no photos!<br /></span></p><p><span>During this visit I was able to take so many photos with my smartphone but I do not remember if I was permitted to take photos in 1996. The swag of photos is a tyranny of choice and reveals how little I took in. Looking back through a lot of photos can be overwhelming, especially when it was quite a rushed visit. Sometimes when time-poor as a tourist I take photos with the intention of finding out more about them later. Hence this post has taken quite a lot of time because I have had to search for information about many of my photos, mainly on the <a href="https://www.westminster-abbey.org/" target="_blank">Westminster Abbey website</a>, because I love stories and details! Even if I don't get to hear them when I am in situ. There was a freedom of sorts to just look when developing camera film was expensive and I had no notions of searching online back in 1996.<br /><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtmsEF4tyLmJxWx2LesK-TcKtspL_ShpwlLU9mr8NWJZQeDjgJFTejZWQiwWG8L0BTS2XA18vQDj3K5HP7Fq4oM-w8Ti3hgwE2XsFL7mE6RDHm1h-7va8CY5sFX8ki63K6xCw97j74jiFz_2WTYXm27hwCVO3fRGvbUAPPimoE-psZy0pVB6w_VX2XrL5H/s1280/Westminster%20Abbey.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtmsEF4tyLmJxWx2LesK-TcKtspL_ShpwlLU9mr8NWJZQeDjgJFTejZWQiwWG8L0BTS2XA18vQDj3K5HP7Fq4oM-w8Ti3hgwE2XsFL7mE6RDHm1h-7va8CY5sFX8ki63K6xCw97j74jiFz_2WTYXm27hwCVO3fRGvbUAPPimoE-psZy0pVB6w_VX2XrL5H/w400-h400/Westminster%20Abbey.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>We visited on our busy last day in London between London Eye and the Wallace Collection. Sylvia was hangry and decided she did not want to go in. I was determined I would. So I stood in a long (albeit fast-moving) queue with my teenage daughter berating me about how much she did not want to go in and what a terrible mother I was. It was not my favourite moment of the trip. I was happy when I arrived at the door to find that an adult ticket was the same price as the family ticket for an adult and one child. At least I didn't have to pay to take her in through the Abbey to the cafe.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1v-4PJuOt_KXj5Y_Fga24J6WoijDCV7cQ17O7hyFuXeQ3mq8QkSYUngpGOy6MsLnxiyCDw2yjsIuc2X3fu-AlyVE8cpIb2H0BncTN9AWjC5Txe94yLsF7XxEKauR186SMTcPWIOvKTSY53XJH1-qI1OuehHgMhepXx3F7dEfE6w58hcdUSx9OxhqTQ_H/s1280/Westminster%20Abbey%20(28).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1v-4PJuOt_KXj5Y_Fga24J6WoijDCV7cQ17O7hyFuXeQ3mq8QkSYUngpGOy6MsLnxiyCDw2yjsIuc2X3fu-AlyVE8cpIb2H0BncTN9AWjC5Txe94yLsF7XxEKauR186SMTcPWIOvKTSY53XJH1-qI1OuehHgMhepXx3F7dEfE6w58hcdUSx9OxhqTQ_H/w300-h400/Westminster%20Abbey%20(28).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div></div><div><p></p><p>We entered through the North entrance into the Statemen's Aisle under this impressive stained
glass rose window from 1722. (Not much <a href="https://www.westminster-abbey.org/history/explore-our-history/stained-glass" target="_blank">stained glass</a> from prior to the 18th Century remains.) We were greeted by elaborate sculptures of familiar names such as William Pitt (1708-1778), Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881) and William Gladstone (1809-1898). There was a lot of looking up and trying to take photos to avoid the crowds here which does not always make for the best photos. </p><p>I picked up a (free) headset for a self-guided tour. But when I spoke to the staff member there about finding out way to the cafe I was told I could not take the headset so I would have to leave it there and return for it. <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd1PRBsWFLhHKsFFfPutWf9lE3S9sh_KYYuxnmSUzqCQoNq6Rs3W1ldXCohtr7KB76WEbdGJFYUHzB8NQIxNaqmSLr-ktz-bPAvRy3kqIbLWoNRW_C2rTrSTLAuf-cZLCeyNEIbCxHsldMpisGkVSTvYeJo_YWMgxnMNBJpk8Pyv-ApG9Inss9v_Hk06ZA/s1280/Westminster%20Abbey%20(1).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1230" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd1PRBsWFLhHKsFFfPutWf9lE3S9sh_KYYuxnmSUzqCQoNq6Rs3W1ldXCohtr7KB76WEbdGJFYUHzB8NQIxNaqmSLr-ktz-bPAvRy3kqIbLWoNRW_C2rTrSTLAuf-cZLCeyNEIbCxHsldMpisGkVSTvYeJo_YWMgxnMNBJpk8Pyv-ApG9Inss9v_Hk06ZA/w385-h400/Westminster%20Abbey%20(1).jpeg" width="385" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p>We walked to the cafe through the nave and the cloisters (above photo). So many amazing memorials, carvings, arches and vaulted ceilings to pass to get there. Sylvia could not avoid its beauty. She even took a few photos.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCXivVnaLsqemEKYJEyQqkizK2796O6-smvSFcUHGb2F7-CH-tDJAm1wz089LCGt0RY0nKuPr0hyOnewz5-IFk4zbs4sf56Y3grapC4eEXMwVdHRwIO3V0c_CYs1ExB_Y6TqKphdR7il9lxjD72g_jAWRSvGh3Bo32O6yahpoGUUUxUJKhp_9iXl7fwXU/s1280/Westminster%20Abbey%20(33).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCXivVnaLsqemEKYJEyQqkizK2796O6-smvSFcUHGb2F7-CH-tDJAm1wz089LCGt0RY0nKuPr0hyOnewz5-IFk4zbs4sf56Y3grapC4eEXMwVdHRwIO3V0c_CYs1ExB_Y6TqKphdR7il9lxjD72g_jAWRSvGh3Bo32O6yahpoGUUUxUJKhp_9iXl7fwXU/w400-h300/Westminster%20Abbey%20(33).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><a href="https://www.westminster-abbey.org/visit-us/food-drink" target="_blank">The Cellarium Cafe</a> is quite near the exit via the cloisters. Like the rest of the Abbey, the room impresses with its historic architecture. We were seated at pews at a long table that we shared with others,<br /> <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwBYw29ZFVTVInyNtGNfKq8hq92kYmYG7ira3omjocfezipQIFYFH8wCFQ3nJBYGftcLYUZ5NHHsSrNjUgiEWzsUvKZgJ1MeKj8wkSKNP4z9wPc1kL6ulxPSy9EXmlzP0IyEQe5uFejJQnzoFVH2Mq1Kfp9rYL2lOeH7vgXsPuKg_eyXIjX8EVNEKZTWJB/s667/Westminster%20Abbey%20(36).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="375" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwBYw29ZFVTVInyNtGNfKq8hq92kYmYG7ira3omjocfezipQIFYFH8wCFQ3nJBYGftcLYUZ5NHHsSrNjUgiEWzsUvKZgJ1MeKj8wkSKNP4z9wPc1kL6ulxPSy9EXmlzP0IyEQe5uFejJQnzoFVH2Mq1Kfp9rYL2lOeH7vgXsPuKg_eyXIjX8EVNEKZTWJB/w225-h400/Westminster%20Abbey%20(36).jpeg" width="225" /></a></div><p></p><p>I ordered the soup of the day which was a spicy tomato and capsicum soup (I think). The spices overwhelmed rather than complementing the vegetables and it was not great. I wanted something quick before heading back out to soak up the history. Sylvia was there for the long run and ordered a hot chocolate and a Basil gnocchi with sun-dried tomato tapenade, lovage pesto, pine kernels, and cheese. She loved it so much, though she put the pine nuts to the side.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahzk1QRnbespFNEl1ntUsdaed4x1uhN0mAZBFGr0wSY62q5KcHEtm_e7XK5Z8SFeN_dht9gHlzGevcTdmtAFBUnaNKz3K16kOMvoC4x7UiHOvr3x-Y01P5-HA_DYvwHnnSHxYgr1IJbXC13Mc9S-5IlhrgFYz-kc6_ZHt-X7UR7vjCUbCoosp38WdRSrI/s525/Westminster%20Abbey%20(35).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="375" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahzk1QRnbespFNEl1ntUsdaed4x1uhN0mAZBFGr0wSY62q5KcHEtm_e7XK5Z8SFeN_dht9gHlzGevcTdmtAFBUnaNKz3K16kOMvoC4x7UiHOvr3x-Y01P5-HA_DYvwHnnSHxYgr1IJbXC13Mc9S-5IlhrgFYz-kc6_ZHt-X7UR7vjCUbCoosp38WdRSrI/w286-h400/Westminster%20Abbey%20(35).jpeg" width="286" /></a></div><p></p><p>I then ordered her a Sticky toffee pudding with salted caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream. I didn't even stay to check how it looked or tasted. This is Sylvia's photo of the pudding about which she was most complimentary. <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAwjGhJBHVp6-PS_UqYU5znfOMuMHDGbRL0i4Uf18uWkSsI_6ZHKnhJR3GpYxwuNuv51MBzTW0zcMd4yL0_THWzFVtQIHApS7jM-GL8Ib9RS0UW-HrM0-nhta12DcTkYeu8GUzl2X-GNEFNJ7rdq6834CfHS9Zb3aRAgD3Kqx64-G33hdzLlW0VA0UuBi1/s1280/Westminster%20Abbey%20(2).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAwjGhJBHVp6-PS_UqYU5znfOMuMHDGbRL0i4Uf18uWkSsI_6ZHKnhJR3GpYxwuNuv51MBzTW0zcMd4yL0_THWzFVtQIHApS7jM-GL8Ib9RS0UW-HrM0-nhta12DcTkYeu8GUzl2X-GNEFNJ7rdq6834CfHS9Zb3aRAgD3Kqx64-G33hdzLlW0VA0UuBi1/w400-h300/Westminster%20Abbey%20(2).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Meanwhile I had a lot to see and pressure not to be too long while she waited. I hurriedly backtracked through the cloisters and the nave to regain my headset commentary. I confess to being a bit impatient with the commentary. There were various levels of information and I skimmed across it as quickly as I could and I found the Abbey a little confusing. (The clearest <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westminster_Abbey#/media/File:55_of_'Paterson's_Guide_Book_to_England_and_Wales._With_maps_and_plans_..._1886,_etc'_(11183025004).jpg" target="_blank">map of the Abbey</a> I have found since my visit is at Wikipedia.) I understand it better now I have had time to read about it and wish I could go around it again. But I do not regret that I made sure to see it. <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd8GVpXuBlZg7kbDkqwYC21Ype1nI_eyxrC0eg0hroTJkCB-ID9yTlefOJylhyphenhyphenuj4aeFU5u8C-ILs1Kcz0SYagapsIdAxdKJPdKynjKHMofUwAkMH9DwKLRFI1P8nSdDGRo-j_zloQiqQi6pqJ1oYKAlqF9bnNQVpoljy9UYj6zb3wGiI0g_odt7BYNPTj/s1280/Westminster%20Abbey%20(4).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd8GVpXuBlZg7kbDkqwYC21Ype1nI_eyxrC0eg0hroTJkCB-ID9yTlefOJylhyphenhyphenuj4aeFU5u8C-ILs1Kcz0SYagapsIdAxdKJPdKynjKHMofUwAkMH9DwKLRFI1P8nSdDGRo-j_zloQiqQi6pqJ1oYKAlqF9bnNQVpoljy9UYj6zb3wGiI0g_odt7BYNPTj/w300-h400/Westminster%20Abbey%20(4).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>When I watch a movie I like to google people and stories on my phone to fill in the gaps and work out where I have seen that actor before. Going through Westminster Abbey was a bit like watching a long movie without listening to the commentary very well and without time to check details on my phone. Names of the dead jumped out at me everywhere that I knew I had come across somewhere in names of towns, streets and institutions or that I had read about in history and literature or head mentioned somewhere.</p><p><a href="https://www.westminster-abbey.org/abbey-commemorations/commemorations/william-wilberforce-family#i13269" target="_blank">Willliam Wilberforce</a> (1759-1833) is a good example. I cannot think where I have heard about him but he sounded familiar. When I read about his leadership in the movement to abolish slavery, how he changed political and social attitudes and was a role model to evangelicals, I can't help but think it is just a name you hear every now and again.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQcaq2iHclyj-tg00H9856zNZVXPd4gVnfP3Ued1Gn_9shl_QEsy19s4xjOj2AVQ6vJ7YaP6BlYcY0ZwTuX_6ZzCdV3LP5GQo_zXCiSL2QqMF8Nv_irkl4dkP-8KBPY1bkenh-zksvU9AWtoianHTw4tZyCakCKras45uhym-w0eaHVL7LtOTgH-_Lvj2/s1280/Westminster%20Abbey%20(5).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQcaq2iHclyj-tg00H9856zNZVXPd4gVnfP3Ued1Gn_9shl_QEsy19s4xjOj2AVQ6vJ7YaP6BlYcY0ZwTuX_6ZzCdV3LP5GQo_zXCiSL2QqMF8Nv_irkl4dkP-8KBPY1bkenh-zksvU9AWtoianHTw4tZyCakCKras45uhym-w0eaHVL7LtOTgH-_Lvj2/w300-h400/Westminster%20Abbey%20(5).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Many of the burials and memorials are slabs in the floor. It feels slightly disrespectful to walk on them - like going to a cemetery and walking over all the graves - but also hard to avoid. This North East corner of the nave had a cluster of scientists. It is also hard to avoid including other visitors in some of these photos. In this above photo the white slab is <a href="https://www.westminster-abbey.org/abbey-commemorations/commemorations/charles-darwin" target="_blank">Charles Darwin</a>'s grave (1809-1882), buried next to the lesser known but eminent scientist, <a href="https://www.westminster-abbey.org/abbey-commemorations/commemorations/william-john-herschel" target="_blank">Sir John Herschel</a> (1792-1871). Herschel and his family made great contributions to science: he established the first observatory in the Southern Hemisphere, his father discovered the planet Uranus, and his eldest son developed fingerprinting. Just ahead of Darwin's grave is the memorial stone of Australia's <a href="https://www.westminster-abbey.org/abbey-commemorations/commemorations/howard-florey" target="_blank">Howard Florey</a> (1898-1968) who is "celebrated for making Alexander Fleming's discovery of penicillin into a clinically useable product thus initiating the era of antibiotics." The Florey is a well known research institute in Melbourne.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjka_74dc0QXHv6EGR2KOV6RVeqZzK485gGp_FTooTa_UWspMDcFg5WZ18dU8VjpepdV6XZcJt3mq5Fej1oOoXtsehNwaBFSmnCCJF-TrMV3MMIBB9bHtVmlKKV8NCb4QoBJpdiBoxDguy1yaMgPchLPeXvFo-yVftA9fIVtd5Ws-o5m_tAUAh3z35kvQ-W/s1280/Westminster%20Abbey%20(6).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjka_74dc0QXHv6EGR2KOV6RVeqZzK485gGp_FTooTa_UWspMDcFg5WZ18dU8VjpepdV6XZcJt3mq5Fej1oOoXtsehNwaBFSmnCCJF-TrMV3MMIBB9bHtVmlKKV8NCb4QoBJpdiBoxDguy1yaMgPchLPeXvFo-yVftA9fIVtd5Ws-o5m_tAUAh3z35kvQ-W/w300-h400/Westminster%20Abbey%20(6).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div></div><div><p>The grave of Mrs Jane Hill, who was born <a href="https://www.westminster-abbey.org/abbey-commemorations/commemorations/jane-stoteville#i12784" target="_blank">Jane Stoteville</a> (c1553-1631) is the oldest monument in the nave. She was married twice, bore six sons and three daughters. One of her sons was a gentleman waiter to King James I and a cup bearer to King Charles I. She must have been pious because she is represented kneeling in prayer and on a plaque beneath a small skeleton in a winding sheet the Latin inscription can be translated as "Death is gain to me"<br /><br /></p><p></p></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5TQTWtLzNuaI8fMMcgJP9rKCr7USkyMOtB605MucyvXd0Fw_gB_WRo-5IyD3EFShIXRFW-NvBHDYjaNlgP05rQvvcg6q2Fqstk7FiNNKTFoOJL05sH1vVo_qvx-GfePfyZagb1VHqHHBW6cHVcT01g8pdqW2HpbSu-r9VHRpJ_LYRBnCvkdZtfX3Zer9/s1280/Westminster%20Abbey%20(3).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5TQTWtLzNuaI8fMMcgJP9rKCr7USkyMOtB605MucyvXd0Fw_gB_WRo-5IyD3EFShIXRFW-NvBHDYjaNlgP05rQvvcg6q2Fqstk7FiNNKTFoOJL05sH1vVo_qvx-GfePfyZagb1VHqHHBW6cHVcT01g8pdqW2HpbSu-r9VHRpJ_LYRBnCvkdZtfX3Zer9/w300-h400/Westminster%20Abbey%20(3).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div></div><p><a href="https://www.westminster-abbey.org/history/explore-our-history/nave" target="_blank">The nave</a> is part of the Gothic church that was <a href="https://www.westminster-abbey.org/history/explore-our-history/architecture" target="_blank">built</a> by King Henry III and consecrated in 1269 but not completed until 1517. This is the church we know today with towering pointed arches and a ribbed vaulted ceiling. The Abbey has the highest Gothic vault in England. Many of us will find it a familiar sight from images of royal weddings, coronations and funerals. Who could not find it a magnificent sight!<br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjKgmW9bL6J2POArIUvE8DTaABtlIzWBMlGBV_FhXAszkJOQbJDJu9ONNHrE9NJ3JmkoKZYhThfLTEhuVwHBy3p6P6tFReJkoy-yX_AkC9ORstZj1IZH7Z9m81Wr-JVVB823rFPK17gGfGKVqaZrhp5FE3G72xN_WDXYx3_60m8N2jNLeCVlBvzDvNwp5L/s1280/Westminster%20Abbey%20(7).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjKgmW9bL6J2POArIUvE8DTaABtlIzWBMlGBV_FhXAszkJOQbJDJu9ONNHrE9NJ3JmkoKZYhThfLTEhuVwHBy3p6P6tFReJkoy-yX_AkC9ORstZj1IZH7Z9m81Wr-JVVB823rFPK17gGfGKVqaZrhp5FE3G72xN_WDXYx3_60m8N2jNLeCVlBvzDvNwp5L/w300-h400/Westminster%20Abbey%20(7).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>The Quire screen is marvellous and incorporates an impressive monument of Sir Isaac Newton (1642-1727), close to his burial site. He is considered one of the great scientists in history, best known for his theory of gravity inspired by watching an apple fall from a tree. On <a href="https://themathematicaltourist.wordpress.com/2013/09/14/isaac-newtons-tomb/" target="_blank">Newton's monument (as described by the Mathematical Tourist)</a> are signs of how much more he contributed to science: on a sarcophagus, eight little boys are depicted playing with scientific and astronomical instruments such as the reflecting telescope he invented. "Newton is resting on four of his famous books: <i>Divinity, Chronology,
Optiks</i> and the <i>Principia Mathematica</i>. He is pointing to the picture held
up by two angels which represents a mathematical scheme and a formula.
There is a globe over him with the Zodiacal signs graved on it and an
allegory of the Astronomy sitting on the top."</p><p>The epitah on the monument exclaims his greatness: "who by a strength of mind almost divine, and mathematical principles peculiarly his own, explored the course and figures of the planets, the paths of comets, the tides of the sea, the dissimilarities in rays of light, and, what no other scholar has previously imagined, the properties of the colours thus produced. ... Mortals rejoice that there has existed such and so great an ornament of the human race!"<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtzfgOUSMAG6jOZFV1yOKrwlMOhZ3aJmTfdADeTWOtm78w34YaBybpGmw0klSXoeffXL5XdXV8Tt75RdX-ZVapWroK4X5uP8GcEhvOIqtBeeZTDu9BxUPauIT0blOFa-OOIwLPPfAg46wjVTFU5CU08-x5hYJAZnt_qyDBHby4jGTRfqyU-IwcZmEbOk6H/s1280/Westminster%20Abbey%20(8).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtzfgOUSMAG6jOZFV1yOKrwlMOhZ3aJmTfdADeTWOtm78w34YaBybpGmw0klSXoeffXL5XdXV8Tt75RdX-ZVapWroK4X5uP8GcEhvOIqtBeeZTDu9BxUPauIT0blOFa-OOIwLPPfAg46wjVTFU5CU08-x5hYJAZnt_qyDBHby4jGTRfqyU-IwcZmEbOk6H/w300-h400/Westminster%20Abbey%20(8).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>This is <a href="https://www.westminster-abbey.org/history/explore-our-history/the-quire" target="_blank">the Quire</a> (or Choir). On these splendid carved wooden stalls, members of the Westminster Abbey Choir sing daily at choral services such as evensong. It continues the tradition of the Gregorian chants sung by the monks of the monastery. I have vague but wonderful memories of attending Evensong to hear the heavenly harmonies of the traditional hymns.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgbvivXcOC6NaNFE_VhQ0jb3m5vqFLKY06byboFe6BKszU7ltP82sPThZc8r_FokWmhCJ8GNtuhb8o8r4_E1E2kcIOngFgWkLGVewv1EYzkn78SHeXHxPCOiAkWJHnDeIQtitAgahC9Kn2p1BJkvl2HetYKwF4qdIE6qrNZyMXTQrKqkxIJT8mBv13dnaj/s1280/Westminster%20Abbey%20(24).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgbvivXcOC6NaNFE_VhQ0jb3m5vqFLKY06byboFe6BKszU7ltP82sPThZc8r_FokWmhCJ8GNtuhb8o8r4_E1E2kcIOngFgWkLGVewv1EYzkn78SHeXHxPCOiAkWJHnDeIQtitAgahC9Kn2p1BJkvl2HetYKwF4qdIE6qrNZyMXTQrKqkxIJT8mBv13dnaj/w400-h300/Westminster%20Abbey%20(24).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Skimming over the headset information meant I didn't quite get where all the royal tombs were and missed some. With limited knowledge, I believe this was the tomb and shrine of Edward the Confessor in this chapel beyond the arches in the above photo. While it is not open to the public it is a central part of the history of the building. The formal title of the Abbey is the Collegiate Church of Saint Peter at Westminster. It dates back to when according to tradition, a fisherman on the Thames River had a vision of St Peter near the site. A Benedictine Monastery dedicated to St Peter was built on the site in 960AD. </p><p>King and saint <a href="https://www.westminster-abbey.org/abbey-commemorations/royals/edward-the-confessor-and-edith" target="_blank">Edward the Confessor</a> (c1002-1066) had vowed that if he returned from exile to his kingdom he would make a pilgrimage to Rome. Once returned to the throne he was unable to leave his subjects and the Pope released him from the vow on the condition that he found or restore a monastery to St Peter. Note the correlation between the founder of the church and the head of England. Edward built a new Norman style church on the site of the monastery. It was consecrated on 28 Dec 1065 but king too ill to attend and died soon after on 5 January 1066 and was buried in his church. Later in 1269, King Henry III moved his body to a resplendent shrine at the heart of his new Gothic Westminster Abbey building.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxmrrdzcjvKZrxPlnlTpKRCqDfw1dbSWp2lR4zRZmitx3Nbx6gvMktefUFpiJc9Dl5IDFo_gOt_wCaXAYJ2nuy-hOyqjfAsDE3SBQC3-F4sBLF1ns5t12uyPz8M79Rt6WA5WrsaOOWlJ2Y6ENb5hX59r_YXlbwn7X8R6lKn2njs9ZhyxUeEo7RlaSSU9v3/s1280/Westminster%20Abbey%20(10).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxmrrdzcjvKZrxPlnlTpKRCqDfw1dbSWp2lR4zRZmitx3Nbx6gvMktefUFpiJc9Dl5IDFo_gOt_wCaXAYJ2nuy-hOyqjfAsDE3SBQC3-F4sBLF1ns5t12uyPz8M79Rt6WA5WrsaOOWlJ2Y6ENb5hX59r_YXlbwn7X8R6lKn2njs9ZhyxUeEo7RlaSSU9v3/w300-h400/Westminster%20Abbey%20(10).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>The Chapel of Edward the Confessor is also is the site of other royal tombs. Around it in the Northern Ambulatory are smaller chapels. The photo of the Islip Chapel (above) was taken through the stone screen that prevented the public going inside. You can see a part of it in the top right hand corner. The chapel was commissioned by <a href="https://www.westminster-abbey.org/abbey-commemorations/commemorations/john-islip#i13020" target="_blank">Abbot John Islip</a> (1464-1532) in the 16th Century and was the site of his burial. Much is made of the fun of the rebus of an eye and a branch (aka slip), which = I-Slip, above the screen but I missed it. My eye was drawn beyond the screen.<br /><br /></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEA4foVhS9S9WfhJMzuYTSbBLS4c19b0Xlczas3jluNSikYZhtwqhqjEh6ReZ6oBunaWtt3G6JdwjZXpFgUGgJO2vRF0YqKLFKbI_qJJcnxgqTwaP36_d6dvbq7Bm-OY48PDQIV3NxcA0PXQcaw23TmRuRHWyNOnU_dm_Kv7wDB4gVQHvNdG6HIl_J_nph/s1280/Westminster%20Abbey%20(42).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1051" data-original-width="1280" height="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEA4foVhS9S9WfhJMzuYTSbBLS4c19b0Xlczas3jluNSikYZhtwqhqjEh6ReZ6oBunaWtt3G6JdwjZXpFgUGgJO2vRF0YqKLFKbI_qJJcnxgqTwaP36_d6dvbq7Bm-OY48PDQIV3NxcA0PXQcaw23TmRuRHWyNOnU_dm_Kv7wDB4gVQHvNdG6HIl_J_nph/w400-h329/Westminster%20Abbey%20(42).jpeg" width="400" /></a></p>While everyone seems fascinated by the eye, I was more impressed by the post-war stained glass window by Hugh Easton. In the bottom corners are lines from the Book of Psalms in the Bible: "Though
shalt not be afraid for any terror by night nor for the arrow that
flieth by day" and "The young lion and the dragon shalt thy tread under
thy feet." These are both horrifying and comforting words. The main picture is a the Abbot presenting a building to St Margaret of Antioch who is slaying a dragon. (She is the saint after which the adjacent St Margaret's Church is named.) Cherubs either side also hold buildings that are clearly the Abbey. The window from 1948 includes a diamond shaped piece of Medieval glass - above the head of the Abbot - showing his rebus of a boy slipping off a tree.<br /><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBdDNzLC-6A8Xdd6gG4aMWTe7PSmmUzu6Sv96Uw1edo6wHMez6_XL03vrgW6j5dB6jdv_PF-3vXxb8_0Kj3YN8Ah8jJ_Ga7ceqEekHUKp4ElaSv0xBp1mum4s3pH1_fVjKL0MHlm6rghlg9mHAI7d2OF6FzCt2nYTk4R6ig_5gNEjUnm7hrtrVfrzPpyb4/s1088/westminster%20abbey%20collage.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1088" data-original-width="879" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBdDNzLC-6A8Xdd6gG4aMWTe7PSmmUzu6Sv96Uw1edo6wHMez6_XL03vrgW6j5dB6jdv_PF-3vXxb8_0Kj3YN8Ah8jJ_Ga7ceqEekHUKp4ElaSv0xBp1mum4s3pH1_fVjKL0MHlm6rghlg9mHAI7d2OF6FzCt2nYTk4R6ig_5gNEjUnm7hrtrVfrzPpyb4/w324-h400/westminster%20abbey%20collage.jpg" width="324" /></a></p><p>Through the archway from Edward the Confessors chapel is the Henry VII Lady Chapel. This chapel had so many fascinating details: royal tombs, statues of saints, coats of arms, crests and crowds. There were also little chapels off the main chapel. So many chapels.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ttKO7i9O4LFNLSeU8Wh7pG75nivhizhvEcFCp5JuEVVuTfQ3sRK7tqlgh3G3UtufPxpzYDYIdCSA8wW0biXTSfFJx4J_KU_k-cUWaT1T7X8TIJ0Pf36al4dGcx8JmUzeFHl8bCFleX5qJHY-f2gKUXiyb7vDfz0vQ2zd8ZZ0LnVK_M1_LV7SepsqGpIV/s1280/Westminster%20Abbey%20(15).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ttKO7i9O4LFNLSeU8Wh7pG75nivhizhvEcFCp5JuEVVuTfQ3sRK7tqlgh3G3UtufPxpzYDYIdCSA8wW0biXTSfFJx4J_KU_k-cUWaT1T7X8TIJ0Pf36al4dGcx8JmUzeFHl8bCFleX5qJHY-f2gKUXiyb7vDfz0vQ2zd8ZZ0LnVK_M1_LV7SepsqGpIV/w400-h300/Westminster%20Abbey%20(15).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The <a href="Henry VII's Lady Chapel completed in 1516 https://www.westminster-abbey.org/history/explore-our-history/lady-chapel#i3669 marvel of late medieval architecture - burial place of 15 kings and queens" target="_blank">Lady Chapel</a> was completed in 1516. It was lauded as a marvel of late Medieval architecture and is the burial place of 15 kings and queens. It is also the Chapel of the Order of the Bath. (Not to be confused with when your mum tells you to wash.) That is why it is so colourful.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkAWpK33q5yOlIi5KPw7dVq-qmgRXRQonn9wxncDnKTDTBY5kziTtrYGeyl6b9NcrZ2PRQjR4Ba4aYdmOGV2RtGF_72N8kvc083BIYjwZuSLzGhs0O5ClyhrcXOqK7Uctkxr6hsMl8XRxZy-_8NWAFjh2BZiFXv_AGxoyFphC29b_wEr29VuI6rIqo7Ny/s1280/Westminster%20Abbey%20(40).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkAWpK33q5yOlIi5KPw7dVq-qmgRXRQonn9wxncDnKTDTBY5kziTtrYGeyl6b9NcrZ2PRQjR4Ba4aYdmOGV2RtGF_72N8kvc083BIYjwZuSLzGhs0O5ClyhrcXOqK7Uctkxr6hsMl8XRxZy-_8NWAFjh2BZiFXv_AGxoyFphC29b_wEr29VuI6rIqo7Ny/w300-h400/Westminster%20Abbey%20(40).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br />The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_the_Bath" target="_blank">Most Honourable Order of the Bath</a>,
an order of chivalry founded in 1725, named for the medieval custom of
bathing as part of the ritual of preparing for knighthood. The most senior members including 34 knights have stalls in the Lady Chapel. Each knight's stall has a flag or
banner with their coat of arms, a helmet topped with a mantling (a cloth that is tied to the helmet above the shield) and
a crest. On the wall of the
stall is a brass plate with the name, coat of arms and date of admission
to the Order. Knights often have to wait many years before a knight dies and a stall becomes vacant.<br /><p></p><p>Below the seats are carvings that from a distance look like a uterus but are called <a href="https://www.westminster-abbey.org/history/explore-our-history/misericords" target="_blank">misericords</a>. The hinged seats flip up so that the monks could lean on the ledge during long services. But because they were mostly unseen while the seats were down, the craftsmen in the 16th and 18th Centuries were free to carve non-religious scenes such as a mermaid, <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpjf0P6PqUeqFWGZaw-xOZc3sLdFmv1ybsCTgmrIASk_a7IfytSoxG141ooDBUVaDS4-o6k70qfnjKRYlYLiaKsHsUM1tUj1l_clNKYrD0g1G-CQh8AmosTI18u14zEmyHGYSGY5glGugWtEoFphAsV-087xlaoFEAAMclIm9D8LT0fwxnLGqdXYXBQlDF/s1280/Westminster%20Abbey%20(11).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpjf0P6PqUeqFWGZaw-xOZc3sLdFmv1ybsCTgmrIASk_a7IfytSoxG141ooDBUVaDS4-o6k70qfnjKRYlYLiaKsHsUM1tUj1l_clNKYrD0g1G-CQh8AmosTI18u14zEmyHGYSGY5glGugWtEoFphAsV-087xlaoFEAAMclIm9D8LT0fwxnLGqdXYXBQlDF/w300-h400/Westminster%20Abbey%20(11).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>I read about all the kings and queens of England and Great Britain trying to find out which king or queen was represented here, only to find <a href="https://lookup.london/westminster-abbey/" target="_blank">(in a list of surprising hidden details, shared by a guide)</a> that it is the tomb of Francis Sidney, Countess of Sussex. She was a Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Elizabeth I and founded Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge. (Alumni include. Oliver Cromwell, Asa Briggs, Carol Vorderman and Alex Horne.) At her feet is a blue porcupine, as featured on the Sidney family coat of arms.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJyyNSkuXw4S5RCynahC4D1DwRQSV8BgZt8V12dXeE1HVk4n_9wV1HOyrg9psawAZij90x07lUdO2S8EHx0FYzgrUHxBd9vbedIATfmm2NRwezefvd-q8-FkjkgZmJ3qgzRmSHL4VwQz4h8Sdm2wptwMkZ8K6yNGWo-t7lL5QWrasSV5YQMK3cLFB0BDuq/s1280/Westminster%20Abbey%20(9).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJyyNSkuXw4S5RCynahC4D1DwRQSV8BgZt8V12dXeE1HVk4n_9wV1HOyrg9psawAZij90x07lUdO2S8EHx0FYzgrUHxBd9vbedIATfmm2NRwezefvd-q8-FkjkgZmJ3qgzRmSHL4VwQz4h8Sdm2wptwMkZ8K6yNGWo-t7lL5QWrasSV5YQMK3cLFB0BDuq/w300-h400/Westminster%20Abbey%20(9).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>I also tried to find who was memorialised in this elegant structure. No luck here. The wood carvings suggest it might be a knight on horseback but that does not really narrow it down in this section. I guess it was more likely to be a noble rather than a royal. I am happy to be enlightened by anyone who knows more.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxhvP5SG1gdjI8Gt30abD7MqcdomHq5dY9ojkCBTegEKroTxkh0QJUPW5yF1zALQvkbJIn8H1L6d7plLnzQJkEeGil-xw9pEj9NeAxiZDL5sY1a4wHlcfZ8-TrPvASnGoWkbuN1yBbfowkADVxt88tIswTW0WI0yvI3lhWOdQtSEYkN8wL01R-lPr1pjIV/s1280/Westminster%20Abbey%20(13).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxhvP5SG1gdjI8Gt30abD7MqcdomHq5dY9ojkCBTegEKroTxkh0QJUPW5yF1zALQvkbJIn8H1L6d7plLnzQJkEeGil-xw9pEj9NeAxiZDL5sY1a4wHlcfZ8-TrPvASnGoWkbuN1yBbfowkADVxt88tIswTW0WI0yvI3lhWOdQtSEYkN8wL01R-lPr1pjIV/w300-h400/Westminster%20Abbey%20(13).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>By the tombs of <a href="https://www.westminster-abbey.org/abbey-commemorations/royals/elizabeth-i" target="_blank">Queen Elizabeth I</a> (1533-1603) and <a href="https://www.westminster-abbey.org/abbey-commemorations/royals/mary-i" target="_blank">Queen Mary I</a> (1516-1558), the 1977 Martyrs Memorial stone reads: "Near the tomb of Mary and Elizabeth remember before God all those who divided at the Reformation by different convictions laid down their lives for Christ and conscience' sake." It reminds me of the tragedy of royal sisters Elizabeth and Mary who were divided by religion and how these tensions were played out in many households and communities.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRihQmPAoP70LhzluNoD_PVXTUYsvs5b2kBelW9zSsmaqUJov19ITtdpy473A_O0HJ1vOcV4zp0WYSUmpiIli-Tfd78h8XU1UHOtbA4aa8alTgwLAn0ojeIpTpcojofm8CJvLADniAepBIOXh7wRA6HD_Ff3GS3XwqcPjSDD5GxVOIHchGLqsbaIMF2Y7A/s1280/Westminster%20Abbey%20(22).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRihQmPAoP70LhzluNoD_PVXTUYsvs5b2kBelW9zSsmaqUJov19ITtdpy473A_O0HJ1vOcV4zp0WYSUmpiIli-Tfd78h8XU1UHOtbA4aa8alTgwLAn0ojeIpTpcojofm8CJvLADniAepBIOXh7wRA6HD_Ff3GS3XwqcPjSDD5GxVOIHchGLqsbaIMF2Y7A/w400-h300/Westminster%20Abbey%20(22).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The memorial to <a href="https://www.westminster-abbey.org/abbey-commemorations/royals/mary-queen-of-scots" target="_blank">Mary Queen of Scots</a> (1542-1587) was built by her son King James 1. In 1612, he brought her remains from her original resting place at Peterborough Cathedral to be buried in the Lady Chapel. The monument over her tomb was taller than that of Queen Elizabeth I. This seems to be symbolic of the competition between the cousins. Both had a claim to the throne so Elizabeth saw her cousin as a threat. She kept Mary under house arrest for almost 20 years and, after she was found guilty of plotting to assassinate Elizabeth, beheaded her. Being a royal was risky business. So much division and suspicion between family. In the headset information I was sure I heard them say that to James I, Mary was the true queen of England, but I could not find it elsewhere.<br /><br /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9jto20zdtOvRfOO0c_FnCcolJuFaU5FalegCehRuw6bfFcODBYBus-9Bax17231ocDOkeYe3RHTF5YjjYt_RdMR-B8fmz2QHmuq6RUFXMOqvpu62I3N48NSjv36DS6KO9HwxKBzqpB9pQp_o_tck2kR6JTlMx0K-LClp7muTVtoyH8P6SX4BfHG2MTSJ/s1280/Westminster%20Abbey%20(21).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9jto20zdtOvRfOO0c_FnCcolJuFaU5FalegCehRuw6bfFcODBYBus-9Bax17231ocDOkeYe3RHTF5YjjYt_RdMR-B8fmz2QHmuq6RUFXMOqvpu62I3N48NSjv36DS6KO9HwxKBzqpB9pQp_o_tck2kR6JTlMx0K-LClp7muTVtoyH8P6SX4BfHG2MTSJ/w300-h400/Westminster%20Abbey%20(21).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Only <a href="https://www.westminster-abbey.org/media/hkcnrohq/henry-vii-chapel-statues-of-saints.pdf" target="_blank">95 out of the 107 statues of saints</a> chosen by Henry VII are still in the Lady Chapel. plus a modern replacement of a Henry VII statue. This above photo from the South aisle depicts <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catherine_of_Alexandria" target="_blank">St Katherine</a> (crowned with book and sword piercing the emperor’s head and broken wheel below) and <a href="https://www.getty.edu/art/collection/object/103RY1" target="_blank">St Margaret of Antioch</a> (crowned with cross-staff in the mouth of a dragon). There is a blank space in the middle where it seems there was another statue. Perhaps it offended during the Reformation or fell into disrepair. <br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLYZ6dKLQHbtUDkRboP43Br9Cn9cbJmRVyjqemgl67VF8qXMdIXyW5qt9yU6F5XM4LRgu2RE4vdiqJUA85Ypj2Xljeh-QiIxkwgXVvL4CterEZw_p6j_fznXkPUfOfWtnlNeghLqiLMu2JSeEoxbD74kwDyazyqRD6s75MRWzSqCZCo2VYl6HyhBYaQebY/s1280/Westminster%20Abbey%20(43).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLYZ6dKLQHbtUDkRboP43Br9Cn9cbJmRVyjqemgl67VF8qXMdIXyW5qt9yU6F5XM4LRgu2RE4vdiqJUA85Ypj2Xljeh-QiIxkwgXVvL4CterEZw_p6j_fznXkPUfOfWtnlNeghLqiLMu2JSeEoxbD74kwDyazyqRD6s75MRWzSqCZCo2VYl6HyhBYaQebY/w400-h300/Westminster%20Abbey%20(43).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The <a href="https://www.westminster-abbey.org/history/explore-our-history/raf-chapel" target="_blank">RAF Chapel</a> was dedicated in 1947. It features a Battle of Britain memorial window by Hugh Easton. It is dedicated to the Royal Air Force members who lost their lives in the Battle of Britain in 1940. During this battle, this chapel was damaged by a bomb that destroyed the Tudor glass and also left a hole in the wall, which is now covered by glass. Can you see the spot of light under the window which I think is where the hole was?<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSwWsLv6dNepzQlIPSwdZ5A70S_ZqNV6SsbaduuV7Z04dHUZR6bDyM3JuEx5YZtNh6EOiMD8RbKVozHiUkRCL4hvMFMhL9lMKB7xd0H_pgn9tIE7TkvWwomxgO9Jvis5mQT6q2qlShmwOaLt_mVijMfmJ-d4EPYV8KSwh9ydVCjNZ8OwDqmOh37q7oeCHm/s1280/Westminster%20Abbey%20(18).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSwWsLv6dNepzQlIPSwdZ5A70S_ZqNV6SsbaduuV7Z04dHUZR6bDyM3JuEx5YZtNh6EOiMD8RbKVozHiUkRCL4hvMFMhL9lMKB7xd0H_pgn9tIE7TkvWwomxgO9Jvis5mQT6q2qlShmwOaLt_mVijMfmJ-d4EPYV8KSwh9ydVCjNZ8OwDqmOh37q7oeCHm/w300-h400/Westminster%20Abbey%20(18).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>After <a href="https://www.westminster-abbey.org/abbey-commemorations/royals/henry-vii-and-elizabeth-of-york" target="_blank">Henry VII</a> (1457-1509) built the Lady Chapel, of course he was buried there. His chapel is in the middle of the Lady Chapel. I think the gold effigies of him and his wife, Elizabeth of York are behind this bronze screen surrounding his tomb.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6VtTz-XsIxwwRapNwgQG4-J7kFJZSEWo-3OQvVdUzBfCT3UqMB28-fAmxep7gaUCCABsEhWJSEB1VgGJ03z1okqQ_Ss4xDp9qNuOkaI3mF0V2Dk9DJYJnwlHYzGArKNE7DtFzZCepZH_lAaGDprVKANASHF_11dlbnW6dajh2RGeWpKDW9vG_OZDD3y9/s1280/Westminster%20Abbey%20(25).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6VtTz-XsIxwwRapNwgQG4-J7kFJZSEWo-3OQvVdUzBfCT3UqMB28-fAmxep7gaUCCABsEhWJSEB1VgGJ03z1okqQ_Ss4xDp9qNuOkaI3mF0V2Dk9DJYJnwlHYzGArKNE7DtFzZCepZH_lAaGDprVKANASHF_11dlbnW6dajh2RGeWpKDW9vG_OZDD3y9/w300-h400/Westminster%20Abbey%20(25).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Once I left the Lady Chapel I found myself in Poets Corner in the South Transept. Although I am not so familiar with the United Kingdom's kings and queens, I have read much more about its literary history. One of the first memorials I saw was a bust of <a href="https://www.westminster-abbey.org/abbey-commemorations/commemorations/adam-lindsay-gordon#i13366" target="_blank">Adam Lindsay Gordon</a> (. He was an Australian poet who wrote the lines that I learnt from my mother: "life is mostly froth and bubble, two things stand like stone: Kindness in another's trouble, courage in your own." Words to live by!<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4tS_qcO8lLYmCCEB-E28aqTNwJYqtCXCwpQhkAsZu6Wu0mO0zyxc-LL1t4ceJlv4sxhyphenhyphen66Ot3DkRuQ9NEHzG4-CnbCZ7p68ItsBo0V9cebvMquGukYZPGvXXOYCvY8xtvH4WIqlpRwY9gieJHkLQgQ-_xkTQIOKMY0XWblu_0D8XyG5dh57LyolI1wmZc/s1280/Westminster%20Abbey%20(26).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4tS_qcO8lLYmCCEB-E28aqTNwJYqtCXCwpQhkAsZu6Wu0mO0zyxc-LL1t4ceJlv4sxhyphenhyphen66Ot3DkRuQ9NEHzG4-CnbCZ7p68ItsBo0V9cebvMquGukYZPGvXXOYCvY8xtvH4WIqlpRwY9gieJHkLQgQ-_xkTQIOKMY0XWblu_0D8XyG5dh57LyolI1wmZc/w400-h400/Westminster%20Abbey%20(26).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Then there was the <a href="https://www.westminster-abbey.org/abbey-commemorations/commemorations/william-shakespeare#i12428" target="_blank">Shakespeare</a> memorial monument. His is surrounded by busts of <a href="https://www.westminster-abbey.org/abbey-commemorations/commemorations/robert-southey#i13088" target="_blank">Robert Southey</a> (1774-1843), <a href="https://www.westminster-abbey.org/abbey-commemorations/commemorations/samuel-johnson#i12876" target="_blank">Samuel Johnson</a> (1709-1784), <a href="https://www.westminster-abbey.org/abbey-commemorations/commemorations/robert-burns#i11954" target="_blank">Robert Burns</a> (1759-1796), <a href="https://www.westminster-abbey.org/abbey-commemorations/commemorations/samuel-taylor-coleridge" target="_blank">Samuel Taylor Coleridge</a> (1772-1834), a statue of <a href="https://www.westminster-abbey.org/abbey-commemorations/commemorations/james-thomson#i12902" target="_blank">James Thomson</a> (1700-1748, wrote the lyrics of 'Rule Britannia') with a cherub, <a href="https://www.westminster-abbey.org/abbey-commemorations/commemorations/william-wordsworth" target="_blank">William Wordsworth</a> (1770-1830). Also represented on plaques were John Keats, Percy Shelley, Jane Austen, and The Bronte Sisters. So many familiar names. So many amazing writers.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMKr3sbjWgb7tfxg7EEkMJ2epuIWt3Kx2r8W30LaAb_swQBFqg_OY6RfGmhqyLPsrut-c1oh1dwJwlyUgC9BvHIN8PWUIAmCdnaCQRpWz9JMI_pd21dgHsLb-qNdqi4NNMK5HctisxYkc9oWbswXPt7xFXlcrDbrYqv3aSIQA5cE7yLqPTo4FN2M8n7LjH/s1280/Westminster%20Abbey%20(27).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMKr3sbjWgb7tfxg7EEkMJ2epuIWt3Kx2r8W30LaAb_swQBFqg_OY6RfGmhqyLPsrut-c1oh1dwJwlyUgC9BvHIN8PWUIAmCdnaCQRpWz9JMI_pd21dgHsLb-qNdqi4NNMK5HctisxYkc9oWbswXPt7xFXlcrDbrYqv3aSIQA5cE7yLqPTo4FN2M8n7LjH/w300-h400/Westminster%20Abbey%20(27).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p>This monument is to <a href="https://www.westminster-abbey.org/abbey-commemorations/commemorations/john-campbell-2nd-duke-of-argyll" target="_blank">John Campbell, 2nd Duke of Argyll</a> (1680-1743), soldier and orator. History writes the story behind him, Eloquence speaks, and fittingly for Poets Corner, on the other side sits Minerva the goddess of poetry, music, craft, and wisdom. I was amused by the Duke himself dressed in as Roman armour and looking rather bored by it all. The Westminster website called it "perhaps the finest 18th century monument in the Abbey."<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA7AQfvq6-hHPoi2WdAag6E-HVqe2HvD-qSETKk_RPjBi1Za5auHPYCAvQrndiwAa5t1-_d-th9KlK6zQ5p-hLyGQrZH7le3PgC9LKxaS_LydXJXU46qEyB3MlGriQSMSXNZdQT-YTgQHnJqXbnfZId29gi6zG-EF2ZVzKLRM8AxfmUj08MZC2SWzbZLLw/s1280/Westminster%20Abbey%20(29).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA7AQfvq6-hHPoi2WdAag6E-HVqe2HvD-qSETKk_RPjBi1Za5auHPYCAvQrndiwAa5t1-_d-th9KlK6zQ5p-hLyGQrZH7le3PgC9LKxaS_LydXJXU46qEyB3MlGriQSMSXNZdQT-YTgQHnJqXbnfZId29gi6zG-EF2ZVzKLRM8AxfmUj08MZC2SWzbZLLw/w300-h400/Westminster%20Abbey%20(29).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>In contrast, <a href="https://www.westminster-abbey.org/abbey-commemorations/commemorations/david-eva-garrick" target="_blank">David Garrick</a> (1716-1779), an actor, is about to bow with a flourish for his audience after a fine performance. At his feet sit Tragedy and Comedy. I am not really familiar with Garrick's work but his is a name I come across from time to time in a title of a Margaret Drabble novel or the name of a West End Theatre.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOpJdgs8_gq3MwuCFizC0jZD6lusoqhuhwx8suIf63QoN0fveoUFrSYPla0uZs0-hl_MyHc5cqkIfaMNm8hBncHWdjvk7UsTl4tIuIUJzDiVcBYopxgOk5pnngh2ZbSTAVL_oWyzYLtHQaMaDlqdkJfEwBoni-XmktMueWzOmOSbiSh_QCq7ll2H1Nwi1j/s1280/Westminster%20Abbey%20(39).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOpJdgs8_gq3MwuCFizC0jZD6lusoqhuhwx8suIf63QoN0fveoUFrSYPla0uZs0-hl_MyHc5cqkIfaMNm8hBncHWdjvk7UsTl4tIuIUJzDiVcBYopxgOk5pnngh2ZbSTAVL_oWyzYLtHQaMaDlqdkJfEwBoni-XmktMueWzOmOSbiSh_QCq7ll2H1Nwi1j/w400-h400/Westminster%20Abbey%20(39).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>In the midst of poet's corner is a reminder of just how old this abbey is. These <a href="https://www.westminster-abbey.org/history/explore-our-history/wall-paintings" target="_blank">paintings</a> depict The Risen Christ with St Thomas (red background), and St Christopher carrying the Christ Child (green background). They are estimated to be painted between 1270-1300. The paintings had been covered up by monuments and rediscovered in 1934.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRd5r6ywHwEYL4lc7mFxnTUuSH-Zq0Q_P0-iBMdJ3FkiktG2dZODxzZYp-hXTVk9d9lTwBUeE9ig7lyXPZ44ECZ0NKc247FkvUTISZ-nExxmyTUQxtZLhXKbRLwpOBMWJutNPzoLltnSnkzj9aLYxOjci_59oiRUf2Gk11HfCBlfcNC4vBgjSekUCjxkei/s1280/Westminster%20Abbey%20(30).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRd5r6ywHwEYL4lc7mFxnTUuSH-Zq0Q_P0-iBMdJ3FkiktG2dZODxzZYp-hXTVk9d9lTwBUeE9ig7lyXPZ44ECZ0NKc247FkvUTISZ-nExxmyTUQxtZLhXKbRLwpOBMWJutNPzoLltnSnkzj9aLYxOjci_59oiRUf2Gk11HfCBlfcNC4vBgjSekUCjxkei/w400-h300/Westminster%20Abbey%20(30).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Then it was time to hand back in my headset. When walking out through the cloisters, I stopped at the <a href="https://www.westminster-abbey.org/history/explore-our-history/pyx-chamber" target="_blank">Pyx Chamber</a>. This is one of the few remains of Edward the Confessor's 11th Century monastery. <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuicRzqiUpEgrG5q2FI6WIJntF6wX2fhOp2zqD3HUzGS6D2c4T9BGOgW7vPCYimbfudxWY__xYBQtmBihnTpkZgPXSLvgR6oqbVbSUucz6b7iQCusjESlThGZBoqLz25ARd1-iKpa-exC7Zyoo_pQOtEWq0ZRaVk_PQt8bbO2mcDqw53t4ZW2kW79vdOv9/s1280/Westminster%20Abbey%20(32).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuicRzqiUpEgrG5q2FI6WIJntF6wX2fhOp2zqD3HUzGS6D2c4T9BGOgW7vPCYimbfudxWY__xYBQtmBihnTpkZgPXSLvgR6oqbVbSUucz6b7iQCusjESlThGZBoqLz25ARd1-iKpa-exC7Zyoo_pQOtEWq0ZRaVk_PQt8bbO2mcDqw53t4ZW2kW79vdOv9/w400-h300/Westminster%20Abbey%20(32).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p>I noticed the Circumnavigators of the World Memorial because one of them was Captain James Cook who was famous for the "discovery" of Australia. Explorers are no longer so feted for their travels through other people's lands. Maybe "circumnavigator" is an alternative to "explorer". To sail around the globe is an achievement in any era. It was interesting that the memorial celebrated achievements by Francis Drake in the 17th Century, James Cook in the 18th Century and Francis Chichester in the 20th Century. <br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfrs3-awA-h4NcfChpzp2pjVddwdGg017WJiy56TR8cpX24dPQA8tTM8hls9EnetWJB5SE0v21rPJ_87xxEvwExEEJi-w5cSxm3XCjmfua-I8Pm8i9A9E4UtM_6eClMlYiMGFy-TqQ7gmqej6MGxxthCHtdhHdEtuzJLWNN8jeneuWDiNNvWyqX0V8i9o3/s1280/Westminster%20Abbey%20(31).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfrs3-awA-h4NcfChpzp2pjVddwdGg017WJiy56TR8cpX24dPQA8tTM8hls9EnetWJB5SE0v21rPJ_87xxEvwExEEJi-w5cSxm3XCjmfua-I8Pm8i9A9E4UtM_6eClMlYiMGFy-TqQ7gmqej6MGxxthCHtdhHdEtuzJLWNN8jeneuWDiNNvWyqX0V8i9o3/w400-h300/Westminster%20Abbey%20(31).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>With one last glace at the cloisters, I went to find Sylvia in the cafe. She was ready to go. There was much more I could have seen: Britain's oldest door, the Coronation chair, the Chapter House, St Margaret's Church. But we had other places to see. Even if I had plenty of time I am sure I wouldn't see everything. <br /></p><p>Great buildings contain both beauty and stories. Westminster Abbey has plenty of both. It thrives because it has been in continuing use for over 1000 years. Many are mainstream stories of the "great men" of history: the kings and leaders who conquered and chronicled. We all know now that there is more to history than that. In recent years, social media has shown power not to be as pure and glorious as it was once considered. Nevertheless this traditional history has some fascinating tales, made significant changes to our world and and left behind magnificent monuments for us to admire. It was good to be there and refresh my memory and feel inspired about big picture history.</p><p></p>Johanna GGGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08594201473931487490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6742756814967464811.post-68774223973517879352024-03-12T00:26:00.000+11:002024-03-12T00:26:33.569+11:00London: Mercato Mayfair food hall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6iSOTYNmvCvxtB597mRt9kt1q7n_qci6_y3771NqRn4keS6nwE4sBaYGI3BVV579wjg6ZawXndv1Et8Y3c9kHRoasfilaNBsAivHguILyStf2limgRwoChLXkXYr4mhvXRue3JyhR1_DRghT4g320WP8tz3xD1VozQKuB9CADnwJgkF7CCPxeNAfaLAvD/s1280/mayfair%20mercato%20(7).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6iSOTYNmvCvxtB597mRt9kt1q7n_qci6_y3771NqRn4keS6nwE4sBaYGI3BVV579wjg6ZawXndv1Et8Y3c9kHRoasfilaNBsAivHguILyStf2limgRwoChLXkXYr4mhvXRue3JyhR1_DRghT4g320WP8tz3xD1VozQKuB9CADnwJgkF7CCPxeNAfaLAvD/w480-h640/mayfair%20mercato%20(7).jpeg" width="480" /></a></div></div><p></p><p>What a great meal we had at the gorgeous Mercato Mayfair! When my mum first sent me a link to this food hall in an old church, it looked like the sort of stunning instagram photo that is hard to imagine being part of my life. It joined our long list of plans. I feel so amazed and lucky to have been there.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLp-Dyex1zxsbF7lX-d6bbC6dg3GIQTX3YIM13fM1HQFT7LUh51J_1EQSxV3KQsuAxawiydcJywXhwndqU7mdpWysngC63nCz6sRQFebwyX50hPsPBxLk0qcIcwfdqed75b9dmjF2JhQbr2G2dejX0DNPuZsjbYB192ge8GK42T9TseGfAMhsOOqUvS5-s/s1280/mayfair%20mercato%20(14).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLp-Dyex1zxsbF7lX-d6bbC6dg3GIQTX3YIM13fM1HQFT7LUh51J_1EQSxV3KQsuAxawiydcJywXhwndqU7mdpWysngC63nCz6sRQFebwyX50hPsPBxLk0qcIcwfdqed75b9dmjF2JhQbr2G2dejX0DNPuZsjbYB192ge8GK42T9TseGfAMhsOOqUvS5-s/w300-h400/mayfair%20mercato%20(14).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>We arrived at Mercato Mayfair on a dark rainy night after a morning at Highgate Cemetery, followed by a late lunch at Whiskers and Cream. It was a busy end to a busy day. The tall three-story columns on the facade were impressive, as was the entrance hall.</p><p>The food hall is run by Mercato Metropolitano. Their commitment to sustainability is impressive. It includes supporting small
traders, community building, reuseable plates and cutlery, locally
sourced food and reducing landfill waste. As well as running four "markets " (or food halls),
there are also cookery classes, community activities and distribution of
free meals. The crypt of the church is a community space for charities
and not for profits.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxkBoVpV2MXvHBF5LY7EgGSBhmoHnFCkX_g8H9H_UfRcYdySKubWlVz1ny5R2vtbVglMtbCF9vQAksNXWWj0J9j2i89nDQdBfjNa6u3dnYoiGfK5y9VELo2zhn9YwsrjyEeGSXO-xFznaPdmEo13sX1hqoGSOf6sHWlRw3GNrNXKgwNvs6m3ZTAmvtdj5t/s1280/mayfair%20mercato%20(15).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxkBoVpV2MXvHBF5LY7EgGSBhmoHnFCkX_g8H9H_UfRcYdySKubWlVz1ny5R2vtbVglMtbCF9vQAksNXWWj0J9j2i89nDQdBfjNa6u3dnYoiGfK5y9VELo2zhn9YwsrjyEeGSXO-xFznaPdmEo13sX1hqoGSOf6sHWlRw3GNrNXKgwNvs6m3ZTAmvtdj5t/w400-h400/mayfair%20mercato%20(15).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>We went past the lobby stalls and down this hallway with a black and white tiled floor, walls of plants and a carved wooden doorway.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJHOE9ufiySzNKEFpdqde_x_DNibUDU9cphveJoNGKFGChHvPQKtKjaByajdmL9WIt_PWzSFwP1Ni-NnxjBaeDDZN28O9ZhXEo5x267CWs0cTYmtyTXqrDbxm_54F6AtJtddXumivj0iwRMIGVl158xCnqRf6sRXrek_Rk8uwOe-BzWLp_ysNMJ1lY5wz/s1280/mayfair%20mercato%20(16).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="961" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJHOE9ufiySzNKEFpdqde_x_DNibUDU9cphveJoNGKFGChHvPQKtKjaByajdmL9WIt_PWzSFwP1Ni-NnxjBaeDDZN28O9ZhXEo5x267CWs0cTYmtyTXqrDbxm_54F6AtJtddXumivj0iwRMIGVl158xCnqRf6sRXrek_Rk8uwOe-BzWLp_ysNMJ1lY5wz/w300-h400/mayfair%20mercato%20(16).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Among the plants were memorial plaques such as this one to John Bryant, headmaster, helper and friend. I could not imagine how he would react to seeing his former church today.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZJnn4E41VSZb0IeskfppeGOqrzsUsMIkjWuIvnLr-Up9WbXI9GnxT1QaWPyZv8PXbBI16PJWKopj_KU6-8qiVCnKdwbHk-29KjgpT1D1wvpT6bnxwXYGZSj77aFWxdZyGOCGWV1T2LFX3ay8JbskEiXCymULd0gP3J-D520ivIHe5UEK4OndrHZ5prQ4/s1280/mayfair%20mercato%20(2).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZJnn4E41VSZb0IeskfppeGOqrzsUsMIkjWuIvnLr-Up9WbXI9GnxT1QaWPyZv8PXbBI16PJWKopj_KU6-8qiVCnKdwbHk-29KjgpT1D1wvpT6bnxwXYGZSj77aFWxdZyGOCGWV1T2LFX3ay8JbskEiXCymULd0gP3J-D520ivIHe5UEK4OndrHZ5prQ4/w480-h640/mayfair%20mercato%20(2).jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p>Then finally we were in the church. I had imagined that people sat at pews and ate but there were tables and chairs where I assume there once were pews. I love old churches but have never seen one converted to a food hall like this. Honestly I felt a little conflicted though some might argue that it is consistent with the history of welcoming and embracing the community. The building with its high arched ceiling and stained glass windows commands awe and admiration.</p><p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Mark%27s,_Mayfair" target="_blank">St Mark's Anglican church</a> was built in the 1820s. In 1834, Edward Thomas Daniell, an artist associated with the Norwich School of Artists was appointed curate. During World War II it was known as the American church due to its proximity to the US Embassy and was attended by Dwight Eisenhower, Eleanor Roosevelt. A <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7-tDM_NVE8" target="_blank">royal wedding</a> was held there in 1949. The marriage of nephew of the reigning King George VI brought the royal family there. It was a church of aristocrats, artists, foreign statesmen, soldiers and royals. But in 1974 when the congregation dwindled, it was deconsecrated and fell into disrepair. Thank goodness the building was listed as significant by Historic England and has found other uses to keep it part of the community, though <a href="https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/40055" target="_blank">not everyone was happy</a>.<br /><br /></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8lnKHXT1yj7QFL6yEiT1GtHPOS9Np6WfxfYtC-r447h16quGUWAaR3nPTCt2-86SnJY1Xjs5-nxpaw_o1-uOuNXW1EPQ52TpOyqXx5nlBdgq0xzDIwvLOmCrEh_168nxXRT9NffzDKP5uMHkcPznr5pH7wAJnQ0o9ZnKI0-RQothlNGF7gj5qxskMpzb1/s1280/mayfair%20mercato%20(3).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8lnKHXT1yj7QFL6yEiT1GtHPOS9Np6WfxfYtC-r447h16quGUWAaR3nPTCt2-86SnJY1Xjs5-nxpaw_o1-uOuNXW1EPQ52TpOyqXx5nlBdgq0xzDIwvLOmCrEh_168nxXRT9NffzDKP5uMHkcPznr5pH7wAJnQ0o9ZnKI0-RQothlNGF7gj5qxskMpzb1/w400-h300/mayfair%20mercato%20(3).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>We wandered around the food vendors downstairs, as we considered what to eat and looked for a seat. It was really busy downstairs so we headed upstairs. We passed this bar with impressive backlighting of the bottles.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyXoaCgHDT5TYzJiKHBoEVBJTPLM-VgK3_7Pn1eS2Wff0odI5WNybs57FfsPdToTgA1m3eV8QtGBEi5KcqQ-_nMP_iM8WW_4IG-LAiyAbl1gBd-NAhmCC_7ePuilH9DfqR38mUdXIBG9xBkuibd9v2qqJNunR-oect2GcsjiQfw2hyWDvV6_j-qp35yW8z/s1280/mayfair%20mercato%20(4).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyXoaCgHDT5TYzJiKHBoEVBJTPLM-VgK3_7Pn1eS2Wff0odI5WNybs57FfsPdToTgA1m3eV8QtGBEi5KcqQ-_nMP_iM8WW_4IG-LAiyAbl1gBd-NAhmCC_7ePuilH9DfqR38mUdXIBG9xBkuibd9v2qqJNunR-oect2GcsjiQfw2hyWDvV6_j-qp35yW8z/w300-h400/mayfair%20mercato%20(4).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>The bottles were impressive but overshadowed by the beauty of the stained glass window. The food was interesting but the building was the star. We looked at the food offerings upstairs and were pleased to find a seat overlooking the downstairs seating.<br /><br /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDQ1difzIRTUxh3MVGwFGZoXy_Z4sCWkB0Q8rDq3Mip_AvGn1yviLJDbZ7R9ZajpqaM58fhHIFwWoXFxmHa1i2HRQaUB-PDaauk8yolpqXqRcKQ-jGaBJqoz5tMTBCfysNzDWG9RTJSeUUxzDkclIABmnSsdDUxXtMl9vodchpWreHs1kbbOuwgFYejyv/s1280/mayfair%20mercato%20(1).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDQ1difzIRTUxh3MVGwFGZoXy_Z4sCWkB0Q8rDq3Mip_AvGn1yviLJDbZ7R9ZajpqaM58fhHIFwWoXFxmHa1i2HRQaUB-PDaauk8yolpqXqRcKQ-jGaBJqoz5tMTBCfysNzDWG9RTJSeUUxzDkclIABmnSsdDUxXtMl9vodchpWreHs1kbbOuwgFYejyv/w400-h300/mayfair%20mercato%20(1).jpeg" width="400" /></a></p>We also had a great view of the wonderful arches on the blacony opposite us. The downside of sitting upstairs was that we decided we wanted to order from downstairs so there was a lot of walking up and down the stairs. When we climbed the stairs to look around the balconies, it was the first of five climbs.<br /><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQH380aHfFxCxFWOrV6pvbRIp1yQ5dLoQ43crJsIypOnQM7bUDCfXsMDw5_57diCxj9cGBFqp-ONhTt74He4ocbnUdt6YT8MCKL53artQjkYn6OW3G5ZB1VQevMNnwZW2m7GtNY4a-DfGIsdRVj7Zqz_0-u6GnXG9vj7vgedf_s1L_ZQ2DPamhXIWFQ93/s1280/mercuto%20mayfair.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQH380aHfFxCxFWOrV6pvbRIp1yQ5dLoQ43crJsIypOnQM7bUDCfXsMDw5_57diCxj9cGBFqp-ONhTt74He4ocbnUdt6YT8MCKL53artQjkYn6OW3G5ZB1VQevMNnwZW2m7GtNY4a-DfGIsdRVj7Zqz_0-u6GnXG9vj7vgedf_s1L_ZQ2DPamhXIWFQ93/w400-h300/mercuto%20mayfair.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Sylvia stayed with our table and I went downstairs to place her orders. She had quickly decided to have the pasta and pizza. The pasta counter had fresh pasta set out so people could see the different styles of pasta. Sylvia had decided on the spinach and ricotta ravioli with sage butter.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91giqvgMsk6wVbQSOZwY6zU2fFi3r0AFs54uo5O7yeqiue_0nUVfwBh9ogXnL3iaRjr5DJsy1yygKBgv5XBoYts2-3zWb82gbKt_BVJQfKlhSfAt4I-BYbQPb8XPbHmvTFxPrbCjuSEpiilo_pd-kwcimSSvhfZY_pUxZG6NiXErLdvrNZlEmRgBQEXbG/s1280/mayfair%20mercato.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91giqvgMsk6wVbQSOZwY6zU2fFi3r0AFs54uo5O7yeqiue_0nUVfwBh9ogXnL3iaRjr5DJsy1yygKBgv5XBoYts2-3zWb82gbKt_BVJQfKlhSfAt4I-BYbQPb8XPbHmvTFxPrbCjuSEpiilo_pd-kwcimSSvhfZY_pUxZG6NiXErLdvrNZlEmRgBQEXbG/w400-h300/mayfair%20mercato.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Next I ordered her a Margherita pizza which came in a big round. Note the religious artwork behind the counter.<br /><br /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwJuVWPReGLBuK14mYQ9ZOKrbB19I46jGxKbS0EuAS2oqZBKzpGMVc4OWaDiTQe1-14dk-BnddtarA0TSPO31C6zPdE_t3_SkXKzU30mvhSAXgijIpOku-_-3uDnz5HDb4eVEtL2VtGs3j98_eh1zkv12zn0g5sErTqi_vmlk_y6BgRGhp1MPzXswkwKD/s1280/mercuto%20mayfair%20(2).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwJuVWPReGLBuK14mYQ9ZOKrbB19I46jGxKbS0EuAS2oqZBKzpGMVc4OWaDiTQe1-14dk-BnddtarA0TSPO31C6zPdE_t3_SkXKzU30mvhSAXgijIpOku-_-3uDnz5HDb4eVEtL2VtGs3j98_eh1zkv12zn0g5sErTqi_vmlk_y6BgRGhp1MPzXswkwKD/w400-h400/mercuto%20mayfair%20(2).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Before I climbed the stairs for a second time, I headed to the Altar Bar where I bought a Fentimans cola. I was slightly uneasy about a bar on the altar and even tables to dine on the altar. Then went back up the stairs with my bottle and two buzzers (which lit up and buzzed when the meal was ready).<br /><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVAhNTZGLsNhL5lS27h9LJOHx-l9nnsEsnvyqVAigIgDCwUBG_235XlgVJGpiDV_l3kUVTn8Ra4s419UsynSTl49wdhdpt2fsHEhXloqwlHTvdDPa_o8jnaS24chx2JOeoMSwZqgA7i3zCTj3oaMgekjVkxH7WmzRirSrqQxi1KFYbTi4UQhpD6MTP8Oe4/s1280/mayfair%20mercato%20(12).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVAhNTZGLsNhL5lS27h9LJOHx-l9nnsEsnvyqVAigIgDCwUBG_235XlgVJGpiDV_l3kUVTn8Ra4s419UsynSTl49wdhdpt2fsHEhXloqwlHTvdDPa_o8jnaS24chx2JOeoMSwZqgA7i3zCTj3oaMgekjVkxH7WmzRirSrqQxi1KFYbTi4UQhpD6MTP8Oe4/w300-h400/mayfair%20mercato%20(12).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p>I left the buzzers with Sylvia while I headed down the stairs order her a iced matcha latte at the Matcha Metropolitano stall in the entrance hall. It had some interesting drinks like matcha lemonade, matcha affogato, and matcha beer and food like matcha brownies, matcha cheesecake and matcha cookies. </p><p>While ordering I was asked if I wanted syrup in the latte. I had to check by text. Then Sylvia, after confirming no syrup, was texting to let me know that the buzzers were lighting up and making noises to let her know the orders were ready. So I headed up the stairs for the third time, leaving the matcha people to make the drink. Now I had a drink, a pasta and a pizza to bring upstairs. I had to enlist Sylvia's help. She came with me to collect her iced matcha latte. I picked up her ravioli and pizza and headed up stairs for a fourth time.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBKTCKpcOIMjRs38njt2qjgHqQLfwlBD8f_clb9e4IuZgOyYjlRKy7Jy_tdtNkkNtBuyfbXiq5AclrlpfG3Pk-vMhWfcEjsoXn2Ue5dFvbhs83xnXCXNokMtUoiCUKMLQPzyPz3Gq8iZ45prY2HcQ2qkpb0miJT8GCQEAwtelVNN4flIBxp2uj9dRlOsq/s1280/mayfair%20mercato%20(5).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBKTCKpcOIMjRs38njt2qjgHqQLfwlBD8f_clb9e4IuZgOyYjlRKy7Jy_tdtNkkNtBuyfbXiq5AclrlpfG3Pk-vMhWfcEjsoXn2Ue5dFvbhs83xnXCXNokMtUoiCUKMLQPzyPz3Gq8iZ45prY2HcQ2qkpb0miJT8GCQEAwtelVNN4flIBxp2uj9dRlOsq/w300-h400/mayfair%20mercato%20(5).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>I still had not had a chance to decide what I wanted to order. I was tempted by the Pad Thai and Malaysian street food. In the end I went downstairs to Steamy & Co where I chose the Spicy miso ramen with miso mushroom broth, fried tofu, sweetcorn, pickled ginger, spring onions and chilli oil. Once I had checked it was not too spicy I ordered it along with some Crispy veg fun guo dumplings.<br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4xbFcnPkmrYLMD-RSfID3zP6mRZc9upmk36RNT5GPTg-HxeoWclDXyHPuCFNdzyDhBF8OOitRO0IG21fVT5WNHQf3F6l3d69dD_vz_mv1dMoMiNG7Gs1IlR_ex0KPAuw_WfBT_bgaUVjXjhf8cljCG7mqJoJcwpP-0vF1Fd9TdZF00npUwWy6_Onsldxo/s1280/mayfair%20mercato%20(6).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1102" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4xbFcnPkmrYLMD-RSfID3zP6mRZc9upmk36RNT5GPTg-HxeoWclDXyHPuCFNdzyDhBF8OOitRO0IG21fVT5WNHQf3F6l3d69dD_vz_mv1dMoMiNG7Gs1IlR_ex0KPAuw_WfBT_bgaUVjXjhf8cljCG7mqJoJcwpP-0vF1Fd9TdZF00npUwWy6_Onsldxo/w345-h400/mayfair%20mercato%20(6).jpeg" width="345" /></a></div><p></p><p>I waited for my order and then took the ramen and dumplings up the stairs for the fifth time. Finally we had all our food and drinks. I could now sit and relax and enjoy the view. And we tasted each other's meals. Sylvia loved the ravioli. She said it was one of the best she had ever had. The pizza had a very thin base with a lovely soft puffy crust. And she said the iced matcha latte had great flavour. I loved my ramen. It had lots of flavour and vegies. The tofu had a fantastic crispy coating that was softening in the broth. The crispy dumplings were also really good, though I found the dipping sauce quite intense.<br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp8V9FSjL62vIHEKCKx9Fy04wYBHUhZLakfR6K_KmYVWtBZbXNqwF87945lnLF-r6MCgEr8Y7YwOHyd-rm4mibknvnqSuzUxn5o3eBzNM7pXcEAIKxElfZQQyxvgT9btH8QET5OZdHD9k4lM0P63HGU5ySpsmX39Ui879laYpI4QIXknwwd8Cp6zjhL8b_/s1280/mayfair%20mercato%20(8).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp8V9FSjL62vIHEKCKx9Fy04wYBHUhZLakfR6K_KmYVWtBZbXNqwF87945lnLF-r6MCgEr8Y7YwOHyd-rm4mibknvnqSuzUxn5o3eBzNM7pXcEAIKxElfZQQyxvgT9btH8QET5OZdHD9k4lM0P63HGU5ySpsmX39Ui879laYpI4QIXknwwd8Cp6zjhL8b_/w300-h400/mayfair%20mercato%20(8).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>We were too full to try the gelato, so at the end of our meal we had a walk to look around a bit more. This is another view of the Altar Bar. The food hall was so busy that it was hard to get a clear view to take photos so taking them from upstairs was quite useful. And there was the added detail of the balcony designs.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIeh3xXAxSrj27LCg-q0qxNYQK5H_1H021315Z3a1Yq9mBsJ2DKamrS19Peeev7hrM_5i8kN6_Qer9PPfqPuxO_PFXE1ogpXE4nloRnXHivoyBsESs_lbNS-AE899KYtDQkSi4feDG897okMKzOUZuUGLuKjzxscS1qxMf4Q3zD3FtpS250zTYi1VrjKxy/s1280/mayfair%20mercato%20(9).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="961" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIeh3xXAxSrj27LCg-q0qxNYQK5H_1H021315Z3a1Yq9mBsJ2DKamrS19Peeev7hrM_5i8kN6_Qer9PPfqPuxO_PFXE1ogpXE4nloRnXHivoyBsESs_lbNS-AE899KYtDQkSi4feDG897okMKzOUZuUGLuKjzxscS1qxMf4Q3zD3FtpS250zTYi1VrjKxy/w300-h400/mayfair%20mercato%20(9).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>I also took a photo of the beautifully painted altar from upstairs.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5bAcNk3zPqZoCNAeS3WiyEWR2BgxTKZaQ_jzio_e8siq7svq5Um2tDyleQDdgq4m5a8Msvr7NuVd2Ii0zA1JIsCdtWNy5qmHlUQir5ngTZcTO7p2MIPkjEorkExsi_YNA32AiQJ02-TTcgs5Nh5RuXKABLpoqmDTR20END710YqLiRlUpOFGFHQKTxdAA/s1280/mayfair%20mercato%20(10).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5bAcNk3zPqZoCNAeS3WiyEWR2BgxTKZaQ_jzio_e8siq7svq5Um2tDyleQDdgq4m5a8Msvr7NuVd2Ii0zA1JIsCdtWNy5qmHlUQir5ngTZcTO7p2MIPkjEorkExsi_YNA32AiQJ02-TTcgs5Nh5RuXKABLpoqmDTR20END710YqLiRlUpOFGFHQKTxdAA/w400-h300/mayfair%20mercato%20(10).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>We also went to look at the rooftop terrace which was too wet for many people, other than a handful of smokers, to sit there.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZaApGhJlB5OSFp4pecQq9J7Ze4rse4WJ10eSSqdGFVass7EOUeQc8Kc3w06XXyoVYg_5EDWg8snss4FMvvtjfiaYHhqelrzeW0ph1h4sBgh7WKqpPHvhgmoAbo9_gaz5BJ4CjactdU992fcOGmSQlij444ucivzKxl9XpF9MvzTkSGE6xLHcSFLjD2GFl/s1280/mayfair%20mercato%20(11).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZaApGhJlB5OSFp4pecQq9J7Ze4rse4WJ10eSSqdGFVass7EOUeQc8Kc3w06XXyoVYg_5EDWg8snss4FMvvtjfiaYHhqelrzeW0ph1h4sBgh7WKqpPHvhgmoAbo9_gaz5BJ4CjactdU992fcOGmSQlij444ucivzKxl9XpF9MvzTkSGE6xLHcSFLjD2GFl/w300-h400/mayfair%20mercato%20(11).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>I also liked this view of the tables through the arches.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKRHGllAu8FZQUGMSKTFVOHQG70SsCZJDJR27J1qN66e0BC4Z_aPuA1essuPfdeT3PYJTMZrEPddoEHTJG7tDEzVXnQjAM9M33tK-muJ15YlZ5_M6X0vHzYcRWrxIt8rXUZZmhL2JL5P3_TDfvRMQoTKGRWpIfui6R0p3gA4x3REkpzdsb36bFM-WGsHvE/s1280/mayfair%20mercato%20(13).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKRHGllAu8FZQUGMSKTFVOHQG70SsCZJDJR27J1qN66e0BC4Z_aPuA1essuPfdeT3PYJTMZrEPddoEHTJG7tDEzVXnQjAM9M33tK-muJ15YlZ5_M6X0vHzYcRWrxIt8rXUZZmhL2JL5P3_TDfvRMQoTKGRWpIfui6R0p3gA4x3REkpzdsb36bFM-WGsHvE/w300-h400/mayfair%20mercato%20(13).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Then we were ready to go and find a bus back to our hotel. This is an elegant bunch of flowers from the entrance hall florist. Though each component of the meal was not too expensive, together it was not a cheap meal. But this was Mayfair, which anyone who has played the traditional London Monopoly knows it is an expensive suburb. And it was worth the cost to dine in such a grand historic building.</p><p><b>Mercato Mayfair</b><br /><span class="w8qArf"></span><span class="LrzXr">St. Mark's Church<br />North Audley St<br />London W1K 6ZA<br /></span>Open 7 days a week for coffee and breakfast, lunch, tea and drinks<br /><a href="https://mercatometropolitano.com/" target="_blank">https://mercatometropolitano.com/</a> <br /></p>Johanna GGGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08594201473931487490noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6742756814967464811.post-63753080019095494692024-03-11T15:40:00.000+11:002024-03-11T15:40:22.302+11:00London: Shoryu Ramen, Kensington<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguaTi5-Dvsme6KOXStjOg5D3tNoOtSRHaRPCua_p8AcX8_sS4pr7Xiwn18LfxcQIb5FiIA5Coh2OkT4mrAM_HNnubFR78nSBJr-2NBVqwQcGojFaKeYMRr8w0OLYEPm_y9peHuAPJoWWUWNk-oCFcnRL5ihV2ith6zqmU5E6vLaPFtDfXXSIrqUepQlDAO/s1280/Shoryu%20Ramen%20(5).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguaTi5-Dvsme6KOXStjOg5D3tNoOtSRHaRPCua_p8AcX8_sS4pr7Xiwn18LfxcQIb5FiIA5Coh2OkT4mrAM_HNnubFR78nSBJr-2NBVqwQcGojFaKeYMRr8w0OLYEPm_y9peHuAPJoWWUWNk-oCFcnRL5ihV2ith6zqmU5E6vLaPFtDfXXSIrqUepQlDAO/w400-h300/Shoryu%20Ramen%20(5).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div></div><p></p><p>We had planned to go to Shoryu Ramen in Kensington High Street when we had looked online at places for dinner near <a href="https://gggiraffe.blogspot.com/2024/02/london-holiday-inn-high-street.html" target="_blank">our hotel in London</a>. We were keen to slurp some ramen on our first night and were very happy with our dinner. Shoryu Ramen has 12 restaurants, mainly in London, and was founded by Executive Chef Kanji Furukawa who was born and raised in Hakata.<br /></p><p></p><p>If you look closely at the top photo of the Kensington restaurant, on the far left of the window counter is a drum. When a customer entered in search of a table, they were welcomed by a beat on the drum. (Somehow we missed this but Sylvia experienced it on a second visit.) It is a sign of how popular the restaurant is that the drum seemed to be beaten regularly during our visit.<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ToRaPTtDmiWkYnyQCvYreRtZX3l9LiRD8wfySPO7xeaDfSvGntI6TTnOQk_ssVkGsOsub_HcXTznG7BBt1opWh-s93CNVKv3u2iCyHsbTLoI7zE36cMVBpOya4Knr4wsXA9ql7ZqpRwCpaaeguE10ZpXTsFIahhR5EEL2h__9mWjmqWz9Y5blZehoE_S/s1280/Shoryu%20Ramen%20(1).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ToRaPTtDmiWkYnyQCvYreRtZX3l9LiRD8wfySPO7xeaDfSvGntI6TTnOQk_ssVkGsOsub_HcXTznG7BBt1opWh-s93CNVKv3u2iCyHsbTLoI7zE36cMVBpOya4Knr4wsXA9ql7ZqpRwCpaaeguE10ZpXTsFIahhR5EEL2h__9mWjmqWz9Y5blZehoE_S/w300-h400/Shoryu%20Ramen%20(1).jpeg" width="300" /></a></p><p>We started with drinks and edamame. I chose a Cucumber, yuzu and rosemary Punchy Drink. It was a low-calorie sparkling drink that I had never heard of before. It was quite refreshing. The cucumber taste was odd but good. Sylvia had an apple juice. </p><p>We shared some Edamame with hakata yuzu and sea salt. You can see the generous sprinkling of the seasoning on the pods. I liked the way it was served with an extra bowl for empty pods. And the edamame was delicious when sucking the beans out of the seasoned pods.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTgqOI60sIdJWQsPKA-PesNfLFjmZ_8zsChWWJmXAtsTmxEvfhwgIzdzxdbW2QirSA8wb-zWzeVQL98R9zICI5eOHCJo4a4W19YgrC3c4iqqJmfPMWPAgVoUy7QNua1JqX7teWpD4y-YMenQQTJLDVMDtykCy4dNqBtr0HDewPCsy4K752Ejtwk8w0A53O/s1280/Shoryu%20Ramen%20(2).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTgqOI60sIdJWQsPKA-PesNfLFjmZ_8zsChWWJmXAtsTmxEvfhwgIzdzxdbW2QirSA8wb-zWzeVQL98R9zICI5eOHCJo4a4W19YgrC3c4iqqJmfPMWPAgVoUy7QNua1JqX7teWpD4y-YMenQQTJLDVMDtykCy4dNqBtr0HDewPCsy4K752Ejtwk8w0A53O/w400-h400/Shoryu%20Ramen%20(2).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>I also ordered the Pumpkin Croquette Bun. The pumpkin croquette was hot with a great crispy coating, served in a bao bun with iceberg lettuce and cucumber with Hirata sauce and Japanese mayo. I really enjoyed this, especially because I have pumpkin less these days because Sylvia does not like it and I am not often enthused with bao fillings. The menu also included a pumpkin croquette curry which also looked delicious.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXWjRXGW5eSZwBZ3yNvY31XhvhUBp3dqoy0eh5xby9-duQKViVZM4K1v8eyD_5NN3RPDPL1xdfBVWtJKCxr_SnBgeHjli9H-DQIf-3iRDthUdBtDIQDj6Sb0s0d7e9N-HwDmIDpYaGJq8EiAWncA7JSKzby8yy6IuDmaHUAH_14Q2fNwRRlMVVC1kET3W/s1280/Shoryu%20Ramen%20(3).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXWjRXGW5eSZwBZ3yNvY31XhvhUBp3dqoy0eh5xby9-duQKViVZM4K1v8eyD_5NN3RPDPL1xdfBVWtJKCxr_SnBgeHjli9H-DQIf-3iRDthUdBtDIQDj6Sb0s0d7e9N-HwDmIDpYaGJq8EiAWncA7JSKzby8yy6IuDmaHUAH_14Q2fNwRRlMVVC1kET3W/w300-h400/Shoryu%20Ramen%20(3).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>The main event, of course, was the ramen. The menu had three vegan ramen options but two were spicy so we were wary. We both ordered the White Natural Ramen: "our unique tonyu soy milk, miso, konbu & shiitake broth, atsuage tofu, kikurage mushrooms, menma bamboo shoots, spring onion, tender broccoli, nori seaweed".<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrJQK_MaIJSbAyJO9yLXJ2ozuDrgoDFHbIB1d4EJGxRGcvCHanGmyRvVVOFZB5_7DmIiXy6zTackxBcq8iNTUKjyD-hT5MeDn92zEvNpdIICSujVFTJUCNKBrtUh42119VpCaR_CqCW0NskWV88dhf65ws74DQ62IUBXO1hQJJ2S9wW1LK1rH8HTlPVVw3/s1280/Shoryu%20Ramen%20(4).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrJQK_MaIJSbAyJO9yLXJ2ozuDrgoDFHbIB1d4EJGxRGcvCHanGmyRvVVOFZB5_7DmIiXy6zTackxBcq8iNTUKjyD-hT5MeDn92zEvNpdIICSujVFTJUCNKBrtUh42119VpCaR_CqCW0NskWV88dhf65ws74DQ62IUBXO1hQJJ2S9wW1LK1rH8HTlPVVw3/w300-h400/Shoryu%20Ramen%20(4).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>The ramen was delicious and really filling, especially given we had had starters. Soy milk in a broth sounds odd but it gives a little more body. The tofu had quite a chewy skin that made it a bit tricky to cut with chopsticks. Who doesn't love the slurpy joy of noodles in a beautifully flavored broth with toothsome tofu, chewy mushrooms and soft green broccolini. The crispy nori garnish had to be eaten quickly before it absorbed the broth and softened.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkI9sHYlFhkFJ8j_AoTipTZnnBPz3IN6dymJN0K6jMgr5rKHUzF1sQSI1EODPIEe3L5MOjvHjhC0K3kTWGJkmwwNBaKkFnNzJbv4SR8Ui1d0tmoGf12XqqNN8B_ZrBpvFYz0amAiURT3iHe4q2rCZ2cAGK2cYu8GOO-h6fEQSGhLq1slKpJEQLpGlBUqpq/s1280/Shoryu%20Ramen.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkI9sHYlFhkFJ8j_AoTipTZnnBPz3IN6dymJN0K6jMgr5rKHUzF1sQSI1EODPIEe3L5MOjvHjhC0K3kTWGJkmwwNBaKkFnNzJbv4SR8Ui1d0tmoGf12XqqNN8B_ZrBpvFYz0amAiURT3iHe4q2rCZ2cAGK2cYu8GOO-h6fEQSGhLq1slKpJEQLpGlBUqpq/w300-h400/Shoryu%20Ramen.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p>We really loved our meal at Shoryu. If we weren't so full we would have loved to share the chocolate miso ice cream. Sylvia loved her meal so much that she went back alone one night when we wanted different sorts of dinners. She had the same ramen and was as happy with it the second time. I wish I had gone back. The menu was generous with vegan options. If only I hadn't had so many other meals to try in London!</p><p><b>Shoryu Ramen</b><br />190 Kensington High St, London, W8 7RG<br />Open hours: Tues-Sat: 12-10pm, Sun-Mon: 12-9.30pm<br /><a href="https://www.shoryuramen.com/" target="_blank">https://www.shoryuramen.com/</a> <br /></p>Johanna GGGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08594201473931487490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6742756814967464811.post-92133730008581593962024-03-10T23:07:00.002+11:002024-03-11T11:53:13.666+11:00London: Victoria and Albert Museum<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8M6ZK3wfM8Ut1-ufqMBJi5aULV0_bPS1tcZ8_YfaBQYoAgds_QLDPkMZFsT8wANsF71BU7RyNEvvUvYWvjKQJnsnSc7ltJ-Gyd4FOvYpxNX2UehGtyr4uWfwaLPrEb47rf9OjwSr3NjLXkcv7-ouxcGuyAEsp4upCwR9ChRq1191VxEL91pAJ-bh8Jbs6/s1280/V&A%20(1).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8M6ZK3wfM8Ut1-ufqMBJi5aULV0_bPS1tcZ8_YfaBQYoAgds_QLDPkMZFsT8wANsF71BU7RyNEvvUvYWvjKQJnsnSc7ltJ-Gyd4FOvYpxNX2UehGtyr4uWfwaLPrEb47rf9OjwSr3NjLXkcv7-ouxcGuyAEsp4upCwR9ChRq1191VxEL91pAJ-bh8Jbs6/w400-h300/V&A%20(1).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington is one of the largest museums in the world and one of the amazing places to visit in London. It was inspired by the Great Exhibition of 1951 and was opened as the Museum of Manufacturers in 1852 in Marlborough House and then Somerset House on a temporary basis before opening the initial galleries on the current Cromwell Road site in 1857 under the name of the South Kensington Museum. It was established as a practical museum of applied art and science, that could educate workers and inspire innovative and beautiful design. In 1899 it was renamed the Victoria and Albert Museum.</p><p>There is much to see in the V&A. I enjoyed walking through the above Medieval and Renaissance gallery but also challenged. The first sculpture is of Samson and the Philistines by Giambologna in 1560. To the left of it is a sculpture of The Rape of Proserpina by de Rossi in the 1500s. Wow! The art glorifies murder and rape which are respectively depicted as ok if you are facing an enemy or a god. These notions are still with us, but a little more complex than in ancient stories.<br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTvCfVwQYgrryiJWXbqstHa95KIVu4DMOAdY-BvtXXQjmms1s9I5ZC6Cb3rZVdrDlUIhIQPywzwS-UkSr_9c2Sjy4_fd7kYdNc8kgT9mu-gqTF-ez2ZB7QBcN2p54_GYXJd_vYcyR7KtGtGLdhE52h6HoYVVe7kuodwj76NNqzmNWdnmu_6FI1F0nZ8ps-/s1280/V&A%20(2).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTvCfVwQYgrryiJWXbqstHa95KIVu4DMOAdY-BvtXXQjmms1s9I5ZC6Cb3rZVdrDlUIhIQPywzwS-UkSr_9c2Sjy4_fd7kYdNc8kgT9mu-gqTF-ez2ZB7QBcN2p54_GYXJd_vYcyR7KtGtGLdhE52h6HoYVVe7kuodwj76NNqzmNWdnmu_6FI1F0nZ8ps-/w400-h300/V&A%20(2).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Given our hotel
was in Kensington, London, my sister Chris suggested we drop into the
V&A to see the Japan: Myths to Manga exhibition. We thought it
might have some Ghibli but found that the exhibition was at its Young
V&A in Bethnel Green. Sadly there was not time for a trip across
London to the Eastend. </p><p>So we browsed the gift shop and brainstormed where we wanted to go. The V&A is huge and I could not remember what I had loved on previous visits. We didn't have much time so I looked a picture in the visitors map and asked where it was. That's how I ended up at the Casts Courts.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhujwJevNvS_g5cZsCQDcZgjTKB2RniB3ABcTLCgPofWa4gF2daaUSygGjVpM5E8VOWwEApXQonWIvRELaBLxkOtDhJ0fITUC5-k25TzmepymB5SAJFxBknAral8oQFnveGnRwObieW1GiZviflL8KmZLZOnAs0NvM6qWyMw-xluYA05pV5zP5P52CYqLR6/s1280/V&A%20(7).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhujwJevNvS_g5cZsCQDcZgjTKB2RniB3ABcTLCgPofWa4gF2daaUSygGjVpM5E8VOWwEApXQonWIvRELaBLxkOtDhJ0fITUC5-k25TzmepymB5SAJFxBknAral8oQFnveGnRwObieW1GiZviflL8KmZLZOnAs0NvM6qWyMw-xluYA05pV5zP5P52CYqLR6/w300-h400/V&A%20(7).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p>I love museums and I also love the history of museums. The <a href="https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/history-of-the-cast-courts" target="_blank">Casts Courts</a> are fascinating both because they are beautiful and also because they give a fascinating insight into Victorian museums. The casts are reproductions of original sculptures. It was difficult for many people to travel to see such wonders so the casts were the next best thing. Apparently it was common in the Nineteenth Century (and maybe the British Museum could do some casts of the Elgin Marbles) but the V&A courts - opened in 1873 - is oe of the few museums with an intact cast collection. There is some discussion of the casts being out of context but also that it preserves examples of places which are destroyed or weathered.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhin_D8FI77TxFXxQjJqtmDeWkVLkhaLDDV8o2FgNX_E61dq2vkqqXyZjwMWmAp7x1CF261odImr5QihXQz-jtc8LspjQV0wyDWNPIgz_XKUXiEqdlUoBPrsGZbUMBM49p2yRSaDqeYJC_MNePfrRZEs2DmoPh1gIF8Jct1NL7MMCL_yrc-jkTjRK82M05e/s1280/V&A%20(4).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhin_D8FI77TxFXxQjJqtmDeWkVLkhaLDDV8o2FgNX_E61dq2vkqqXyZjwMWmAp7x1CF261odImr5QihXQz-jtc8LspjQV0wyDWNPIgz_XKUXiEqdlUoBPrsGZbUMBM49p2yRSaDqeYJC_MNePfrRZEs2DmoPh1gIF8Jct1NL7MMCL_yrc-jkTjRK82M05e/w400-h300/V&A%20(4).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>It was odd to see Michelangelo's David after being in Rome and seeing so many souvenirs featuring the image. Apparently the nudity of the statue shocked Queen Victoria and there was a ceramic fig leave to be strategically placed when she visited. Apparently it is now part of the exhibition. I read some of the signage which was interesting in reflecting on the location or colour of the original but I missed the fig leaf! I really just love to cast an eye over the room and imagine Victorian ladies and gentlemen strolling through the exhibition with top hats and hooped skirts.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8RYmAlLMjBVnHeE1hL4ouWSr4XmGWj2xrq2a4h2_URymAlTYqPBWeyfdwJiq0x4UkYsXlw-PbN9xLLxzdBmd5-RqGF2CMP645-8zhMaWKgQ02NqO39Xfs2m9mL0jxT4EI3w1SB4IzKlr0BOz9mSez8xQyd51sQAxvRbm4twYCSjO7snpYFOFGVMo7Eovi/s1280/V&A%20(5).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8RYmAlLMjBVnHeE1hL4ouWSr4XmGWj2xrq2a4h2_URymAlTYqPBWeyfdwJiq0x4UkYsXlw-PbN9xLLxzdBmd5-RqGF2CMP645-8zhMaWKgQ02NqO39Xfs2m9mL0jxT4EI3w1SB4IzKlr0BOz9mSez8xQyd51sQAxvRbm4twYCSjO7snpYFOFGVMo7Eovi/w400-h300/V&A%20(5).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p>Imagine the wonder of seeing these sculptures in real life as a worker who had never left London. The V&A was open late with gas lighting so that workers could visit after work. Given how tired I can feel after work, I wonder how many had the energy after the long hours that were usual back then. I also wonder how much the casts influenced art and design in London.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZ54YqAJMuHBXcpDDH04u3-zaOhotv4gKtgLncpRpnilzyUj3yQ7xCGnGNYJUbGBBww9kZALLpvOBLFeO0DJ7yvQMKvDEdE2KWOnxcLMl7D1PVFrkWRN9dQ4V58SzZJ_v0bfKKDraVnra3POswgpdUKCjwAeYT2bYAWB80NAVgW5Q77Squ_VKnTHNnPKl/s1280/V&A%20(3).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZ54YqAJMuHBXcpDDH04u3-zaOhotv4gKtgLncpRpnilzyUj3yQ7xCGnGNYJUbGBBww9kZALLpvOBLFeO0DJ7yvQMKvDEdE2KWOnxcLMl7D1PVFrkWRN9dQ4V58SzZJ_v0bfKKDraVnra3POswgpdUKCjwAeYT2bYAWB80NAVgW5Q77Squ_VKnTHNnPKl/w300-h400/V&A%20(3).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>I loved this pulpit with all the amazing detail. If you saw it every Sunday and more at your church would you take it for granted or would you marvel at it every time you saw the great art. And those stairs! They do not look like they would pass today's health and safety standards!<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin5bZMYc5xu5gW_HHy1SjRq6VCser55Zm3tf_2RUYI3-ZxwSXFCqyrj1qFeLs3Tb4HVrSKqmP1ZGZrbkEHlEpi08Pq-dc6qFkKFweU30eZz3SOVjNsfFsfXMGTcImCmwcqVOYGdpyIEuDzAYSJcdNI1OpBcKEBsKL1SByoQU4oUokjX9pLuaFXQZFf_8L5/s1280/V&A%20(10).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin5bZMYc5xu5gW_HHy1SjRq6VCser55Zm3tf_2RUYI3-ZxwSXFCqyrj1qFeLs3Tb4HVrSKqmP1ZGZrbkEHlEpi08Pq-dc6qFkKFweU30eZz3SOVjNsfFsfXMGTcImCmwcqVOYGdpyIEuDzAYSJcdNI1OpBcKEBsKL1SByoQU4oUokjX9pLuaFXQZFf_8L5/w400-h300/V&A%20(10).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The Cast Courts are 25 metres high to accommodate the cast of Trajan's Column in two parts. The amount of detail in these is incredible.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-y4SfdXdIGLlpTd9cXAMVvWMWL_zvri_CTwoAx_GOkohKIE5iXFqsYQl9F2yn_yHBYo8Rr23vwfWib0kLmCJfXYCJ4SPBjC-fd1nFm7rhHzy9nooOkvapt-BxXRfmP-XiUo4ylr7bAStrVosvAQxGm0Zf2t4iGSGFFvJgcHgxpzpeuI2tk5e0Gsh3Ap4s/s1280/V&A%20(8).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-y4SfdXdIGLlpTd9cXAMVvWMWL_zvri_CTwoAx_GOkohKIE5iXFqsYQl9F2yn_yHBYo8Rr23vwfWib0kLmCJfXYCJ4SPBjC-fd1nFm7rhHzy9nooOkvapt-BxXRfmP-XiUo4ylr7bAStrVosvAQxGm0Zf2t4iGSGFFvJgcHgxpzpeuI2tk5e0Gsh3Ap4s/w400-h400/V&A%20(8).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>I was struck by the many different hats in this relief called Christ Bearing His Cross by Hans Breuggeman c 1514 . The signage says that unusually this plaster cast was not coated so it is behind glass. It also shows the joins between the parts of the cast that have been put together like a jigsaw. But mostly I noticed the hats. I am sure they would put to shame any Wear-a-silly-hat day!<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ZnPX1cTSKdEEo_LFsj9UKPm_zwxKgKwmEpP14KL0cTVmB0bOBn4fgBOUlJn5VOhTsHEnLjxsmBspum0FRKlenvoMPyyqCkMhzsqD9zc95ThUfcvwsLLgudNPz5mL10YnxORx2zBGE2SxVSTyJPneK-oSWhcxSNtdtxFDhDb5mBDiwhg4C63QBPPcM4j_/s1280/V&A%20(9).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ZnPX1cTSKdEEo_LFsj9UKPm_zwxKgKwmEpP14KL0cTVmB0bOBn4fgBOUlJn5VOhTsHEnLjxsmBspum0FRKlenvoMPyyqCkMhzsqD9zc95ThUfcvwsLLgudNPz5mL10YnxORx2zBGE2SxVSTyJPneK-oSWhcxSNtdtxFDhDb5mBDiwhg4C63QBPPcM4j_/w300-h400/V&A%20(9).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Perseus holding up Medusa's head.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJtwuxdfalgWzTGkyijmbxDpdJfcBE9Rh9j5bkUkFG3h5tkKanPaxfqgKCEKFPdTL-xQQetKLV1D__Cwc4VjI_bF_rG6159r10ujgEn8oGy0Aw-scVsoAq7dq3zEtQPrmBEXwFLtjQPfqawN27Tzkejb4aN7KL8iIIWqUoPUFF8Xo3nPi_rNlPCouDmLb/s1280/V&A%20(12).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJtwuxdfalgWzTGkyijmbxDpdJfcBE9Rh9j5bkUkFG3h5tkKanPaxfqgKCEKFPdTL-xQQetKLV1D__Cwc4VjI_bF_rG6159r10ujgEn8oGy0Aw-scVsoAq7dq3zEtQPrmBEXwFLtjQPfqawN27Tzkejb4aN7KL8iIIWqUoPUFF8Xo3nPi_rNlPCouDmLb/w400-h400/V&A%20(12).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />St George slays the dragon.<br /><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidWi3nYtOoqHfUA-yh4zwSSjY2dsdTT2rHeP-T2s3vT_ifQGafuJFBppUgIUqEjH_BqMrv9jaCRyvVwh6NsG-AIqty4E_9y8sRT7NObBpL6g4nw_4biCicLLH5KtyH13XyhdnxvHHVGOc2Tl6P6x04cbCnlSJEAZ_53PhveWoq0t0-0_4hmOwx5Bgenzwk/s1280/V&A%20(11).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="961" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidWi3nYtOoqHfUA-yh4zwSSjY2dsdTT2rHeP-T2s3vT_ifQGafuJFBppUgIUqEjH_BqMrv9jaCRyvVwh6NsG-AIqty4E_9y8sRT7NObBpL6g4nw_4biCicLLH5KtyH13XyhdnxvHHVGOc2Tl6P6x04cbCnlSJEAZ_53PhveWoq0t0-0_4hmOwx5Bgenzwk/w300-h400/V&A%20(11).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>I wss struck by the face on this bishop. Also I wish I had had time to go up the stairs and look down on on the casts from the balcony like the two people in the photo. I managed to convince Sylvia to come and see the Cast Courts but we had to get back to the gift shop to meet Chris as we had plenty more of the London to see.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJmKS_tzrfoobg45k-2Wn2Zvakq7fq-CBuHvzxdBV_LJClENTLlNm-Wv0mh_J63W9ssGOSKCjv4vfTqbH-QuVWJ-yN9rARhRiPccrcldMwFa3ebrfBWJAcUd1srsGgenrACptcpGT80ZY8wQG0DMT3hItHkCbuHLyeK8MwscXayKLRwFFiJBNpm48VFUP/s1280/V&A%20(6).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJmKS_tzrfoobg45k-2Wn2Zvakq7fq-CBuHvzxdBV_LJClENTLlNm-Wv0mh_J63W9ssGOSKCjv4vfTqbH-QuVWJ-yN9rARhRiPccrcldMwFa3ebrfBWJAcUd1srsGgenrACptcpGT80ZY8wQG0DMT3hItHkCbuHLyeK8MwscXayKLRwFFiJBNpm48VFUP/w400-h400/V&A%20(6).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Chris had been to look at Renaissance art and a Theatre and Performance section. The V&A has a lot to see, and a great gift shop. I loved these William Morris biscuit tins.<br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNE_E7IGJ1VTZZvRCpUMR8tzd2Qw4hRwVLWuwdDGnpiaKOoRI9A0aqDhlOenPZHZOAH8mAkW5WIydzEOvVshtu4L2tCgJ-BRqTNsBlcwr1ckSNcVJhXVekF5pGA3fy1xrUxCDPXJESNCQbphLE2EYWm3MglBVPG6Tub_3U81dVjogtFwVUMNesfWQnGHEy/s1280/V&A%20(13).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNE_E7IGJ1VTZZvRCpUMR8tzd2Qw4hRwVLWuwdDGnpiaKOoRI9A0aqDhlOenPZHZOAH8mAkW5WIydzEOvVshtu4L2tCgJ-BRqTNsBlcwr1ckSNcVJhXVekF5pGA3fy1xrUxCDPXJESNCQbphLE2EYWm3MglBVPG6Tub_3U81dVjogtFwVUMNesfWQnGHEy/w400-h300/V&A%20(13).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Before leaving we went outside to beautiful John Madejski Garden to enjoy a spot of sunshine. In the middle is a pond with a sign saying "paddling is permitted but please keep clothes on" that amused us. So British!<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGWE3hN4qCJ4izAfmc26VOMa4RvSiou_gHMgs734wRi_Rf7u9yodNt0MtHSjgTpnsyOkZYUqV27-d_vJZZlRIyJKE8u9roHcCOrJPg3FqchTWsQKPkCHZMvXlQKjVE_pTiE8mbfHaAjkJO18XpE6p0d1OXaHQXmiGnoRE5JXvJPSaVZ2e4pw_KZxdnLFm/s1280/V&A%20(14).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGWE3hN4qCJ4izAfmc26VOMa4RvSiou_gHMgs734wRi_Rf7u9yodNt0MtHSjgTpnsyOkZYUqV27-d_vJZZlRIyJKE8u9roHcCOrJPg3FqchTWsQKPkCHZMvXlQKjVE_pTiE8mbfHaAjkJO18XpE6p0d1OXaHQXmiGnoRE5JXvJPSaVZ2e4pw_KZxdnLFm/w400-h300/V&A%20(14).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>It was such gorgeous winter weather than a lot of people were seating outside at the cafe tables. We never thought to go into the cafe. I had had a glimpse of it in the courtyard at the back and it looked pretty ordinary. <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSz1L6f2cLgijxPLSnoVndhzokZKBdFnc1CU9Ad6NFpuXuRpSwuG0RRvsyBe1MNC9FjryjBLccr660MpKJuD325UJwJp5NPe8fmI6O3gkiudBnXm2RJOPVsfmQ87ClPAXg4cN96bki1gfod_jE7QM4fM9_-qE6eODMOJZY7T-KRu_aLVYSWT65jpjUPTR8/s1280/V&A%20(15).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSz1L6f2cLgijxPLSnoVndhzokZKBdFnc1CU9Ad6NFpuXuRpSwuG0RRvsyBe1MNC9FjryjBLccr660MpKJuD325UJwJp5NPe8fmI6O3gkiudBnXm2RJOPVsfmQ87ClPAXg4cN96bki1gfod_jE7QM4fM9_-qE6eODMOJZY7T-KRu_aLVYSWT65jpjUPTR8/w300-h400/V&A%20(15).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br />I had read about the historic V&A cafe but had was not clear where
it was. Later I was disappointed to see I could have gone in there if I
had gone through the cafe door by the pond and walked through to the <a href="https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/a-first-of-its-kind-history-of-the-refreshment-rooms" target="_blank">Gamble Poynter and Morris Room</a>, one of the first museum cafes. Instead we admired the architecture outside.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy1R-dB6I9l3BPxXCMUsypPUO17NbbuJF0oFDwxv2-31nvgB9IAOotMCkoI8xBt6AuGc1_rOnKen3YLKSEEeRElMadc8LKLIyHVctZi6ygxiU6i80oRhQeX1f569wVGg6kPF7uLTjpACgWE48q7r5E8bwJdl3msz_MVf0BvhNOtJxbjGeWnskxV_K08X-W/s1280/V&A.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy1R-dB6I9l3BPxXCMUsypPUO17NbbuJF0oFDwxv2-31nvgB9IAOotMCkoI8xBt6AuGc1_rOnKen3YLKSEEeRElMadc8LKLIyHVctZi6ygxiU6i80oRhQeX1f569wVGg6kPF7uLTjpACgWE48q7r5E8bwJdl3msz_MVf0BvhNOtJxbjGeWnskxV_K08X-W/w400-h300/V&A.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Then we walked through the entrance hall which is spectacular. It has an ornate glass sculpture hanging over the information desk. It seemed we went through the museum backwards as this was our last place we went.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXv1tHl4PltbBnYWie-VI3U-4TeoAX_Yzd63D9UGOoEFJeO2hjETrm6R7zS8voZrxXwMqJQEhCPBKH9FcFWY91A2TeivetI9zewC_COBzJdJF1X2-CkzDPkrtRpZrDM0wqCP_VbxBkBpio0hQ_dmPO5IfK2GG_Ij2tyHYM9OENL_DEie_y_6cKBFrmqXha/s1280/V&A%20(17).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXv1tHl4PltbBnYWie-VI3U-4TeoAX_Yzd63D9UGOoEFJeO2hjETrm6R7zS8voZrxXwMqJQEhCPBKH9FcFWY91A2TeivetI9zewC_COBzJdJF1X2-CkzDPkrtRpZrDM0wqCP_VbxBkBpio0hQ_dmPO5IfK2GG_Ij2tyHYM9OENL_DEie_y_6cKBFrmqXha/w400-h400/V&A%20(17).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>We went int the back entrance opposite the long queues to the Natural History Museum. It was so impressive it might have been mistaken for the front. The details of the building were impressive.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiXvMTEoDcTRv8Wvtc3fZzZ2geD9jpAwVs61HFiDgrQN7GJsidcckKUzTHMzJdKRKiST7Z4k3LBRpjvfbR1xc_J_sqYLaIXKlRFsvaTw_MK60r3Y1kc2DnZn7BCMAvNa_RK4G4kI5WpNwcAEdf9N0X2OU2k2iKO-5jYgJVCZtuc9Sfj3oOo7dWzJIxVy2i/s1280/V&A%20(16).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiXvMTEoDcTRv8Wvtc3fZzZ2geD9jpAwVs61HFiDgrQN7GJsidcckKUzTHMzJdKRKiST7Z4k3LBRpjvfbR1xc_J_sqYLaIXKlRFsvaTw_MK60r3Y1kc2DnZn7BCMAvNa_RK4G4kI5WpNwcAEdf9N0X2OU2k2iKO-5jYgJVCZtuc9Sfj3oOo7dWzJIxVy2i/w480-h640/V&A%20(16).jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p></p>But when we exited out the front entrance we could see this was every grander than the other parts we had seen. It was a lovely last view of the great museum before we caught a bus into the West End.<br />Johanna GGGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08594201473931487490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6742756814967464811.post-16684553757867017352024-03-09T20:05:00.001+11:002024-03-09T21:29:16.269+11:00London: Whiskers and Cream cat cafe<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDb0TE_F_fNQr_n-wtBamv3o7COWoK8bcQ5ciwmySQagNv1fINY4uDdk6vlsEAJNkKL0vCDAeQMKIAR8VhJ3IJ7dQFBLuLmUsT3Pu3yfycXmL2bVazB76YIffUn4Y8jFwP2I1n-tOgcD4PAbicU3ij9xrIVOx29l6nd5SvAshfbvshtpVcdICbtYIChTQ/s1280/whiskers%20and%20cream%20(2).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDb0TE_F_fNQr_n-wtBamv3o7COWoK8bcQ5ciwmySQagNv1fINY4uDdk6vlsEAJNkKL0vCDAeQMKIAR8VhJ3IJ7dQFBLuLmUsT3Pu3yfycXmL2bVazB76YIffUn4Y8jFwP2I1n-tOgcD4PAbicU3ij9xrIVOx29l6nd5SvAshfbvshtpVcdICbtYIChTQ/w400-h400/whiskers%20and%20cream%20(2).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p>On a rainy day in London we visited the Whiskers and Cream cat cafe. It is in on the Northern Line very close to Highgate Cemetary so that was our first stop of the day. As I have mentioned, we were a bit later than intended and rang in the morning to change our booking to a later lunch. You can see postcards from the cemetery that Sylvia loved and was very sad we lost at the cat cafe. Fortunately she loved being with the cats so much - and that coffee art was so cute - that the loss was a little easier to bear.<br /><br /></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD7nnMxNbE0x1wAtCbVZD2vfX0A9cEYClzL-oXqF3v8xhqRHEItEnmvUQ30w5173i7ZlHezPhthLhmvnLCzOSTbbeA3Dlfh4jLy39scmmemerPPM7VPkceNNsgVHCbx2qQl30WeMBxvOkXJExAAp6sSl3rX2W4Cjvdk49WPa6mHh9P3KX92G2Dc1ZvRWGO/s1280/whiskers%20and%20cream.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD7nnMxNbE0x1wAtCbVZD2vfX0A9cEYClzL-oXqF3v8xhqRHEItEnmvUQ30w5173i7ZlHezPhthLhmvnLCzOSTbbeA3Dlfh4jLy39scmmemerPPM7VPkceNNsgVHCbx2qQl30WeMBxvOkXJExAAp6sSl3rX2W4Cjvdk49WPa6mHh9P3KX92G2Dc1ZvRWGO/w400-h300/whiskers%20and%20cream.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p>The building is in a small shopping strip in Holloway Road. I am not sure if the outside seats are just for show. Anyone who goes to a cat cafe goes to see cats more than for the food. And to get into the cat cafe, we had to go through a double set of doors to make sure the cats can't run out. So there will be no cats on the outside of the cafe.<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii9QajxbX6q4rGSciHC_VcVLXsaPQm9s5XWNuTIuX4dqj19uCuxYFBVz78ZoZLfZ_zYhnf7ug1TqD3b01TLCAVpV4doDZAO_czlhLKqhOIufnUyqUM1oUNftDrn3_o-nu9Y50gXPCwZHHeXGuvlvkIC6pAlP9TAmZx4jGzH39lQFogsYg9v_dzaPNUBNLi/s1280/whiskers%20and%20cream%20(1).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii9QajxbX6q4rGSciHC_VcVLXsaPQm9s5XWNuTIuX4dqj19uCuxYFBVz78ZoZLfZ_zYhnf7ug1TqD3b01TLCAVpV4doDZAO_czlhLKqhOIufnUyqUM1oUNftDrn3_o-nu9Y50gXPCwZHHeXGuvlvkIC6pAlP9TAmZx4jGzH39lQFogsYg9v_dzaPNUBNLi/w400-h400/whiskers%20and%20cream%20(1).jpeg" width="400" /></a></p><p>We were seated downstairs, perhaps because of our change of booking. I would have preferred to be upstairs with windows and where most of the cats were. The one bright spot in the downstairs area was Oscar. He was a small light brown cat who was a self appointed guard. He continually ran down the stairs, did a lap of the room, checking everything was fine and then back up the stairs. It gave a lot of amusement and entertainment to all of us downstairs.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwvIa2uwbHMLWGSPuR-f_F8pBDj9cS-qTJDnGUpHq9o9smhbRCKDLRFSQGkL4PA7xDFGrJRctZegSi26gmBWdkWO9tZCSVC7ClkqPgRe96LvHHq95yB7-euisPSZlTNXf4hEHUI7uKBD9kYJK3pV_fnJZC2gU5yb0VJ7hRsmnNIAd5YxXjNKCohMjAeVUx/s1280/whiskers%20and%20cream%20(4).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwvIa2uwbHMLWGSPuR-f_F8pBDj9cS-qTJDnGUpHq9o9smhbRCKDLRFSQGkL4PA7xDFGrJRctZegSi26gmBWdkWO9tZCSVC7ClkqPgRe96LvHHq95yB7-euisPSZlTNXf4hEHUI7uKBD9kYJK3pV_fnJZC2gU5yb0VJ7hRsmnNIAd5YxXjNKCohMjAeVUx/w400-h400/whiskers%20and%20cream%20(4).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>When we were seated we were given an overview of the ten cats. While we waited for our order, we wandered upstairs to see the other cats. They were pretty sleepy but there was a lot of attention being given to Jack, this gorgeous Maine Coon who was sitting on this chair like he owned the place.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtfu0BKhg9dIxh8-UW09rT_2o8IjfbL-StG6n-voM28Ft_4MRC3b5eJmJO6fujTfzg4XFWlOaBoVZDEkkHdt6NUbeoAF6YtqJxWe4gZwxW5RSoZRhZqMuaV_sqpsN-unwVzIJOAf-oAUu_v2ZpZiatWK9QC4dxnj4d_at4vivPHwwArdT2UhyPUieX6dNp/s1280/whiskers%20and%20cream%20(5).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtfu0BKhg9dIxh8-UW09rT_2o8IjfbL-StG6n-voM28Ft_4MRC3b5eJmJO6fujTfzg4XFWlOaBoVZDEkkHdt6NUbeoAF6YtqJxWe4gZwxW5RSoZRhZqMuaV_sqpsN-unwVzIJOAf-oAUu_v2ZpZiatWK9QC4dxnj4d_at4vivPHwwArdT2UhyPUieX6dNp/w400-h300/whiskers%20and%20cream%20(5).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>More typical of the other cats was Amelia who was snoozing on one of the ledges set up for the cats.</p><p></p><p>The options for hot chocolates were impressive. Not only were there
options of white chocolate and mocha but also Venezuela (58%), Ecuador
(70%) and Madagascar (80%). Then there were options for servings such
as iced, Baileys, marshmallows, whipped cream and vegan whipped cream.
Coffee culture usually means lots of variety of coffees with just a
milky sweet hot chocolate as an afterthought. I really loved that I
could have a darker hot chocolate (Ecuador) with no cream because it was
an optional extra. It came with a cute cocoa cat face stencil on it
and it tasted really good (see top photo). Sylvia also loved her Venezuela hot
chocolate with marshmallows. I wish more cafes could offer more
options. <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZc6ZhhaKABu-comFyGNoVw4kN_DutuqgHK8gW9Rapjf4vpWiZHU_wxFJomADj8vFgXTiPHsqmA-bNWH9dVsvP5LPAK0QNIkJokghkrBYD1P851_TJeEA_v6BD8dgSAMcZAZ1bKqAthPUF9qBWZRX3oPZulCPB02R7lkKjsYoyNnGRaXoMcd3kCFfdKghO/s1280/whiskers%20and%20cream%20(3).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZc6ZhhaKABu-comFyGNoVw4kN_DutuqgHK8gW9Rapjf4vpWiZHU_wxFJomADj8vFgXTiPHsqmA-bNWH9dVsvP5LPAK0QNIkJokghkrBYD1P851_TJeEA_v6BD8dgSAMcZAZ1bKqAthPUF9qBWZRX3oPZulCPB02R7lkKjsYoyNnGRaXoMcd3kCFfdKghO/w400-h300/whiskers%20and%20cream%20(3).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Then our lunch was ready. Whiskers and Cream describes itself as "London's luxury cat cafe". This suggested fine food. </p><p>Our food was hit and miss. Sylvia loved her sourdough sandwich with tomato basil and cream cheese. I ordered the "Spicy tortilla chips, tomato salsa, cheddar cheese baked until melted and delicious served with garlic bread and garlic bread sticks." The presentation was so bad I felt like laughing. The cheese was melted enough that it was soft and sweaty but not enough to be the crispy golden joy of grilled cheese. Most of the tortillas and salsa were under the cheese and not that crisp of tasty, the garlic bread sticks were just crusts with some garlic butter on it and looked silly perching on the edge of the bake. I was annoyed that the sour cream and guacamole were extras. I had the sour cream but resented another two pounds for the guacamole, and regretted not ordering it. </p><p>I really wanted lunch and would have liked more than options of sandwiches or the tortilla bake for savoury food or a tiered high tea, which looked excellent but was pricey at <span>£35 each - twice what we paid at <a href="https://gggiraffe.blogspot.com/2024/03/london-muffin-man-tea-room-in-kensington.html" target="_blank">The Muffin Man</a> - and seemed exorbitant on top of the </span><span>£18 each we paid for admission and a drink. I also liked that they catered for different diets such as vegan and gluten free.<br /></span></p><p></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIBhvgghKzYuDeiXFmoUGzFJNp7043yxz1KMIFNiHDV0YKrP3HCTvq4akHprOUcebh4ySeoY0avaQnj3h3RGdq99DAHYa3OIYeRnUGLhutbJhChhVviFQ26bUQrlsdT9doCmFLA-gCqMnNfXYhqz2cZatYi6kuHyC94nIaKCsSY_FHbrRDndfet_7h4Nt_/s1280/whiskers%20and%20cream%20(10).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIBhvgghKzYuDeiXFmoUGzFJNp7043yxz1KMIFNiHDV0YKrP3HCTvq4akHprOUcebh4ySeoY0avaQnj3h3RGdq99DAHYa3OIYeRnUGLhutbJhChhVviFQ26bUQrlsdT9doCmFLA-gCqMnNfXYhqz2cZatYi6kuHyC94nIaKCsSY_FHbrRDndfet_7h4Nt_/w400-h400/whiskers%20and%20cream%20(10).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p>This little cat, Trixie slept in the cat tower for a lot of the visit but sat up long enough for a photo.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvTz_8VECPlS_VPCqee7m98nRElfbedWDS5bYP4LClWGH3qkRAIdDkACiMKAquCU5ttCWJou4gpCxjn4ffZuUCHcG16HjkiMYFcR5DF00W_ZdcsQd1VA8aHxArV2dKYwAg1rC_lSQf743gbhnU-nsNDPwQxo0FoD9oAb-94liKGazpw-1BjvoLZL8WkIlF/s1280/whiskers%20and%20cream%20(6).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvTz_8VECPlS_VPCqee7m98nRElfbedWDS5bYP4LClWGH3qkRAIdDkACiMKAquCU5ttCWJou4gpCxjn4ffZuUCHcG16HjkiMYFcR5DF00W_ZdcsQd1VA8aHxArV2dKYwAg1rC_lSQf743gbhnU-nsNDPwQxo0FoD9oAb-94liKGazpw-1BjvoLZL8WkIlF/w400-h400/whiskers%20and%20cream%20(6).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Archibold amused us by sitting up on the platform by the window surveying the room.<br /><br /></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2nak-sxmXV9ujCly_NYpwbcx1jXmPQX5XXC3oySKYLoFwYWvR1DUn3SnRrkjcUrsTIOAUVvWGQr1eYQHxkLt_u8KWlKYZEA99c1FI-7Dix7HoIzW6xTMjOiKf3xiagTRSGhBlCRL_W0fkLKOYWPXi3dKI3WjxTwh-EmT0Sa-fbhV7aKAeB8G4zkmGDnvT/s525/whiskers%20and%20cream%20(15).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="375" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2nak-sxmXV9ujCly_NYpwbcx1jXmPQX5XXC3oySKYLoFwYWvR1DUn3SnRrkjcUrsTIOAUVvWGQr1eYQHxkLt_u8KWlKYZEA99c1FI-7Dix7HoIzW6xTMjOiKf3xiagTRSGhBlCRL_W0fkLKOYWPXi3dKI3WjxTwh-EmT0Sa-fbhV7aKAeB8G4zkmGDnvT/w286-h400/whiskers%20and%20cream%20(15).jpeg" width="286" /></a></div><p></p><p>Oscar got tired of guard duty and slept in a cut little box on a wall and could be seen through this cat shaped hole.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8abwad6NJYtsvPV5yLmfb3ZzUGA0Yfaxtzw8lB35JFgkORZfbq0pSSGVGxlPm4U7vEk-5qEr20eWmdsCByHZAsY5oARrceL5RdnHKkP0yB47FXh77sGXWXgo4l2qF7mOThSXqSTGt2kEGQwhwjHBjjR_Ak91YYcB8Zin5nk0Mhm6mLSP41oFNAqbQj7YR/s1280/whiskers%20and%20cream%20(7).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="961" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8abwad6NJYtsvPV5yLmfb3ZzUGA0Yfaxtzw8lB35JFgkORZfbq0pSSGVGxlPm4U7vEk-5qEr20eWmdsCByHZAsY5oARrceL5RdnHKkP0yB47FXh77sGXWXgo4l2qF7mOThSXqSTGt2kEGQwhwjHBjjR_Ak91YYcB8Zin5nk0Mhm6mLSP41oFNAqbQj7YR/w300-h400/whiskers%20and%20cream%20(7).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p>Jack the Maine Coon sashayed downstairs to see what was going on down there. He was so big and floofy.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBV5owp5vAj9STqYGaqsraskbLdtHDYATE5KiWufu1mypGrpn_GB_bY902TgPhw2ZIHgY2CEgbeRaOmjYezwx_XCyfHTOSdzATf4GU2YiWM00nIqo8Eq57llwfe5qXYtuDqr2N-m4dmVmyxIvdEKch9gXCciwZh0WkssKED7Aa40G___s7jRiAPP9tEfkO/s1280/whiskers%20and%20cream%20(9).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBV5owp5vAj9STqYGaqsraskbLdtHDYATE5KiWufu1mypGrpn_GB_bY902TgPhw2ZIHgY2CEgbeRaOmjYezwx_XCyfHTOSdzATf4GU2YiWM00nIqo8Eq57llwfe5qXYtuDqr2N-m4dmVmyxIvdEKch9gXCciwZh0WkssKED7Aa40G___s7jRiAPP9tEfkO/w400-h300/whiskers%20and%20cream%20(9).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>We ordered a warm scone with clotted cream and strawberry preserves to share. It was excellent but took so long to come (something about a forgotten order) that we were given a free extra 30 minutes on top of our paid 90 minutes. Usually an extra 30 minutes costs <span>£4.50.</span><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJthLIlmcY1k0leamZrof4MnAKd0LDTECZJthasZpCZSnzMNlVl7N1b543knucOSLctirdKawvAKHLYl6KpiQaflVJ0eosKS7GJoSJqps44sFVYsS5FR3VzLvhLIr3l2UHaAkEF7MDYbQ1WW_A1mfBhLCGvzE_mBtHfaNa2WAMuOy4wRFdkYYv1G8H7-f/s375/whiskers%20and%20cream%20(14).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="375" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJthLIlmcY1k0leamZrof4MnAKd0LDTECZJthasZpCZSnzMNlVl7N1b543knucOSLctirdKawvAKHLYl6KpiQaflVJ0eosKS7GJoSJqps44sFVYsS5FR3VzLvhLIr3l2UHaAkEF7MDYbQ1WW_A1mfBhLCGvzE_mBtHfaNa2WAMuOy4wRFdkYYv1G8H7-f/w400-h400/whiskers%20and%20cream%20(14).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Sylvia was really pleased to have extra time as she loved patting the cats. One cat, Vanilla, was asleep in a cat tower for a lot of the time. He doesn't like his back being touched so Sylvia was careful not to bother him but loved that he seemed quite grateful for her gentleness after some rougher kids upset him.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYkJ7euQnK3PY6UA8d6opPYg2n3JuYk9XtrQwRWVH1tjxIIso2AOXKZd2sUS89AgHm8HwIAKCHuzEcDYd1no78Qxt4IK-gCI38CONurV3cGajNFdkBCA5SYQhqa3NcZf0FvwBp8pc5xwfpzVNDkujBVjc5ibYAZ71JafMPqm2mkIbtVgXMW0GhtsmJQVUp/s667/whiskers%20and%20cream%20(16).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="375" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYkJ7euQnK3PY6UA8d6opPYg2n3JuYk9XtrQwRWVH1tjxIIso2AOXKZd2sUS89AgHm8HwIAKCHuzEcDYd1no78Qxt4IK-gCI38CONurV3cGajNFdkBCA5SYQhqa3NcZf0FvwBp8pc5xwfpzVNDkujBVjc5ibYAZ71JafMPqm2mkIbtVgXMW0GhtsmJQVUp/w360-h640/whiskers%20and%20cream%20(16).jpeg" width="360" /></a></div><p>Ollie was one of the first cats we saw, curled in a sleepy ball in a basket. I am not sure he got out the whole time we were there.<br /><br /></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTnPP64HWVq-xuad0fWcYuGUhhFTr8ShkfmkaxK8VDAT3z3m4l3yyDPfV8hJ1dwEoSg9q-mbQwXZtyfyJWNtbfYcBOCSX2T-642VkEh9uUNK7F_3qx5B3QXRldODTFbjkqDkNIcoKEGv_wFM1siVzzhmgEiDbvLDNIH6EcFwtZcjLfM-cNEwdncn0XjKVy/s1280/whiskers%20and%20cream%20(12).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTnPP64HWVq-xuad0fWcYuGUhhFTr8ShkfmkaxK8VDAT3z3m4l3yyDPfV8hJ1dwEoSg9q-mbQwXZtyfyJWNtbfYcBOCSX2T-642VkEh9uUNK7F_3qx5B3QXRldODTFbjkqDkNIcoKEGv_wFM1siVzzhmgEiDbvLDNIH6EcFwtZcjLfM-cNEwdncn0XjKVy/w400-h400/whiskers%20and%20cream%20(12).jpeg" width="400" /></a> <br /></div><p>Archibold came down from his high vantage point by the window and sauntered about with Vanilla.<br /><br /></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9K_DMhYD1G9Oo4oTf7gAnWHqIdzJ1bBp9SoV5SN7nVaQygLg3_WsA-UwzUdLFwYeyqAuXNSqSXpqE1awN-6gEx2uEFQuDUdqMfmHmRW5dpYdF5l6VFdXNyExcLMbOQJ01MGNnHssekilm0CAtADUfTraV6SgVZgVdpvv3kmmXTNw1Wrh_UOK_kVH3MQrO/s1280/whiskers%20and%20cream%20(11).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9K_DMhYD1G9Oo4oTf7gAnWHqIdzJ1bBp9SoV5SN7nVaQygLg3_WsA-UwzUdLFwYeyqAuXNSqSXpqE1awN-6gEx2uEFQuDUdqMfmHmRW5dpYdF5l6VFdXNyExcLMbOQJ01MGNnHssekilm0CAtADUfTraV6SgVZgVdpvv3kmmXTNw1Wrh_UOK_kVH3MQrO/w400-h400/whiskers%20and%20cream%20(11).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p>I noticed some of the kids playing with the cats with these toys but I only really noticed this toy corner on the way out. <br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-BOpzt4ZKOKuSUl2A1NRW6XIkmSlfxf834rt_c7IBtflHiqufA-x1ZP_4QbYcdtWvzEMNSGxQm7HrsuwPgolH2SE0lBSArdZlFM4FOYzjC3cbZVq_7YUha5GARDdabsZdxnyohhhra7mfQamiDCbpEIp63SNsAAPywr8delW4WUSFMb9I7pjdBN1taxKQ/s1280/whiskers%20and%20cream%20(13).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-BOpzt4ZKOKuSUl2A1NRW6XIkmSlfxf834rt_c7IBtflHiqufA-x1ZP_4QbYcdtWvzEMNSGxQm7HrsuwPgolH2SE0lBSArdZlFM4FOYzjC3cbZVq_7YUha5GARDdabsZdxnyohhhra7mfQamiDCbpEIp63SNsAAPywr8delW4WUSFMb9I7pjdBN1taxKQ/w300-h400/whiskers%20and%20cream%20(13).jpeg" width="300" /></a> <br /></div><p></p><p>Once we finished our scone I didn't feel the need to stay too much longer. Sylvia could have stayed patting and chatting to the cats all day. The tote bags were cute but we didn't purchase. We had been saving our appetites for our next stop at Mayfair Mercato food hall.<br /></p><p><b>Whiskers and Cream</b><br />593 Holloway Road<br />Archway, Islington N19 4DJ<br />Open: M, Tu, Th, F: 10am-5pm, Sat, Sun: 10am-5.30pm.<br /><a href="https://www.whiskersandcream.com/" target="_blank">https://www.whiskersandcream.com/</a></p>Johanna GGGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08594201473931487490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6742756814967464811.post-4398905738054891512024-03-08T23:40:00.007+11:002024-03-09T21:27:50.525+11:00London: Covent Garden and West End<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQoIO_nocjRJD9MbJbfHMIezr7YDRzrwZXktOSKVKO_RJ2Wf9XJYifyND1_uy4G03yb0FxRBEaZIJEtC7fX8eqNQ8YJf7XLi6dZ_oif2vCoeAf6CoH_OOUOGTU86ZH3KK3TUescSDhRlgdDwST1rPRI4txdE7nfeXRXUmU4kkeHY4xWa-ajhlnsB9lrD4/s1280/covent%20garden%20(2).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQoIO_nocjRJD9MbJbfHMIezr7YDRzrwZXktOSKVKO_RJ2Wf9XJYifyND1_uy4G03yb0FxRBEaZIJEtC7fX8eqNQ8YJf7XLi6dZ_oif2vCoeAf6CoH_OOUOGTU86ZH3KK3TUescSDhRlgdDwST1rPRI4txdE7nfeXRXUmU4kkeHY4xWa-ajhlnsB9lrD4/w400-h300/covent%20garden%20(2).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div></div><p>Although we had been to Leicester Square to see the recent <i>Mean Girls</i> film the previous evening, I was keen to take Sylvia to the West End in daylight to see all the places that had been so magical to me. Central to this was Covent Garden where the market used to be. The West End is famous for theatre, shopping and history.<br /></p><p>When I lived in London I knew the area well but I don't remember the streets as well over two decades later. But I can still walk about with wonder around every corner.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3JoweXlJ86YkajO5vnBu80FmG50jBLGCG_aPK7_26dRfhNrTXEGUCVSIxR6itAjhwzlklQlaEk5TRB-B9St0ljecrXJyemTU-iIC7rO6F5qYq5d417DumYJD7MFDo-YC0y9yR8t9ARbO1jlpZB-IkwYCVek00nDLrEppYFPnjJSUvC7COK7HBmb7iETsg/s1280/covent%20garden%20(3).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3JoweXlJ86YkajO5vnBu80FmG50jBLGCG_aPK7_26dRfhNrTXEGUCVSIxR6itAjhwzlklQlaEk5TRB-B9St0ljecrXJyemTU-iIC7rO6F5qYq5d417DumYJD7MFDo-YC0y9yR8t9ARbO1jlpZB-IkwYCVek00nDLrEppYFPnjJSUvC7COK7HBmb7iETsg/w300-h400/covent%20garden%20(3).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Covent Garden, how do I love thee, let me count the ways. I loved watching Eliza Doolittle in <i>My Fair Lady</i> as a Cockney flower girl at the market when it was a bustling market of workers. On my first visit to London, I went to Cranks in this area. It served the best ever vegetarian sausage rolls. Nearby are laneways where I enjoyed great times. I would have loved the time to walk around more than we did and see some favourite places like Neal's Yard and
Bloomsbury. <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJCk7e7boX0gMP5S-7e0vHt57Oc548WvWm8p2UtS-iRWDveuNJ288X4wOOEvscryAZ9dznWuXN7taAUSZ5IP-YTnJo-OIzNrdwCQ0WCYyNZ4k78cQskxyH1460pmI4V6ZPmv-N9fw4dmZbTb1QxNGkoGPeoFb87HoJL9TMKTPSOAS4dd2ocGi3qtgQyYd/s1280/covent%20garden%20(10).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="961" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJCk7e7boX0gMP5S-7e0vHt57Oc548WvWm8p2UtS-iRWDveuNJ288X4wOOEvscryAZ9dznWuXN7taAUSZ5IP-YTnJo-OIzNrdwCQ0WCYyNZ4k78cQskxyH1460pmI4V6ZPmv-N9fw4dmZbTb1QxNGkoGPeoFb87HoJL9TMKTPSOAS4dd2ocGi3qtgQyYd/w300-h400/covent%20garden%20(10).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>But being around the market buildings was such a treat. I have always been far more interested in the historic buildings than the shops. The first time I saw it, I was transported into past worlds by the old buildings. More recently we have seen films based there such as <i>Last Christmas</i> and <i>A Street Cat Named Bob</i>. It is a place of great memories!<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPRpf0KBzL-sHEb385ZaAHhCOIT4JKzq6pKDbvkYPI7sxeYU9Zf3iVXwt7hsacCtpOYiUSOf1ju5bmajnu94ul-DbdSW3MktyPXUxak9LXCrshnQafCNQSm0cixdm8WoJwSKhYelaIUxt7vxKh_wN4sE-c2Xbs7w0iKKzRzzkweqJFhjVFZs53x303wtvc/s1280/covent%20garden.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPRpf0KBzL-sHEb385ZaAHhCOIT4JKzq6pKDbvkYPI7sxeYU9Zf3iVXwt7hsacCtpOYiUSOf1ju5bmajnu94ul-DbdSW3MktyPXUxak9LXCrshnQafCNQSm0cixdm8WoJwSKhYelaIUxt7vxKh_wN4sE-c2Xbs7w0iKKzRzzkweqJFhjVFZs53x303wtvc/w300-h400/covent%20garden.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>We took the underground to Covent Garden station. (As an aside, I used to often accidentally call it Convent Garden when younger. So I was interested to see on <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Covent_Garden" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a> that it was originally referred to as the gardens of the Convent and [Westminster] Abbey as far back as 1200. Though it also says that Covent is an Anglo-French word that refers to a religious community and is the name used from 1515.)<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj85itwshWFDLG1TCDlEq7yN8RjP6qzpXYjJ198HBPxMlrIqUAE48iGc_JjPYpmPRGnyREor5hbQk8G34tstlpE327xCYltPBTNbVorbbE0VcuMC1IaIMQsnWrJP5m9-qwcmBKaOy-iGtRYJcIJBvbUG5x-tXWoZxv-0o5gTsrkFG_Um6qs0JTNpA-fgegV/s1280/covent%20garden%20(1).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1039" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj85itwshWFDLG1TCDlEq7yN8RjP6qzpXYjJ198HBPxMlrIqUAE48iGc_JjPYpmPRGnyREor5hbQk8G34tstlpE327xCYltPBTNbVorbbE0VcuMC1IaIMQsnWrJP5m9-qwcmBKaOy-iGtRYJcIJBvbUG5x-tXWoZxv-0o5gTsrkFG_Um6qs0JTNpA-fgegV/w325-h400/covent%20garden%20(1).jpeg" width="325" /></a></p><p>Sylvia was excited to visit Covent Garden because she was intent on buying a Billie Eilish perfume. She had especially saved her pennies for that moment. She had found it was available at Boots on Long Acre. That was our first port of call. <br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGw6VJqVkgqaoodsOiwc5Y0af5yhmJ3GuHanQ9PO2wjKr_AdzR0CnUVBOp5ddiklFsVMBd1BGhWbWd2romY5yrTLWibiz7rA5UzpdpYkWMbgSc8zq5cStwJXHtw-sIzBNN3MLU-2OyN0buz8tqB_ZkWy-g5gZqNSwOsBBDKob-mldjEjOTkUZJcQu6zA6m/s1280/covent%20garden%20(4).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGw6VJqVkgqaoodsOiwc5Y0af5yhmJ3GuHanQ9PO2wjKr_AdzR0CnUVBOp5ddiklFsVMBd1BGhWbWd2romY5yrTLWibiz7rA5UzpdpYkWMbgSc8zq5cStwJXHtw-sIzBNN3MLU-2OyN0buz8tqB_ZkWy-g5gZqNSwOsBBDKob-mldjEjOTkUZJcQu6zA6m/w300-h400/covent%20garden%20(4).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>This colonnade around the market buildings are very elegant.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij4g1d4bczg4hLAxyXMKOZt_bmlq1Lu45Fn9ZROO2kQu2NztBmybIyCx0kI6GYxuT1MkysyeQa7efz-x5xr7pl8CMgIJR-fVeqgC8qjcabOTtHn1PhiADscHE_qW5_doDhYOogoI_2pChVpPdjIGtN6_8rL8P-c86KVrSAjKir0XIbiMy0v_17c05yah1_/s1280/covent%20garden%20(5).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij4g1d4bczg4hLAxyXMKOZt_bmlq1Lu45Fn9ZROO2kQu2NztBmybIyCx0kI6GYxuT1MkysyeQa7efz-x5xr7pl8CMgIJR-fVeqgC8qjcabOTtHn1PhiADscHE_qW5_doDhYOogoI_2pChVpPdjIGtN6_8rL8P-c86KVrSAjKir0XIbiMy0v_17c05yah1_/w400-h300/covent%20garden%20(5).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>There are now markets and shops in the old market building.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVHkN5USrHTUyxn43p6FzutVO34nKXWm0SPYkRervECkRwp636S8wf5mbLs-VuMAKUdlWOtEKQLIdjbiI4VbhpU9InGka2jMynCILPg4EM2_wnEmftnE88wVA88rWyiFcMbWWI_ncoutAsc0_8wKGt6-lSBhWo6BooAp7wEdvI0gYDEkjYlxPKZl6qbqVO/s1280/covent%20garden%20(6).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVHkN5USrHTUyxn43p6FzutVO34nKXWm0SPYkRervECkRwp636S8wf5mbLs-VuMAKUdlWOtEKQLIdjbiI4VbhpU9InGka2jMynCILPg4EM2_wnEmftnE88wVA88rWyiFcMbWWI_ncoutAsc0_8wKGt6-lSBhWo6BooAp7wEdvI0gYDEkjYlxPKZl6qbqVO/w400-h300/covent%20garden%20(6).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>I love the arches surrounding all that open space.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhoRVlslrkycOoZSWnqjv9beNzVG1AjWXQelFKCubCxwl6r5e_j2PUEQZ2Gsk0CwfHbK4yLEEpLtvM7a78iw2SIwSWL56bJxrt5To-L_H5PT9qAF6rOTuPF7QcZq1qrcvPvgpyMtEkyd3lE2a5p3MdfdVG5zl36c0tLsUMA_Ko1d_iTBYidPzeoEOuWnam/s506/covent%20garden%20(28).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="506" data-original-width="361" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhoRVlslrkycOoZSWnqjv9beNzVG1AjWXQelFKCubCxwl6r5e_j2PUEQZ2Gsk0CwfHbK4yLEEpLtvM7a78iw2SIwSWL56bJxrt5To-L_H5PT9qAF6rOTuPF7QcZq1qrcvPvgpyMtEkyd3lE2a5p3MdfdVG5zl36c0tLsUMA_Ko1d_iTBYidPzeoEOuWnam/w285-h400/covent%20garden%20(28).jpeg" width="285" /></a></div><p></p><p>We saw a Moomin shop. Of course we went in.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTIoKa52rwLmW-6pS_wFcPWd1IvY_TkPMX4DjDgCleH0dULuZMO58qq3pF_xhQFy14WeCmo2gHoJfMEvSjU3VgfxhygrzGIPTOYLaKDrtd0OJPvP6fDZsQmUjXVDFnIpzgK_PqnttsYLcM6dymyS-GrLLC6hWxPnHxyz5g8g9C1pFQomFEBpRXeHjHpOY/s1280/covent%20garden%20(7).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTIoKa52rwLmW-6pS_wFcPWd1IvY_TkPMX4DjDgCleH0dULuZMO58qq3pF_xhQFy14WeCmo2gHoJfMEvSjU3VgfxhygrzGIPTOYLaKDrtd0OJPvP6fDZsQmUjXVDFnIpzgK_PqnttsYLcM6dymyS-GrLLC6hWxPnHxyz5g8g9C1pFQomFEBpRXeHjHpOY/w300-h400/covent%20garden%20(7).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>I would have loved to take spend time in the Moomin world. They are so cute. I had to make do with a busy shop where we could barely move and overpriced souvenirs. I took away a Moomin dessert spoon that cost of <span>£12. Youch! But it will bring back good memories every time I use it and it didn't take up much space in my luggage.</span><br /><br /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_wkSk3Lq_NmyBfq3_XnwdJwGPMttnUta2_tbgc1mJhZa2CiuVi-T1dZxNnORd4PB6g2NYf2Hm9iwgU2u7VCJHwtzkrjvcXYRQt2PZOCHT3sdskqWsfhZSrgjHSn6rKeTaochyHuxxETJOjYT2RVOMtnepX6-y_cP46-WkUv7iAUmx_p0Lx3G27F9klkc/s1280/covent%20garden%20(9).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_wkSk3Lq_NmyBfq3_XnwdJwGPMttnUta2_tbgc1mJhZa2CiuVi-T1dZxNnORd4PB6g2NYf2Hm9iwgU2u7VCJHwtzkrjvcXYRQt2PZOCHT3sdskqWsfhZSrgjHSn6rKeTaochyHuxxETJOjYT2RVOMtnepX6-y_cP46-WkUv7iAUmx_p0Lx3G27F9klkc/w400-h300/covent%20garden%20(9).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>This photo shows that sort of bustle around Covent Garden market that I remember fondly. Although there were probably times when I worked in London I was tired of all those crowds.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyatio9nPx-o_FgC6cF1lo5z3FPgG3zmxFY8gtnJOKDfS0fl__8eCvM5asLupl7k6rCuGyN7DEx7i356goqY1eVe2Zx7tfMM6DoK06yDcXYn4mulyyMljPo9hEAvDJgj84hMRQRKJPvHtsYP_ylxmMi2cEQxhgxNKcyuMYkdgmQsS-SRpcyip2OlUa9-W/s1280/covent%20garden%20(8).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyatio9nPx-o_FgC6cF1lo5z3FPgG3zmxFY8gtnJOKDfS0fl__8eCvM5asLupl7k6rCuGyN7DEx7i356goqY1eVe2Zx7tfMM6DoK06yDcXYn4mulyyMljPo9hEAvDJgj84hMRQRKJPvHtsYP_ylxmMi2cEQxhgxNKcyuMYkdgmQsS-SRpcyip2OlUa9-W/w300-h400/covent%20garden%20(8).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p>And I love an historic sign that reminds us of a time where the area was busy with not just people but also horses, trucks and barrows.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3SRFrY72PG038kiWMNymamFV4nRZvNO492rTDkUyEzPdmMRYoVC_icK42JbJh_3lpaxbvoY1-LrxsD_FsVK2yS9fuybhAkh_AI1NxOgHg6nG2emq1YCxa3NUERlq5pWMQvB5-b494svLbHUIGsJ_s7Jvs2oghghmMMcsHFLMf4kdfyc63dPYApdEYhMIN/s1280/covent%20garden%20(12).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3SRFrY72PG038kiWMNymamFV4nRZvNO492rTDkUyEzPdmMRYoVC_icK42JbJh_3lpaxbvoY1-LrxsD_FsVK2yS9fuybhAkh_AI1NxOgHg6nG2emq1YCxa3NUERlq5pWMQvB5-b494svLbHUIGsJ_s7Jvs2oghghmMMcsHFLMf4kdfyc63dPYApdEYhMIN/w400-h300/covent%20garden%20(12).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Sylvia took Chris to Blank Street Coffee. They both appreciated it better than me, although when we had discovered one of their stores at Kings Cross station, I was very happy they had kombucha. Sylvia tried the Chocolate Orange Mocha and raved about it. That is some praise given she is not usually into chocolate and orange together. Chris was happy to get a Americano.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAh6p_tM696yTNwO21JluRP3p-kki1s04Y0paSjVw79vwcQlUU93PYDKcJ0zPi_4tc1OYKEM27qhwsmA2aU31CqIncm07amAIZiMaSC37YfT92vZsqPQ2hPnB4gRwJ1nbAAfk77xrYRJxfC5EO37_SpC4B01MSiIvRFVGl-UEpUP5m6QQr8H-HLVK_1ANg/s1280/covent%20garden%20(29).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAh6p_tM696yTNwO21JluRP3p-kki1s04Y0paSjVw79vwcQlUU93PYDKcJ0zPi_4tc1OYKEM27qhwsmA2aU31CqIncm07amAIZiMaSC37YfT92vZsqPQ2hPnB4gRwJ1nbAAfk77xrYRJxfC5EO37_SpC4B01MSiIvRFVGl-UEpUP5m6QQr8H-HLVK_1ANg/w400-h400/covent%20garden%20(29).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p>It was then that we looked at our time and found we had to rush to have lunch at Ottolenghi's <a href="https://gggiraffe.blogspot.com/2024/03/london-nopi-ottolenghi-restaurant-in.html" target="_blank">Nopi restaurant</a>. We hopped on a red double decker bus which drove us down the Strand, past Charing Cross Road station, past Whitehall, Trafalgar Square, St Martins in the Field and the British Gallery, into Waterloo Place and Pall Mall, through Piccadilly Circus, down Regent Street and past Hamleys Toy Store. I can't believe we passed so many iconic places in a short bus ride! <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYeyTcDpY07dAgpf8ObMsdlR9Ufxr3CKXMmijgwsn5Ih4x7rx6dob3OMdXGIVoNA6Rp1HWgwQUQyepAHg2pPU0iq2Grv5vMh7jzLFxKVyA0MozXFCo_TaqoSVO3atqxU3PFMaHVsfDwS0o1JN0KIibnPN_mbHqOlTtHTD9fwnVLJ7ejLPSGXta-VQPm6u/s1280/covent%20garden%20(13).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYeyTcDpY07dAgpf8ObMsdlR9Ufxr3CKXMmijgwsn5Ih4x7rx6dob3OMdXGIVoNA6Rp1HWgwQUQyepAHg2pPU0iq2Grv5vMh7jzLFxKVyA0MozXFCo_TaqoSVO3atqxU3PFMaHVsfDwS0o1JN0KIibnPN_mbHqOlTtHTD9fwnVLJ7ejLPSGXta-VQPm6u/w300-h400/covent%20garden%20(13).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>After dining at Nopi, we walked through SoHo from Warwick Street via Beak Street to another famous place: Carnaby Street. (Like in the Taylor Swift song, or so Sylvia tells me!)<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjoJNb5UpO9P2atXh7jeG0SqJu7KUyfxnOGzAnB2IanX5ZlH_4lrOVsjOdKfGtDP3L5rrq-KE2ant4Bk5I6uml1gsuJWSDMUBYUxmo084aoFb-HzCHi7HOFY1ijpSHmtbR8XKWzbYDL4z8d3auJh89qJmvXEr3NZZGSDIA9a_IaFHmcdo8Zze6V7MqnBbx/s1280/covent%20garden%20(15).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjoJNb5UpO9P2atXh7jeG0SqJu7KUyfxnOGzAnB2IanX5ZlH_4lrOVsjOdKfGtDP3L5rrq-KE2ant4Bk5I6uml1gsuJWSDMUBYUxmo084aoFb-HzCHi7HOFY1ijpSHmtbR8XKWzbYDL4z8d3auJh89qJmvXEr3NZZGSDIA9a_IaFHmcdo8Zze6V7MqnBbx/w400-h300/covent%20garden%20(15).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Carnaby Street today is a far cry from the swinging Sixties. Many shops are big brand fashions. Most of the people crowding the pedestrianised street are tourists. Not a stylish Mods or a flower power Hippy to be seen these days. <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWpRh-AJ-dp8lVNrop1sSK7DG1eIh8VSndjsaQhw6mO1un5KiWi5adYm6N1BqFrY5WADka5Lu-ZnPzugrfi9h7n8htvBKt4tQYoYGxPhfTq0qrU1VsHwOx0E8kpwF8F1ps8A3dRN0qerXZN1nCRFrkQ-od1SyQpMfZzsOZUEvDwpqkIOKpkAe8s9fF67VI/s1280/covent%20garden%20(16).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWpRh-AJ-dp8lVNrop1sSK7DG1eIh8VSndjsaQhw6mO1un5KiWi5adYm6N1BqFrY5WADka5Lu-ZnPzugrfi9h7n8htvBKt4tQYoYGxPhfTq0qrU1VsHwOx0E8kpwF8F1ps8A3dRN0qerXZN1nCRFrkQ-od1SyQpMfZzsOZUEvDwpqkIOKpkAe8s9fF67VI/w300-h400/covent%20garden%20(16).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Of course the history of Carnaby Street and SoHo goes back much further than the 60s. The street dates back to the 1680s. The photo above is of the Shakespeare's Head pub which is on the corner of Fouberts Place and Great Marlborough Street according to the street signs but seems to be at the top of Carnaby street. The pub was built in 1735 when this end opened onto fields, and was originally owned by Thomas and John Shakespeare, distant relatives of the Bard.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHC0l3vFxL-GIsOUIMCOi_NGstVomHwZbGyC9LdjyKFgaBmsi1D5kqqm6C2TNf-izYTQtQ6I6xGmgAXpXbCx7c_nDadb2EngIrsDuyzvEKgBPtbMWIOCFM4TbqqjKKvzWsrxeLTe0pu3TinOrCBpOIN2MI_-_mvXUWi5J9pRU5HSWvHtqA1nOw8_nvjwo/s1280/covent%20garden%20(14).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHC0l3vFxL-GIsOUIMCOi_NGstVomHwZbGyC9LdjyKFgaBmsi1D5kqqm6C2TNf-izYTQtQ6I6xGmgAXpXbCx7c_nDadb2EngIrsDuyzvEKgBPtbMWIOCFM4TbqqjKKvzWsrxeLTe0pu3TinOrCBpOIN2MI_-_mvXUWi5J9pRU5HSWvHtqA1nOw8_nvjwo/w400-h300/covent%20garden%20(14).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Today the Shakespeare's Head is owned by a brewery, as are so many British pubs, and doing a roaring trade. So it is more fun to look up to the Shakespeare on the sign and a life sized bust in the window watching the crowds. Look closely and you will see that Shakespeare's bust is missing one hand, collateral damage from a nearby bombing in World War II.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0OdIMSgQRdN1LiWWrkKRhoj6-3ycGFMcDF3JxrwMPtwIHOVHum8wOa8VWZ6qeEpYA_D0b-NP0Gi9wapg-XwbTJN7fjAU6QTVbm5W526lBNA3F0Pi2G0EqogM-kwnCc8nT3MM26jVJDZJSvhLO3Kix7mq8jP4u8iE3Ov7DW_djfPeOH2zDSqgNJfRyRCcS/s1280/covent%20garden%20(17).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0OdIMSgQRdN1LiWWrkKRhoj6-3ycGFMcDF3JxrwMPtwIHOVHum8wOa8VWZ6qeEpYA_D0b-NP0Gi9wapg-XwbTJN7fjAU6QTVbm5W526lBNA3F0Pi2G0EqogM-kwnCc8nT3MM26jVJDZJSvhLO3Kix7mq8jP4u8iE3Ov7DW_djfPeOH2zDSqgNJfRyRCcS/w400-h400/covent%20garden%20(17).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p>For me history is more fun than beauty shops but that is not for everyone. Both Chris and Sylvia seemed very familiar with pixi beauty brand, which I had never heard of. They were excited to go in a make a purchase. I was far more sympathetic to the guys hanging around outside the shop who looked like they were waiting for someone to come out of the shop.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9eSIVtQEZ8rQSL2hGHzV4rhu1Tss-pKdTXYrb_4tKo8GvqgqFwIHIh6wOivkucw09H0c719yOlqAcFwvbykGp8WD8Z_8WSz6dCGNZNhjog8xwv_9rwhtFKLL8csPhE9oiEVsRWNzpixgD2haUcsb2MCKvc4xn2jWhow1nkxKpt2v4sI7O5ulcJG79h2h7/s1280/covent%20garden%20(18).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9eSIVtQEZ8rQSL2hGHzV4rhu1Tss-pKdTXYrb_4tKo8GvqgqFwIHIh6wOivkucw09H0c719yOlqAcFwvbykGp8WD8Z_8WSz6dCGNZNhjog8xwv_9rwhtFKLL8csPhE9oiEVsRWNzpixgD2haUcsb2MCKvc4xn2jWhow1nkxKpt2v4sI7O5ulcJG79h2h7/w300-h400/covent%20garden%20(18).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p>I stood outside and took photos before finally going into the pixi shop to admire its gorgeous design.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAlIy0yM0Ut9FD4Y2unQado2HtXpWAYi78s0bITinsroqNqHHrR796hVQOitbXyU_O2PKKD_Cs-PdJRuwHPS5KRQhcg0gOpkt0KLU3bQUj8oUw34jygZc9QuFfXTMbpXOm3okwyngkKokZp3-WJRoPFluCy6WlWgyXL56mB3qY-XvCftzdUw87eB-pwtQw/s1280/covent%20garden%20(19).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAlIy0yM0Ut9FD4Y2unQado2HtXpWAYi78s0bITinsroqNqHHrR796hVQOitbXyU_O2PKKD_Cs-PdJRuwHPS5KRQhcg0gOpkt0KLU3bQUj8oUw34jygZc9QuFfXTMbpXOm3okwyngkKokZp3-WJRoPFluCy6WlWgyXL56mB3qY-XvCftzdUw87eB-pwtQw/w400-h300/covent%20garden%20(19).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Soon we arrived at Liberty Department Store on Great Marlborough Street. At the door, Chris left us to catch her plane home. Sylvia and I went inside.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXHs4DASMnihyphenhyphenVSBBp-puvbdPGdRCDuVJ3pmI2oUuPtaFAaz_MK2mIQpPEXolDWvnmCIwSuSbJBWi6yn_3mvnVfldTgspbxOiJcqCc12p88zOrszG9JMyOBtMKq6_6dyN5vovAUetIOhLy4K16PlRzPH6HaH1h_COi9FtSGggXRmAQ1v4UL1yyqbV-DMLj/s1280/covent%20garden%20(20).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXHs4DASMnihyphenhyphenVSBBp-puvbdPGdRCDuVJ3pmI2oUuPtaFAaz_MK2mIQpPEXolDWvnmCIwSuSbJBWi6yn_3mvnVfldTgspbxOiJcqCc12p88zOrszG9JMyOBtMKq6_6dyN5vovAUetIOhLy4K16PlRzPH6HaH1h_COi9FtSGggXRmAQ1v4UL1yyqbV-DMLj/w300-h400/covent%20garden%20(20).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>The store is beautiful both inside and out, in keeping with the Liberty brand. The fireplaces and wooden balconies and carvings. (It reminds me a little of the former Jenners department store in Edinburgh.)<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio5F1T10Eq6BcneYTp1wex07cateWOiAT0u81BXq7Xvw1gp8HHvpnK7BlPik5Irs6xmfad7Zxld74djDJY6HD0BQde43DkNtVGzJngh540AEUSuvx_0GcWFoBlQCO386hKHhTIYxSBUaZ99fdYwSR7RKLWNYBa2O2DreGOTUFFWZXr_zBbFn_qfn-lao6O/s1280/covent%20garden%20(21).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio5F1T10Eq6BcneYTp1wex07cateWOiAT0u81BXq7Xvw1gp8HHvpnK7BlPik5Irs6xmfad7Zxld74djDJY6HD0BQde43DkNtVGzJngh540AEUSuvx_0GcWFoBlQCO386hKHhTIYxSBUaZ99fdYwSR7RKLWNYBa2O2DreGOTUFFWZXr_zBbFn_qfn-lao6O/w300-h400/covent%20garden%20(21).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>There is a room of the famous Liberty fabrics. I purchased a Liberty handkerchief.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx2bTHc8iZ_Ddk2x8pkXZrLKCqnTU9VO6B8BbO8SUXMD-8XOtps37aH-wt8dg1PaJC9vhxA3yBku_jfMuAX07eYXHhaZJGwNhF-OniexJPegMx0sxopory_qtJacjA9rkeiMAr573ujweQS_xeANX57C_3rmf8ZjvGh6HwnIYgjZo93qFwtFIkUSz_nJKG/s1280/covent%20garden%20(22).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx2bTHc8iZ_Ddk2x8pkXZrLKCqnTU9VO6B8BbO8SUXMD-8XOtps37aH-wt8dg1PaJC9vhxA3yBku_jfMuAX07eYXHhaZJGwNhF-OniexJPegMx0sxopory_qtJacjA9rkeiMAr573ujweQS_xeANX57C_3rmf8ZjvGh6HwnIYgjZo93qFwtFIkUSz_nJKG/w300-h400/covent%20garden%20(22).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>I would have loved some crockery which looked beautiful but wasn't cheap. Isn't this green and purple kitchen display gorgeous?<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8sGZ8J4raZl4FzBIkFhk2px1dI4FQnQHUlZoz9BvYJL1jGKSxjbplPKvxLglTMqYHSOJfbhNrHMtmhMSO9aCVjs3J8iK-4KGtDPPJMyIb0lk1UFZsZH709twnh6VBdQI9XZs06izu6_qHMr7JU6BWrnCrX4AJsy2-9LXGNtP-28czKr4rgLV6a0wGe9HI/s1280/piccadilly%20circus.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8sGZ8J4raZl4FzBIkFhk2px1dI4FQnQHUlZoz9BvYJL1jGKSxjbplPKvxLglTMqYHSOJfbhNrHMtmhMSO9aCVjs3J8iK-4KGtDPPJMyIb0lk1UFZsZH709twnh6VBdQI9XZs06izu6_qHMr7JU6BWrnCrX4AJsy2-9LXGNtP-28czKr4rgLV6a0wGe9HI/w400-h400/piccadilly%20circus.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />After this we got a bus to Piccadilly Circus. Sylvia decided to take the number 9 bus back to our hotel. <br /><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi72scZlehx1dJ2pr4a8e_W7N1W1yDK_mNnASbRLvjsd-_qWJmkL3yU0CKbpFpgI5CHJ_Zj51Fn1o_bNkseM8xAzMRKkj5CXpzZMdpQFFIif4Qf5LTW7itU4dZo-Vrp5CkkKBj67IszkSF3purhqj_6DOLDg3Ll7Y_E4acySG4DFFa1ppvA4nzeLvkll6ct/s1280/covent%20garden%20(23).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi72scZlehx1dJ2pr4a8e_W7N1W1yDK_mNnASbRLvjsd-_qWJmkL3yU0CKbpFpgI5CHJ_Zj51Fn1o_bNkseM8xAzMRKkj5CXpzZMdpQFFIif4Qf5LTW7itU4dZo-Vrp5CkkKBj67IszkSF3purhqj_6DOLDg3Ll7Y_E4acySG4DFFa1ppvA4nzeLvkll6ct/w300-h400/covent%20garden%20(23).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p>I still had the energy and enthusiasm to walk around the West End a bit more. I walked to Waterloo Place where I admired the statue of Florence Nightingale.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDZtXYv9-phlKMmp6Pvz9ChdPqYfsnD7616fagtJmTHzWqAX85yQPiCzxP-j_6jbJhraqw1umCWjB0KECOb1HrFY2bAUeM1T37k-Su4LZI5uG2QBgxjSHVii2jjub90y7nwl9sXHKRQBjxY-hQZu73-v2hIDbg8LtZDL899G2BifYzLYmjYtz4ZL3KN-xs/s1280/covent%20garden%20(24).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDZtXYv9-phlKMmp6Pvz9ChdPqYfsnD7616fagtJmTHzWqAX85yQPiCzxP-j_6jbJhraqw1umCWjB0KECOb1HrFY2bAUeM1T37k-Su4LZI5uG2QBgxjSHVii2jjub90y7nwl9sXHKRQBjxY-hQZu73-v2hIDbg8LtZDL899G2BifYzLYmjYtz4ZL3KN-xs/w400-h300/covent%20garden%20(24).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Then I walked down to St James Park on the Mall, with glimpses of Big Ben, London Eye and Buckingham Palace. I was faced with a tyranny of choices: a walk through the park, a walk down Horse Guards Road and into Whitehall to see Downing Street, down to Buck House to see the Victoria Memorial where crowds have gathered on significant occasions or along the Mall to Trafalgar Square. I chose the last and walked there past a scaffolded Admiralty Arch. (Was it time for archway cleaning? Marble Arch was also under scaffolds.)<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtHn3oE__KAX-kU8jrZSoHD2Fy_8PumTZCdOrgG9UnGmMtNZkWwwrDUjEpthYZD5bV-drjnF7jcBQ5sK5Kl3bBFyuNcyiKaiz-MfFfwa5MtUIFZ14q289U_iNI9meaMLqNHdGBAcOrXKy1Wuve1IUoCbFQCYSMFGXmSK4zJeQQ3_QpjanuU_AWJrsKiFvk/s1280/covent%20garden%20(25).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtHn3oE__KAX-kU8jrZSoHD2Fy_8PumTZCdOrgG9UnGmMtNZkWwwrDUjEpthYZD5bV-drjnF7jcBQ5sK5Kl3bBFyuNcyiKaiz-MfFfwa5MtUIFZ14q289U_iNI9meaMLqNHdGBAcOrXKy1Wuve1IUoCbFQCYSMFGXmSK4zJeQQ3_QpjanuU_AWJrsKiFvk/w300-h400/covent%20garden%20(25).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>This is St Martins in the Fields where I have visited for evensong and eaten in the cafe in the crypt but not attended their famous concerts. It was getting late as you can see by the pink clouds in the photos. If I had had time I would have gone inside and hung out in the galleries but it would be dark soon and I wanted to get back to my 14 year old daughter who had just travelled across London by herself in a bus!<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6z3O7FyhTy7FXbihZ_ol1mMom3RMStFmO5dc6-IZHXVoSBtG1Tul_URsG8BLo_4BQLL7EEot6CtQ8xLKvlp8YNPDHbyl1PvxwUD2RlzWkFKB5N4OzAyErTcoOVDbHSmYpfHq7nhrfTEAIz8W67ltvNevVY9hItH8GPs_WdMyO2fNBdqmgX-8uW_xpN3AJ/s1280/covent%20garden%20(26).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6z3O7FyhTy7FXbihZ_ol1mMom3RMStFmO5dc6-IZHXVoSBtG1Tul_URsG8BLo_4BQLL7EEot6CtQ8xLKvlp8YNPDHbyl1PvxwUD2RlzWkFKB5N4OzAyErTcoOVDbHSmYpfHq7nhrfTEAIz8W67ltvNevVY9hItH8GPs_WdMyO2fNBdqmgX-8uW_xpN3AJ/w300-h400/covent%20garden%20(26).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Instead I just stood and looked around me and breathed in the iconic London that I knew long before I ever visited.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhKsapCjWlUgepnj_FcfTTj8sjIlEPqazLjpB_PBDmhGfqSDgYM5GOzUNxj-HW2vgIi_f6aCtgVHORBN_rHgF3I3GCa-fSo91NBqhr-1xgculeQ-j3OFSQXLkHqmM_iXMv8uXqwPtP0q4fCfGJ14SqP1tSoOyQUPjOqfnpYCqK5GkumqLZMAeiIfXmqcaP/s1280/covent%20garden%20(27).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhKsapCjWlUgepnj_FcfTTj8sjIlEPqazLjpB_PBDmhGfqSDgYM5GOzUNxj-HW2vgIi_f6aCtgVHORBN_rHgF3I3GCa-fSo91NBqhr-1xgculeQ-j3OFSQXLkHqmM_iXMv8uXqwPtP0q4fCfGJ14SqP1tSoOyQUPjOqfnpYCqK5GkumqLZMAeiIfXmqcaP/w400-h300/covent%20garden%20(27).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>I didn't have time to go into the British Gallery where I used to love marvelling at the Medieval paintings or to wander around the nearby wonderful Portrait Gallery. I would have loved to take a bus back to the hotel like Sylvia but my phone battery was running to low to navigate bus routes. Too many photos! Instead I headed to crowded underground, hoping there might at least be a <a href="https://poemsontheunderground.org/" target="_blank">poem</a> among the adverts to gaze at during my journey while I kept enough battery to tap off at the London tube barriers at Kensington High Street.<br /></p>Johanna GGGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08594201473931487490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6742756814967464811.post-48308929213667691332024-03-06T20:30:00.003+11:002024-03-07T09:29:35.589+11:00London: Nopi, an Ottolenghi restaurant in SoHo<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikiw4JUCk10f-IDMblpML5fVE84SDnigVTmlyOPhQy8t3qNfsqyFsdH44othQhek32uOAIiPBZCBAJ4dFjbNybEEKY2LBOxm1HEXaCHgR0FEjiwxdGCp5rUJLz1RoZBetNIf1COq6WbWRjEoJ2N1Hxl6v86Q_or4Dioj5Z2aJ_tZl0Fh3FxO0la-ZLkwyS/s1280/nopi%20(11).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikiw4JUCk10f-IDMblpML5fVE84SDnigVTmlyOPhQy8t3qNfsqyFsdH44othQhek32uOAIiPBZCBAJ4dFjbNybEEKY2LBOxm1HEXaCHgR0FEjiwxdGCp5rUJLz1RoZBetNIf1COq6WbWRjEoJ2N1Hxl6v86Q_or4Dioj5Z2aJ_tZl0Fh3FxO0la-ZLkwyS/w300-h400/nopi%20(11).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p>Nopi is the restaurant of the celebrated chef and cookbook writer, Ottolenghi. It is the sort of place to arrive by black cab like the one in the photo in front of its SoHo location. We didn't arrive that way. We took a red double decker bus. Just as iconic and cheaper. </p><p>My sister Chris had kindly offered to take us to Ottolenghi. We had intended to stroll there from Covent Garden but, as so often happens, took longer than planned. So when we looked at the time, my sister phoned ahead to check they would be open and have a table. We hopped on the next bus, rode past Trafalgar Square and Picadilly Circus to SoHo where we were warmly welcomed at Nopi. What a dream journey!<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqyZCaIV5uPJdo7bmUj1ixaJultMePqDiXHAkB7QjmmeRULsQb_vcjm_7FbdbIW3SsFtOxVfMUpewI6nLtN7DYN883n4UXjUizk14DdB4TZ17gEbDEi_Bs2wvDuBrQt5bxz8SDLtVnjNBOkLgESd3oWhGrqnZbvIG0qXf4oLtTtjn3rZE2cRBF-KFzkUwx/s1280/nopi%20(12).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqyZCaIV5uPJdo7bmUj1ixaJultMePqDiXHAkB7QjmmeRULsQb_vcjm_7FbdbIW3SsFtOxVfMUpewI6nLtN7DYN883n4UXjUizk14DdB4TZ17gEbDEi_Bs2wvDuBrQt5bxz8SDLtVnjNBOkLgESd3oWhGrqnZbvIG0qXf4oLtTtjn3rZE2cRBF-KFzkUwx/w300-h400/nopi%20(12).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>I was so excited to be at an Ottolenghi restaurant. I own one of his cookbooks, regularly
read his recipe column in the Guardian newspaper and have loved tasting
his recipes. I have read of his restaurants in London but never had the
chance to eat there. Sylvia was less keen but came along.</p><p>Upon entering, our coats were hung up for us at the front desk where many Nopi cookbooks were on display together with a dish of red chillis. Our eye then was drawn to the impressive vase of flowers on a curved golden bench. Many other Ottolenghi cookbooks were more coyly shelved in a hidey hole in the in the bench under the vase. Chris told us that before the pandemic, the bench was like a salad bar where you could see before you purchased.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicO5mBBFALzK_M34NlrpebzhnDjU-IwwjRLWFwqSAWurbMm35qo3Kzm2GqTY3o116pWE166_byrXhkFyImld7peiTUKLrvgwN0rxnxHg5AsHPzCxSCkHq4k9riZo3Hyfb5gULlFYK5Uu53KNs2cgbc3NWysfeZXuCA34WpNLLMRNgj97_xjLMVzy7GCZX6/s1280/nopi%20(2).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicO5mBBFALzK_M34NlrpebzhnDjU-IwwjRLWFwqSAWurbMm35qo3Kzm2GqTY3o116pWE166_byrXhkFyImld7peiTUKLrvgwN0rxnxHg5AsHPzCxSCkHq4k9riZo3Hyfb5gULlFYK5Uu53KNs2cgbc3NWysfeZXuCA34WpNLLMRNgj97_xjLMVzy7GCZX6/w300-h400/nopi%20(2).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Ottolenghi is famous for beautifully presented plates of vegetables with innovative and fascinating flavours. These are often a fusion of influences from cuisines around the world, often including a taste of Israel, where he was born and raised. His restaurant dishes are intended for sharing, which suited us. Chris loves visiting Nopi when she comes to London and was quite familiar with many of the dishes. She says she rarely looks at the Fish, Meat and Mains sections of the menu. With her guidance, we ordered a selection from the Nibbles, Veg, and Sides sections.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOifwEUqel2EN6oM5t3vhs3oXcn5Enc5e6X4Pcn8p9BwsUWkV0nQ_R41lYStokuBrrAiVeKD0InysF_ceF8EDWPJZCVEAjkQFVhzmE7SL9_8BsHmI1Efd5DWbgKox_XmMumQ5Hey1qQ6DqzxEdZlNl22jFxuWW_deVg1RLDpNGRW-WlUKocKWMgyCh69BZ/s1280/nopi%20(3).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOifwEUqel2EN6oM5t3vhs3oXcn5Enc5e6X4Pcn8p9BwsUWkV0nQ_R41lYStokuBrrAiVeKD0InysF_ceF8EDWPJZCVEAjkQFVhzmE7SL9_8BsHmI1Efd5DWbgKox_XmMumQ5Hey1qQ6DqzxEdZlNl22jFxuWW_deVg1RLDpNGRW-WlUKocKWMgyCh69BZ/w300-h400/nopi%20(3).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>The first dish to arrive was the Nopi bread board with Kalamata olive oil (<span>£</span>6.50). As expected it was a magnificent bread, thickly cut with a chewy crust, a dense tender crumb with splendid air bubbles which signal it has risen well. The olive oil in a bowl on the side was quite flavourful but you had to dip deep to get the most of the seasoning.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3WnvUu2zRLYdG9vJElqIUF4_pjWieSFJaG6jLIpvGIkKIKwrHgnK9i9NVM5GCRVw2oTbCJgIiggzWqvTYAnBzrNm1IVvE3VsBrQorAXlbVajXV7Sz6KKhBRxwbGHuqLCzO7m4HOW8lXJViQCq6DS8TaCOLryB5n3IkmAAr6NgE5Wti5KtGJJ6kSThrqdT/s1280/nopi%20(5).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3WnvUu2zRLYdG9vJElqIUF4_pjWieSFJaG6jLIpvGIkKIKwrHgnK9i9NVM5GCRVw2oTbCJgIiggzWqvTYAnBzrNm1IVvE3VsBrQorAXlbVajXV7Sz6KKhBRxwbGHuqLCzO7m4HOW8lXJViQCq6DS8TaCOLryB5n3IkmAAr6NgE5Wti5KtGJJ6kSThrqdT/w300-h400/nopi%20(5).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>To drink we ordered the Evergreen: Barberries, lemon peel, green tea syrup, soda water (<span>£5.50)</span>. This was a nice light refreshing drink that Sylvia and I shared. <br /></p><p>The other Starter we ordered was a Chickpea tofu with coconut chutney and chilli oil (<span>£7)</span>. This was one of Sylvia and my favourite dishes. I am a fan of chickpea tofu and this one was crisp on the outside with soft besan inside and lots of great herby nutty flavours in the chutney as well as the gentle spiciness of the oil.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwcQu-mVf1vuQaJnmhqptN6mbRuG2jUsmr-NTkG4Uhgi9LZn29an7a3hZSftAixHvV_zqS4zI52uJm8P73iZIFShJ1nLveMjiW3KfKDocFbMCdCky00Vz0oyStTIzSv5_9AEkGVu_4szKqpfKCTWnb-VNr3b7ldq1zXWf5Y3Op59SuxQlbrGhBM_c5US1b/s1280/nopi%20(6).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwcQu-mVf1vuQaJnmhqptN6mbRuG2jUsmr-NTkG4Uhgi9LZn29an7a3hZSftAixHvV_zqS4zI52uJm8P73iZIFShJ1nLveMjiW3KfKDocFbMCdCky00Vz0oyStTIzSv5_9AEkGVu_4szKqpfKCTWnb-VNr3b7ldq1zXWf5Y3Op59SuxQlbrGhBM_c5US1b/w400-h400/nopi%20(6).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>I had really looked forward to the Aubergine with black garlic, pomegranate, pine nuts (<span>£14)</span>. As expected the aubergine was perfectly cooked so it melted in the house and I loved the juicy pomegranates and crunchy nuts. I was less keen on the aubergine being cold with yoghurt. But it was overall an impressive dish and a favourite of Chris's.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYLGQMp6x074wPKyFuKSI2y37nwRo2w8CNvhUj5mVWY_K2Yt9ukkGAwxmIunyYfXGRNTESVOKrZ0Ot2j4B2dIQJXl06Rnagkwvqo6YmqPwipdQcb0EHxFhP6tNyhyphenhyphenkDoz5eX_g6muCMrJzgWm4i9pGIOlVibQ1unzzppyBNaqzvhEteHVcI9Ii3EtPCfXb/s1280/nopi%20(18).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYLGQMp6x074wPKyFuKSI2y37nwRo2w8CNvhUj5mVWY_K2Yt9ukkGAwxmIunyYfXGRNTESVOKrZ0Ot2j4B2dIQJXl06Rnagkwvqo6YmqPwipdQcb0EHxFhP6tNyhyphenhyphenkDoz5eX_g6muCMrJzgWm4i9pGIOlVibQ1unzzppyBNaqzvhEteHVcI9Ii3EtPCfXb/w400-h400/nopi%20(18).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />One of Sylvia's favourite dish was my least favourite. Though I have to admit that the Burrata with quince, hibiscus and fig leaf vinaigrette and coriander seeds (<span>£16) was astoundingly pretty</span>. Sylvia had been really keen to try burrata. Although we had had it spread on pizza in Rome, she had not had it as a ball that oozes when you cut into it. She loved it served this way but I found it too rich and creamy for me. I did love the sweet quince and intense vinaigrette on the side.<br /><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_3UPSaG2tG5y8hkKxG_GBPKspkAZIyU0-aZQGumQsI305agfeDyZGghNJz9SmTMrk34TroJyePhRsS1ScjVwpqtQPW7VMU5NXn6FFIdoCqdcRdCb7nWoj_HbcoBWmBKQMJHPw2IzE0V_MrR9skdmrK2Jhy87lG7ft5mnLkYlOsSg6E9mwHOM5SkipSE_T/s1280/nopi%20(7).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_3UPSaG2tG5y8hkKxG_GBPKspkAZIyU0-aZQGumQsI305agfeDyZGghNJz9SmTMrk34TroJyePhRsS1ScjVwpqtQPW7VMU5NXn6FFIdoCqdcRdCb7nWoj_HbcoBWmBKQMJHPw2IzE0V_MrR9skdmrK2Jhy87lG7ft5mnLkYlOsSg6E9mwHOM5SkipSE_T/w400-h400/nopi%20(7).jpeg" width="400" /></a><br /></p><p></p><p></p>Our main problem with the bread was that it was only three slices. Generous slices. But not enough to mop up all the burrata and sauces. So we ordered more.<br /><br /><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggnBVwM_7_Gd7lCfCAfhQklGT-EVWjVZj0myAtJCuy6Jzanaw8e8DgPyY_doFbQ2pubKCcchrlYTodMEOlR0eGoT8Haggg8WBY8LsNp2ilHOl9k96PtQIOIVcbNqS7cgTOEAsccFgYlEO7jNR3md2qFVJ8p9cLxXVTg9Gd3QAq_3u7qTQ0qQJpvVVkg2eG/s1280/nopi%20(8).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggnBVwM_7_Gd7lCfCAfhQklGT-EVWjVZj0myAtJCuy6Jzanaw8e8DgPyY_doFbQ2pubKCcchrlYTodMEOlR0eGoT8Haggg8WBY8LsNp2ilHOl9k96PtQIOIVcbNqS7cgTOEAsccFgYlEO7jNR3md2qFVJ8p9cLxXVTg9Gd3QAq_3u7qTQ0qQJpvVVkg2eG/w400-h400/nopi%20(8).jpeg" width="400" /></a><br /></p><p>My other favourite dish was the Char siu cauliflower, lemongrass, cucumber (<span>£15). It was unlike anything I had eaten before, possibly because this Asian barbecuing technique is more likely to be applied to pork than vegetables. The tender cauliflower florets with barbecued to a dark red with an intense spicy, salty, sweet sauce. They were perfect served with the chunks of cucumber and a mild creamy sauce that coated the plate. I could have eaten a large plate of this. </span><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYW62SaNizPXoppChVssRLbwaztnyNcucwpqFerCcVh33lkIDXx8rUrDNwjjbqUPLeyymnMNCcz2WfmVQRf5FlABeD3Yj8DKM_pQU3SaVuZBRibVRymhfFbti9NuGGgP2DXs1oPK_cbhMexXsQREECOimAFzSfzSvmepYW622-9Y0gNotl99ZTSIOvasJ/s1280/nopi%20(21).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYW62SaNizPXoppChVssRLbwaztnyNcucwpqFerCcVh33lkIDXx8rUrDNwjjbqUPLeyymnMNCcz2WfmVQRf5FlABeD3Yj8DKM_pQU3SaVuZBRibVRymhfFbti9NuGGgP2DXs1oPK_cbhMexXsQREECOimAFzSfzSvmepYW622-9Y0gNotl99ZTSIOvasJ/w400-h300/nopi%20(21).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p>The last dish to arrive was the only one that we had ordered from the Sides selection: Baharat-buttered new potatoes with tarragon (<span>£7.80). </span><span class="ILfuVd" lang="en"><span class="hgKElc">The potatoes were wonderfully hot and crispy with the spiced butter, and of course cooked through to perfection. Sylvia was not keen but Chris and I loved them.<br /></span></span></p><p><span>When ordering, Chris asked what the Baharat was and we were amused by the waiters scrabbling about to provide us with some precise information from an ingredients sheet. I can't remember their explanation but according to a quick online search it is a popular Middle Eastern spice mix that can be slight different according to region. It is described by <a href="https://ottolenghi.co.uk/spice-blend-collection" target="_blank">Ottolenghi</a> as being </span><span class="ILfuVd" lang="en"><span class="hgKElc">black peppercorns, coriander seeds, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, cumin, cardamom and nutmeg. </span></span></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPHWRttdYzUZ793HGLQtc8VhTeAlKlamyMultHRi0mrAk3zNOy0CA-IMeT07HKnqZPFF57n4oM1CqkVl_SzCYx9Cri-vktD8lcweDg7k9Yisu15wPgB5yCncVGbk-XXByFnKKkXvIhG-0_1htFS1bERvlMSgXIAaEMo1v9RoQpP9LYzRaE29mlVcZ1ERWo/s1280/nopi%20(10).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPHWRttdYzUZ793HGLQtc8VhTeAlKlamyMultHRi0mrAk3zNOy0CA-IMeT07HKnqZPFF57n4oM1CqkVl_SzCYx9Cri-vktD8lcweDg7k9Yisu15wPgB5yCncVGbk-XXByFnKKkXvIhG-0_1htFS1bERvlMSgXIAaEMo1v9RoQpP9LYzRaE29mlVcZ1ERWo/w400-h300/nopi%20(10).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Then we had the obligatory walk to the toilets. Sometimes it is worth it just to see more of a restaurant. The toilets were worth visiting to see the mind blowing maze of mirrors that could make it difficult to find a door out. It was also great that the walk went past the kitchen so you could see the chefs at work. I would have loved to have seen Ottolenghi there but I knew it was unlikely because he is a busy man with eight restaurants/delis in London, a cookbook empire and newspaper columns.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4M9LAbtRSLQrhyoGFvC-9CPCdz_McrEmgPBzRgMRjANh_SzT4MUJb4el4ZRKtF8xr1x1CnOh7apdtBuey7QX9mjzzH4JsYAOaF16S3o2-_4fyG28KFiQC48pE5ZfktJSU229AYpA7Eqa-n-YnVmVj2obolbm97hGuyZzF5cbhEy7aSTNYd3DI6n6Tobq/s1280/nopi%20(9).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4M9LAbtRSLQrhyoGFvC-9CPCdz_McrEmgPBzRgMRjANh_SzT4MUJb4el4ZRKtF8xr1x1CnOh7apdtBuey7QX9mjzzH4JsYAOaF16S3o2-_4fyG28KFiQC48pE5ZfktJSU229AYpA7Eqa-n-YnVmVj2obolbm97hGuyZzF5cbhEy7aSTNYd3DI6n6Tobq/w400-h300/nopi%20(9).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Also in the basement was a large shared table. Chris said it was set for the staff meal. I can just imagine the joy and bonhomie and wonderful array of colourful foods that might be the setting for a group of people celebrating another day producing excellent food!</p><p>It was a great thrill to eat at Ottolenghi's SoHo restaurant with my sister and daughter. Sylvia was less excited but I hope she will come to appreciate the experience more in years to come. Chris then walked us down to Liberty, intent on us seeing one of London's amazingly stylish department stores. She did not come in because she had to head to the airport for her plane home. It was great to see her in London. We had a lovely time with her and appreciated her enthusiasm and generosity in sharing some of her favourite parts of the city.<br /></p><p><b>Nopi</b><br /> 21-22 Warwick Street, SoHo<br />London W1B 5NE<br /><a href="https://ottolenghi.co.uk/restaurants/nopi" target="_blank">https://ottolenghi.co.uk/restaurants/nopi</a></p>Johanna GGGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08594201473931487490noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6742756814967464811.post-40847876315725954462024-03-05T14:21:00.000+11:002024-03-05T14:21:08.406+11:00London: Camden market<div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0N9JE56N6m3OZT5HlVf81R9S4k9i4AHt6VfYiF3y7Z-lZBPk_-e4U4CRut83bTN4dbt2CgF4PQeO1D2P0IdtJ7cIZ_qf3eHlH8j49kDaUEM2fk0jMVR0dU-JDsv_c1Un7X8A6osQilWJ-cZyJqMo-Ek-4AwVjHxqHav4_AMhuLvBbL19NS8oozSNJgsDC/s1280/camden%20(14).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0N9JE56N6m3OZT5HlVf81R9S4k9i4AHt6VfYiF3y7Z-lZBPk_-e4U4CRut83bTN4dbt2CgF4PQeO1D2P0IdtJ7cIZ_qf3eHlH8j49kDaUEM2fk0jMVR0dU-JDsv_c1Un7X8A6osQilWJ-cZyJqMo-Ek-4AwVjHxqHav4_AMhuLvBbL19NS8oozSNJgsDC/w400-h300/camden%20(14).jpeg" width="400" /></a> <br /></div><p>It was great to go to Camden Market with Sylvia but also tiring. I don't remember it being so busy and overwhelming last time. It just went on forever and there was no escaping the crowds. When we left we had no idea how much more there was to see but we had no energy left to find out. <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtmOt-tuw4O1StEYliQHLV-O7PKcwzxCad1e5DUD3MaDplfSfybQDHs3s1SQtvMHZhSDFUa41lNwCFXAJ0FWbHb66RGsJwgTKKIr81XpLnd_MsvGgi_CWzisqJ0KOlr9jzXyoReWRhJt6X0_zt1x2diID9HmwFuFJsiWkf3HlPVIA8p9USsqD_SlYJmErn/s1280/camden%20(24).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtmOt-tuw4O1StEYliQHLV-O7PKcwzxCad1e5DUD3MaDplfSfybQDHs3s1SQtvMHZhSDFUa41lNwCFXAJ0FWbHb66RGsJwgTKKIr81XpLnd_MsvGgi_CWzisqJ0KOlr9jzXyoReWRhJt6X0_zt1x2diID9HmwFuFJsiWkf3HlPVIA8p9USsqD_SlYJmErn/w400-h300/camden%20(24).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The market I remember was quite grungy with lots of cheap souvenirs and cheap Doc Martin shoes. I am not sure that the Doc Martins are still cheap as I did not look at prices (after seeing how expensive they are in the stores and given that I have a few pairs at home). But there were a lot of shoes, souvenirs, colourful clothes, candles and jewellery. And that was just in Camden High Street before we got to the Camden Lock Markets.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPqN_ZbvwFqHGjk6X6ixYhLDW4bTbUUHYnLx9BaBPmqV67hvVskLrvU0j6eWO4SsFBbvEaluSoZdoIAeG_Qva_Qd7zPd1OohqYW64oaTqa82SWMgbWuAcbspJ89aaswklQ7aOw9EjDWsp0q0X3jGtHWktS6tGc6XmKR3ulkkZ-1jjQHD5dWAMaBZBVgFmd/s1280/camden%20(20).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPqN_ZbvwFqHGjk6X6ixYhLDW4bTbUUHYnLx9BaBPmqV67hvVskLrvU0j6eWO4SsFBbvEaluSoZdoIAeG_Qva_Qd7zPd1OohqYW64oaTqa82SWMgbWuAcbspJ89aaswklQ7aOw9EjDWsp0q0X3jGtHWktS6tGc6XmKR3ulkkZ-1jjQHD5dWAMaBZBVgFmd/w400-h300/camden%20(20).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>We walked in the rain from the Camden Town tube station to along Camden High Street to Camden Lock. The lock on the Regent's Canal is where barges can be raised or lowered by securing them in a lock where the water is raised or lowered to the part of the canal where they are headed. I would have loved to see the lock in action but there were no vessels and we wanted to get onto the market.<br /><br /></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3gicbP162Vu7itccsJMwU8DBi0lCSSnXDVwgZZXdJTVTHK_PNYzXF4Hj-zu3cLucJ1Yga_1cKizElict4fxUiLdClqfswyBdzOshvmv_6pB0eCDiY6C3uVWfvkiVOyW6I7Q6NyWEA0wLr5SCcVAI1GQPI4d7po21dg9whwdgxEufpWiWDgGlRXTJbDCI/s1280/camden.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3gicbP162Vu7itccsJMwU8DBi0lCSSnXDVwgZZXdJTVTHK_PNYzXF4Hj-zu3cLucJ1Yga_1cKizElict4fxUiLdClqfswyBdzOshvmv_6pB0eCDiY6C3uVWfvkiVOyW6I7Q6NyWEA0wLr5SCcVAI1GQPI4d7po21dg9whwdgxEufpWiWDgGlRXTJbDCI/w400-h300/camden.jpeg" width="400" /></a></p>This is the view from where we walked along the canal. There were a lot of love locks along the fence. I am not sure if this is partly ironic to do this so close to the lock. We walked across the canal on the bridge in the photo where a punk dressed in iconic mohawk hairstyle, tartan and chains was playing music and seeking donations. This made me smile at the nod to the grungier markets from decades ago.<br /><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvNXmTqwBVg8JXAt8xIxnQO0HroLKLy1OKzuH7kxnqcw221JScWpgm3rSJVjzgkT0Bl6ZORPtiAAHikDGQ7UrFcbEDted0IHDgt8fY-DGBtWDkLCBWuTXqXdXoo-P5FNSbtxMgADBXZ8eZ8AHNP8TfDB6rETk2T1lkAqX6zFkcGpAMU2StEYoN7x3l6PjZ/s1280/camden%20(1).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvNXmTqwBVg8JXAt8xIxnQO0HroLKLy1OKzuH7kxnqcw221JScWpgm3rSJVjzgkT0Bl6ZORPtiAAHikDGQ7UrFcbEDted0IHDgt8fY-DGBtWDkLCBWuTXqXdXoo-P5FNSbtxMgADBXZ8eZ8AHNP8TfDB6rETk2T1lkAqX6zFkcGpAMU2StEYoN7x3l6PjZ/w300-h400/camden%20(1).jpeg" width="300" /></a><br /></p><p></p><p>We walked around admiring the crafts: clocks on old vinyl, candles, sassy quips on badges, artworks, woodworks and the above signs. One of my favourite signs aimed at Generation X was "I'm so glad I grew up in the 70s and 80s; I did so much stupid stuff and there is no record of it anywhere". I also liked "Sawdust is man glitter" and "Cinderella is proof that shoes can change your life".<br /><br /></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil1NPfD2cwcaln5eHCm3jxtYZeZ5s7jPj2tsqF2LSiKR6AktSeo4pONWHXYbS7x5gzCSj41ndc3LK_zBsRKI1RetAgpsRq5n6coXrYA2smJK5xX2gH0K8kFX13GsBzOkCcFxdk_2AAYBgN8dMfKrqB9DuoZSxdIL9azzaIy61W99Pfwr-kg6Bw_W_bwg0n/s1280/camden%20(2).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil1NPfD2cwcaln5eHCm3jxtYZeZ5s7jPj2tsqF2LSiKR6AktSeo4pONWHXYbS7x5gzCSj41ndc3LK_zBsRKI1RetAgpsRq5n6coXrYA2smJK5xX2gH0K8kFX13GsBzOkCcFxdk_2AAYBgN8dMfKrqB9DuoZSxdIL9azzaIy61W99Pfwr-kg6Bw_W_bwg0n/w300-h400/camden%20(2).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>We wandered around the market hall for a while, enjoying checking out all the wares, and trying to be judicious with purchases. The old buildings of Camden Market were also worthy of our admiration but this was a place for looking up close rather than at the big picture. Sylvia bought some pretty cute Ghibli badges of Totoro and No-Face.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikJBO0rYn_By18iBkMl32VIVZZtJnZIBDUlf-iS0dv7uod_OImgmykycgFZGfsBCX4YQSvbf39tOw1EE42Z5fS0n_0O-XwSFMPO5etyIo0idvhWiAeXX0ENiZjAycsoZA_VwkPmYnCwC1LjYFLDRHRyPQP4IEWcmV-qJll31CAShZDbOvD9SLTJjA65YOw/s1280/camden%20(3).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikJBO0rYn_By18iBkMl32VIVZZtJnZIBDUlf-iS0dv7uod_OImgmykycgFZGfsBCX4YQSvbf39tOw1EE42Z5fS0n_0O-XwSFMPO5etyIo0idvhWiAeXX0ENiZjAycsoZA_VwkPmYnCwC1LjYFLDRHRyPQP4IEWcmV-qJll31CAShZDbOvD9SLTJjA65YOw/w400-h300/camden%20(3).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Beautiful colourful scarves.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmO1JlKhwRYPukaiKZIbIw8ehKHsOlWZcQjP4uwrbMzx96Fi0iyfUOmTTTe6Fz74p-NvUj1zvbWqVbrJ08gukfnTIDYON9IlyCMiBKav8L3-JmoeU_E8vXD4P7u5KLDgtiu956CpmFIKxgWPUtWY61jW1dFDENUul8866_syxQKAoLFar-tlqP4E_KaQ1z/s1280/camden%20(6).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmO1JlKhwRYPukaiKZIbIw8ehKHsOlWZcQjP4uwrbMzx96Fi0iyfUOmTTTe6Fz74p-NvUj1zvbWqVbrJ08gukfnTIDYON9IlyCMiBKav8L3-JmoeU_E8vXD4P7u5KLDgtiu956CpmFIKxgWPUtWY61jW1dFDENUul8866_syxQKAoLFar-tlqP4E_KaQ1z/w400-h400/camden%20(6).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Lots of soaps and candles with fun aromas to smell.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcjOitOVQWWmgYVnWsVCxvxkD8TaXEkTZFHsJWCtK4acxumHsYECCpq1sGRK2CkZUVLXskUHNZR5js1oqMTkF7jDUcO3_eCBxDLOTwPJGYy0DmOxaKCfH28qffNBoI6mP8VRS9do4L01fklpbxRd4tntbKcZTFzCNgC2ZRYxv362FF5MrWmjO8j75-4JPP/s1280/camden%20(4).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcjOitOVQWWmgYVnWsVCxvxkD8TaXEkTZFHsJWCtK4acxumHsYECCpq1sGRK2CkZUVLXskUHNZR5js1oqMTkF7jDUcO3_eCBxDLOTwPJGYy0DmOxaKCfH28qffNBoI6mP8VRS9do4L01fklpbxRd4tntbKcZTFzCNgC2ZRYxv362FF5MrWmjO8j75-4JPP/w300-h400/camden%20(4).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p></p>The occasional clowder of craft cats. These cats as a posse looked like they might be out of a spooky movie.<br /><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZbSe2qavUC3abMqMXE03SKVKH0Wf24OPP50e6DWxJKQBxspnFkOiDq7u5i5MiI3gdR6fF6LbfwCTVZwKkHDea6H5ICB9fpai-Mev0pDbzTLgSb7aR5ZPCEpymUqCeF1aByacXNLVnFGED617xHci_uizvxcJfRJZWbgeypaE8J6OiyGWlA8WnpKwWVZ8L/s1200/Camden_Market_Collage.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZbSe2qavUC3abMqMXE03SKVKH0Wf24OPP50e6DWxJKQBxspnFkOiDq7u5i5MiI3gdR6fF6LbfwCTVZwKkHDea6H5ICB9fpai-Mev0pDbzTLgSb7aR5ZPCEpymUqCeF1aByacXNLVnFGED617xHci_uizvxcJfRJZWbgeypaE8J6OiyGWlA8WnpKwWVZ8L/w400-h400/Camden_Market_Collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>So much to see everywhere we turned. Lots of colours and temptations.<br /><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTPzfOPKQjoGy1SQU6-7icGA5pVybCghzMYUlDbPwI6wDJYIGbKxaWkonZhQiHfxNtthjOmo0LW7EGLRhB9rrFY373GXcdScYrMhJpYLZbK379XfyosKsV2kd_9l-RdE0hvDIVp_ECH3iX5OkuKvZo6LDtOUtTiYgaC4ENyFtCNxu1MHgK-4LMC5Wr8j2E/w300-h400/camden%20(19).jpeg" width="300" /><br /></p><p>And it was busy as you can see in this photo of the West Yard area outside the market hall. The little pods looked cute to sit and snack in the wintery weather but they seemed pretty crowded.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEXnkRNEpzUAKVl-XRVa7jTCJcVYpgWUttJeDI9PH7v5FNTq1R4oLn3ffa37Gx5z-B661MFGQW_W0IQs_UH7r4Lsc6ZIU_t1eM9_p4I5mstzOMyYGm3WYrONGo_Sa-cKuhTE3mfCSvYvyBJl-vrCSauwK8rQf4IZGkq8Xq43D41x8Y8C8FSJmhum8l9cvX/s1280/camden%20(34).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEXnkRNEpzUAKVl-XRVa7jTCJcVYpgWUttJeDI9PH7v5FNTq1R4oLn3ffa37Gx5z-B661MFGQW_W0IQs_UH7r4Lsc6ZIU_t1eM9_p4I5mstzOMyYGm3WYrONGo_Sa-cKuhTE3mfCSvYvyBJl-vrCSauwK8rQf4IZGkq8Xq43D41x8Y8C8FSJmhum8l9cvX/w400-h400/camden%20(34).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p>I loved this Boom Cat Books store. In fact I even bought a book there (<i>Down and out in Paris and London </i>by George Orwell) There was also a flyer for a book store crawl, which sounded fun.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbOFe7hjSga1IzmjJxFDXmW4kPxSyucLaIIYFc2mRYfG8Z-Fb7OYIInadoTp0RMOUctvMPZKN42St7vLRrpz51NAXC7BX5iYD2ybzlWsNp9gZQOUWUS2WoWT2CWVS2K1MM47T3nV9K5lZRpSyZCXtcAdBHEFI4qKYnu0_lYWwDqhwF36Vt8MrD5t4_k9R/s1280/camden%20(9).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbOFe7hjSga1IzmjJxFDXmW4kPxSyucLaIIYFc2mRYfG8Z-Fb7OYIInadoTp0RMOUctvMPZKN42St7vLRrpz51NAXC7BX5iYD2ybzlWsNp9gZQOUWUS2WoWT2CWVS2K1MM47T3nV9K5lZRpSyZCXtcAdBHEFI4qKYnu0_lYWwDqhwF36Vt8MrD5t4_k9R/w400-h300/camden%20(9).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>A large clock, wooden floors, plants, neat rows of books and the occasional pieces of book wisdom. This shelf says: "You think your pain and your heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read" - James Baldwin.<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYsczp16MMjoBWgnFLTJXZ3lyyjGJ44lP2ea2i20S1DGyOp9MMgHgp9d2sB9Y1lgmU_Eq1CLXh2DPhFMjGVbqx9GQl9NwaSIy_mMtSTXvekEeCmPv6ZyxIKWZShqCAQNSP8ZisP-nl7g3Yx574rdX0UG7Td4gZISI3onzCn3b563N3kv6Crxnw06f38ai/s1280/camden%20(7).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYsczp16MMjoBWgnFLTJXZ3lyyjGJ44lP2ea2i20S1DGyOp9MMgHgp9d2sB9Y1lgmU_Eq1CLXh2DPhFMjGVbqx9GQl9NwaSIy_mMtSTXvekEeCmPv6ZyxIKWZShqCAQNSP8ZisP-nl7g3Yx574rdX0UG7Td4gZISI3onzCn3b563N3kv6Crxnw06f38ai/w400-h300/camden%20(7).jpeg" width="400" /></a></p><p>These doughnuts by Camden Cakes were big and beautiful. This photo shows you how many different doughnuts were on offer but not how huge and amazing they looked. So tempting when we were getting hungry. It was time to eat.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIUjZvxyy1O4ihrYa50Invj_Uz7V7cofi5Qv8yl0jYJPOX6-eVUzgVwZCuav3gRMiGU8O5YTDUSpWfBxDaBtnzcqhHjBays2LtzpIICbWKr8ilqdX7JTpL09Ay4gjbx6xoE-E1H-5L5NJ0z0tw4z6KTCYFcRMyy_7hpcvzGopmUCANZ87IhOOcNUJl98Wp/s1280/camden%20(11).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIUjZvxyy1O4ihrYa50Invj_Uz7V7cofi5Qv8yl0jYJPOX6-eVUzgVwZCuav3gRMiGU8O5YTDUSpWfBxDaBtnzcqhHjBays2LtzpIICbWKr8ilqdX7JTpL09Ay4gjbx6xoE-E1H-5L5NJ0z0tw4z6KTCYFcRMyy_7hpcvzGopmUCANZ87IhOOcNUJl98Wp/w300-h400/camden%20(11).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p>We shared a Super Mario Mac and Cheese from the Mac Factory. It was a rich and creamy blend of macaroni with mature cheese and mozzarella, white truffle oil, sauteed mushrooms, garlic and a crispy parmesan thyme crumble. It was so good.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhadfrAlu0mRYz6cNL_jgIMf1Hwf-w5VNg_Fdcp1oVcrRaknkJziUhl8F4B-2UChYT-5FEZUpt_vdUiCF5XqWcrlLgtgOhmfwxqXxqdjaC8_ZqU0GJ7x_aCJIGavmLRzY4XdC84e8t3bx-sjyERQlMmsPXf9gV_QnfMrUuq4UFn129fCBfpkRS5Vi5nEW6B/s1280/camden%20(12).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhadfrAlu0mRYz6cNL_jgIMf1Hwf-w5VNg_Fdcp1oVcrRaknkJziUhl8F4B-2UChYT-5FEZUpt_vdUiCF5XqWcrlLgtgOhmfwxqXxqdjaC8_ZqU0GJ7x_aCJIGavmLRzY4XdC84e8t3bx-sjyERQlMmsPXf9gV_QnfMrUuq4UFn129fCBfpkRS5Vi5nEW6B/w300-h400/camden%20(12).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>We sat to eat at the West Yard Cafe while we waited for our fresh juices. Sylvia was so happy to have a fresh apple juice. I had an apple, carrot and pineapple juice which was so good. The Turkish food at the cafe looked really good and so did the berries and melted chocolate out the front.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_gw6VEHRn-QzDdDZ4gg92u6CcO9b6Ek3uY3WY-6VhclL1R0VMM3dO4imq46qO4TjRPssmn0wR1n63Ahmh_5Ln0Vm6azD0zwPdyU7cNlNWsoYbVxipcQUEAQQh48gDuy4n48QDhX_G099OaEb34iKhEttzQTHAM-PJ1OiU8DkzP-uGINBQfs_COEDMJZb/s1280/camden%20(13).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="961" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_gw6VEHRn-QzDdDZ4gg92u6CcO9b6Ek3uY3WY-6VhclL1R0VMM3dO4imq46qO4TjRPssmn0wR1n63Ahmh_5Ln0Vm6azD0zwPdyU7cNlNWsoYbVxipcQUEAQQh48gDuy4n48QDhX_G099OaEb34iKhEttzQTHAM-PJ1OiU8DkzP-uGINBQfs_COEDMJZb/w300-h400/camden%20(13).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Then we headed down Camden Lock Place to find EB Crystals, which Sylvia had admired online. The lane was beautiful with all the weathered brick walls with stalls in the middle.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhalwukED-sTl8IcuT1G57ctkN5h62jN8DRv41-s6YGv-YiqkOtP9AaEtv5no44FyUcgoWmeGZstLd7WmxJzdD0boM5CZqAwUHNf1rkiksa4jDFH30ochyphenhyphenXC5YxdqzIACo2zsVy1MUXN0bXNf1fcpMLc7sAA0F31a7AIqVUuAWqpXEe-xVAUakgM8qSQ_DA/s1280/camden%20(15).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhalwukED-sTl8IcuT1G57ctkN5h62jN8DRv41-s6YGv-YiqkOtP9AaEtv5no44FyUcgoWmeGZstLd7WmxJzdD0boM5CZqAwUHNf1rkiksa4jDFH30ochyphenhyphenXC5YxdqzIACo2zsVy1MUXN0bXNf1fcpMLc7sAA0F31a7AIqVUuAWqpXEe-xVAUakgM8qSQ_DA/w400-h300/camden%20(15).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>EB Crystals was a really lovely store with lots of plants, wood and, of course, crystals. We wandered on and spent some money in some souvenir shops.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyki6BmaXrBogMXOYbw_RuJ9514TNj6vsDRhP4qNJoC2BPy4_lvvzs0OiCut4Qhb-bnR9pLthTffxSQLcucKFK8aI0YbcTLeMmiln1730kmEBQVTURa_AYS6b4CldAYzpwECXTeHH3VXvPomErqbBQaovyYX1ov9EykYgv8DYlz8k_eWKoHNGJ-3oUOOfY/s1280/camden%20(16).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyki6BmaXrBogMXOYbw_RuJ9514TNj6vsDRhP4qNJoC2BPy4_lvvzs0OiCut4Qhb-bnR9pLthTffxSQLcucKFK8aI0YbcTLeMmiln1730kmEBQVTURa_AYS6b4CldAYzpwECXTeHH3VXvPomErqbBQaovyYX1ov9EykYgv8DYlz8k_eWKoHNGJ-3oUOOfY/w300-h400/camden%20(16).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p>There were even a few vinyl stores, relics from the past that delight me. It was just the place to buy a Pulp tote bag.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkgG4L9MNnkqdN1WcLaBNhXmb9VIlPv9vB5g4_G6hyphenhyphenQAPT3Y3MnVm9WMkRmgumexSMSkblQPgwANvqUbPNoXDzjVYv0-MZ5reePWRW9SsrbzW18JfgWONfxMaEtAFWHi-oIRhx-SZF_gCkJa4do-LiaK2NzP2b0n6gB4_gxpcnFbONYn84SzOSxjCYQDv/s1280/camden%20(17).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1277" data-original-width="1280" height="399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkgG4L9MNnkqdN1WcLaBNhXmb9VIlPv9vB5g4_G6hyphenhyphenQAPT3Y3MnVm9WMkRmgumexSMSkblQPgwANvqUbPNoXDzjVYv0-MZ5reePWRW9SsrbzW18JfgWONfxMaEtAFWHi-oIRhx-SZF_gCkJa4do-LiaK2NzP2b0n6gB4_gxpcnFbONYn84SzOSxjCYQDv/w400-h399/camden%20(17).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>And lots to make us laugh like these cat t-shirts.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1nix54gU7LQnXMn6Syj4Kw0Q3DyuUEHyVD8MMU4KRYboOLtbGOiu98aonb7gjN25RU4Xjfzo5GkL9JFoVrwm7DhINjTBL6oQS2mlyHEv69zCsPNNN0DUwSVS1aHjHUWmuI-a21QZTu_LhXlmTnVfAfJ8iDZW8OgC6BgoAcAzy6rLsvSgSKMsVu2YKmxG4/s1280/camden%20(18).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1nix54gU7LQnXMn6Syj4Kw0Q3DyuUEHyVD8MMU4KRYboOLtbGOiu98aonb7gjN25RU4Xjfzo5GkL9JFoVrwm7DhINjTBL6oQS2mlyHEv69zCsPNNN0DUwSVS1aHjHUWmuI-a21QZTu_LhXlmTnVfAfJ8iDZW8OgC6BgoAcAzy6rLsvSgSKMsVu2YKmxG4/w400-h300/camden%20(18).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>This stall had lots of great signs. So many. The we wandered down a lane full of lots of good food and long lines. By then we were tired and headed back down the high street towards the tube.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxKHK7T2hBEyNc1VjmZBnnyCXPW7jA2981yhIDyiAmuJXJDy98ymFZZmem6XQhhjaNC67A42hwf3JVx2yFIrz4LeKe0jDyBFThfGxPtC1PNFzWgLq0OdPtf-aN-L1emM4Z_cXlQ6uptrPZSZx34kemtHkysnCT3gFe29Ka3lfoCAOtlPpVbQJIIIltN7q/s1280/camden%20(22).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxKHK7T2hBEyNc1VjmZBnnyCXPW7jA2981yhIDyiAmuJXJDy98ymFZZmem6XQhhjaNC67A42hwf3JVx2yFIrz4LeKe0jDyBFThfGxPtC1PNFzWgLq0OdPtf-aN-L1emM4Z_cXlQ6uptrPZSZx34kemtHkysnCT3gFe29Ka3lfoCAOtlPpVbQJIIIltN7q/w300-h400/camden%20(22).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Sylvia had earmarked a few of the places she wanted to return to on the high street. She bought a beautiful blue and gold scarf at Namaste Camden. I loved how lots of stores on the high street had interesting artwork on the first floor above the shop. Like this flower power elephant design.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKlrdieCLAjKVBaIZJtmbXXnkmwuf_CZFRqsI7N_XxXdBGPp0b4dVlA4zso2vsYc_XRLo1b6rXMkfF3KMti8u7guvv1GsPPokLmDyko24s11QK7JNijFHPg-Do7_mvPGUZCvUFTu9406_cdoNf6qKoWCaG6Vfuv7gQauLReYRZg4jChVLDP7mA5Okb5o0N/s1280/camden%20(21).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKlrdieCLAjKVBaIZJtmbXXnkmwuf_CZFRqsI7N_XxXdBGPp0b4dVlA4zso2vsYc_XRLo1b6rXMkfF3KMti8u7guvv1GsPPokLmDyko24s11QK7JNijFHPg-Do7_mvPGUZCvUFTu9406_cdoNf6qKoWCaG6Vfuv7gQauLReYRZg4jChVLDP7mA5Okb5o0N/w400-h300/camden%20(21).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div></div><p>My eye was drawn to this bright green jungle street art on the side of the Bucks Head pub.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN15IJULbc1YIJf1wRK6i81VWVt9fQ5QP9RxmPmwgMTE1dXQ_KMRRKTe0mX6HZE-9zwiZBz-0ItAKwTHjPAnR5CKfxF6OIKcELCQdkQIK8L-ZDfNy2F-xs_-C70Ndd8I14MqqGe3i4LNNXziwHzwacUAZRog7RPJynwloExQ53q49uxZw3WWar06N0D8Tm/s1280/camden%20(23).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN15IJULbc1YIJf1wRK6i81VWVt9fQ5QP9RxmPmwgMTE1dXQ_KMRRKTe0mX6HZE-9zwiZBz-0ItAKwTHjPAnR5CKfxF6OIKcELCQdkQIK8L-ZDfNy2F-xs_-C70Ndd8I14MqqGe3i4LNNXziwHzwacUAZRog7RPJynwloExQ53q49uxZw3WWar06N0D8Tm/w400-h400/camden%20(23).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>We could not resist some of the amazing displays of sweet indulgence at Bubble Waffle. We shared the poffertjes with chunks of chocolate wafer bars, strawberries and melted chocolate. It was so rich I wished I had ordered the poffertjes with more berries and less chocolate. But really good.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-1rRDVFGQgrBYyZ-xTnBLEAFxrwPd6UWk3Z3kEaXaE3RNzxeMdc3NOn0Kl6wA4Y-ixXo_PFiqH0QFFQxySsr80UsJMPZBF9S6vbNPLgWCeBwAHWzxuutIJyAJLaWbvK6AvJ4QTOqGXRI0Pe007kuk9Wushx_f5TDCgSkFxgM2MUqP4_o7myrPrWBFt-tW/s1280/camden%20(35).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-1rRDVFGQgrBYyZ-xTnBLEAFxrwPd6UWk3Z3kEaXaE3RNzxeMdc3NOn0Kl6wA4Y-ixXo_PFiqH0QFFQxySsr80UsJMPZBF9S6vbNPLgWCeBwAHWzxuutIJyAJLaWbvK6AvJ4QTOqGXRI0Pe007kuk9Wushx_f5TDCgSkFxgM2MUqP4_o7myrPrWBFt-tW/w400-h300/camden%20(35).jpeg" width="400" /></a> <br /></div><p></p><p>Then we took the tube from Camden Town back to Kensington High Street. I was surprised we had to queue to get into the tube station and walked in a busy line down a spiral stair case of 96 steps. It was so busy. Thank goodness the rain had eased off while we were in the market. <br /></p>Johanna GGGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08594201473931487490noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6742756814967464811.post-78555983163501493132024-03-04T21:55:00.001+11:002024-03-04T21:55:19.337+11:00London: The Muffin Man tea room in Kensington<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikQI9nQHUHhheJb9X95Vzman6Z-Vtgu5lkAQjFRqRFBmKZ11NnyqeDqTDqX41ZRwzH2pQd181ez9hlB92de8LuFKYpK_b-nzOrZLdBr3MUkOswVWpsy1qCBCBs2Jq9v30Qp3dZutPtbcUws219e4773HUOTUaYqlGZMdaBOGfbiLqGQRW9q8pqGukbYVdI/s1280/The%20muffin%20man.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikQI9nQHUHhheJb9X95Vzman6Z-Vtgu5lkAQjFRqRFBmKZ11NnyqeDqTDqX41ZRwzH2pQd181ez9hlB92de8LuFKYpK_b-nzOrZLdBr3MUkOswVWpsy1qCBCBs2Jq9v30Qp3dZutPtbcUws219e4773HUOTUaYqlGZMdaBOGfbiLqGQRW9q8pqGukbYVdI/w400-h300/The%20muffin%20man.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div></div><p>We were keen to have high tea in London but some are terribly expensive. So it was a happy coincidence that when looking at our hotel in Kensington, we found that high tea was offered at the nearby Muffin Man. We found it is always busy and for a good reason. Excellent British food served between large hotels and the fashionable Kensington High Streets are bound to attract the crowds.<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9UA-1zGu2AEre7B37nc4TgdaRK3IQmu-cgjIJncp9sPaseqi_iDM-_TDkOKxTH4xbfQ6g-lX5tba6L84hxXlowSV7wa2uHZ9Gbt9DBa5BZM0ceFWIYr9jF42OOgOY80IBDbcWMcPozohR2ktPkbdowkAY23t5dgmqd-xSxrDZtrFR-fYLvsUL6itJp3FO/s1280/The%20muffin%20man%20(1).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9UA-1zGu2AEre7B37nc4TgdaRK3IQmu-cgjIJncp9sPaseqi_iDM-_TDkOKxTH4xbfQ6g-lX5tba6L84hxXlowSV7wa2uHZ9Gbt9DBa5BZM0ceFWIYr9jF42OOgOY80IBDbcWMcPozohR2ktPkbdowkAY23t5dgmqd-xSxrDZtrFR-fYLvsUL6itJp3FO/w300-h400/The%20muffin%20man%20(1).jpeg" width="300" /></a></p><p>It was quite a small space. So small in fact that, as there were no bookings, those seeking a table often had to queue outside, sunshine or rain. On the afternoon we went there we had been at Camden Market and we had to queue. When the waitress came to the door to tell us it was a 10-15 minute wait, I went back to the hotel to drop off my backpack of purchases. By the time I returned, Sylvia had just been seated at a table.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGZogVB7PPbr9qX3rTkRyYZS9LwJecBcMrhoFGW8KP34XqlZ-is7S_Pk_w_nZNiu6Ew1W3U0VxoGnSZOlHHFAa5AZAE3-ej5YW0s_EuCWpcZFabBFAFhZ_gYJFuh2VL3e2tm-hDnjkUAewPiEbkWMWDgk28rUcnqfMHodTew4O5sBCRIluE1W13iIoCkZg/s1280/The%20muffin%20man%20(2).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="961" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGZogVB7PPbr9qX3rTkRyYZS9LwJecBcMrhoFGW8KP34XqlZ-is7S_Pk_w_nZNiu6Ew1W3U0VxoGnSZOlHHFAa5AZAE3-ej5YW0s_EuCWpcZFabBFAFhZ_gYJFuh2VL3e2tm-hDnjkUAewPiEbkWMWDgk28rUcnqfMHodTew4O5sBCRIluE1W13iIoCkZg/w300-h400/The%20muffin%20man%20(2).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>The tea room had small round tables, framed black and white photos, and views of Kensington's red brick Victorian flats. I assume the photos recorded the history of Kensington, one of the more upmarket areas of London. <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgHeo857aIfve5PGNmxDG1UIHgyapZNRZRBrifIHh7wV5gBBQP89eawr3MAVAEJMleDovZ1Een9hvRmdOeD3ZYqgUmlqctG7MKkL9GvquJ9NjL-AFqQ2lwS71pIpRS07kRVvmaxhKpmo31Cv_WKu0X9U8VnmKpVfm4GstXXb3-h1ORVV2wWhdFzV5RIap/s1280/The%20muffin%20man%20(3).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgHeo857aIfve5PGNmxDG1UIHgyapZNRZRBrifIHh7wV5gBBQP89eawr3MAVAEJMleDovZ1Een9hvRmdOeD3ZYqgUmlqctG7MKkL9GvquJ9NjL-AFqQ2lwS71pIpRS07kRVvmaxhKpmo31Cv_WKu0X9U8VnmKpVfm4GstXXb3-h1ORVV2wWhdFzV5RIap/w300-h400/The%20muffin%20man%20(3).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>We ordered the 3 Tier Afternoon Tea for 2, costing 33.50 pounds. It comprised a glass of prosecco, a coffee or pot of tea, 3 finger sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, and 4 assorted mini cakes. As we did not want prosecco they offered us a cold drink, and we had a large glass of orange juice each. The tea menu we could choose from was extensive. Sylvia chose the jasmine tea and I chose the rosehip. I was pleased to see they were all loose leaf.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU1APDKCakxGBji06icSZUm0mJx_3OIW4OgQQ9GN0vimkX3YruYhfCx3TmxT9G5zWncw9uxQxjH5rJwQM64upTvZrxO8LzCOfKUE1jqAhVwiJCqEMGHp_0iRXCDq9pexiG7HxKMfDZv9BkT4uvk2cqqvka4X3eJnDMuIqYDWtxHKcEnvXnnOZi9PpwmZqh/s1280/The%20muffin%20man%20(4).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU1APDKCakxGBji06icSZUm0mJx_3OIW4OgQQ9GN0vimkX3YruYhfCx3TmxT9G5zWncw9uxQxjH5rJwQM64upTvZrxO8LzCOfKUE1jqAhVwiJCqEMGHp_0iRXCDq9pexiG7HxKMfDZv9BkT4uvk2cqqvka4X3eJnDMuIqYDWtxHKcEnvXnnOZi9PpwmZqh/w400-h300/The%20muffin%20man%20(4).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>On the bottom tier we had finger sandwiches. We were able to choose which ones we wanted and of course we ordered the vegetarian options: Cucumber, Tomato and Ploughmans. </p><p>Sylvia had not had a Ploughman's sandwich before, comprising Branston pickle, cheese and cucumber, and she was not so keen on the pickle. I love them and was happy to swap some tomato sandwiches for them. We both enjoyed the cucumber. </p><p>The bread was fresh and not soggy, which is essential for me if I am to enjoy any sandwiches. They were served with rocket which was a nice addition to the tomato and cucumber sandwiches.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj09EYRsA0mQVYdp41Qj-nXdPiW20ucST88wSDJg_NmuW4rUIcDLr4ehbFccfXlxhGc9LkXwPFnsnHkgLLFxL4tiAwRT8uajj95agPLrs6-HQkCtYn3ulOcn886fSpaBqdvTSn01o3KtYQCv5kc3ye9CIk40MvO4LXyfPgoAqriOffvjySJ980QJwdI0RwO/s1280/The%20muffin%20man%20(5).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj09EYRsA0mQVYdp41Qj-nXdPiW20ucST88wSDJg_NmuW4rUIcDLr4ehbFccfXlxhGc9LkXwPFnsnHkgLLFxL4tiAwRT8uajj95agPLrs6-HQkCtYn3ulOcn886fSpaBqdvTSn01o3KtYQCv5kc3ye9CIk40MvO4LXyfPgoAqriOffvjySJ980QJwdI0RwO/w400-h300/The%20muffin%20man%20(5).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The middle tier was Scones with Strawberry Jam and Devon Cream. I was surprised that the scones were toasted - perhaps the easiest way to heat them. But not the usual way to eat scones. The jam tasted of fruit, which means not processed so much that all you could taste was sugar. The cream was so thick it clung to the spoon and could just about be cut with a knife, like a good clotted cream.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR8Yauw83eWyAGEkMTlmXY8HG17OMa06vthbatEtDb0vzWWJD9cVaZZl3Tm8fEbQJE0SiztaH6PW0i54n9KeCB0dhyLuk0tTJuPCABKq6223LnyA93MkdKuMXGiHlwfJkcsNOJ6LJR8Ar8Web7eNiYg_2EM6zRQOhjL80zZfXkg57wauO-gtbpCuFoHIEM/s1280/The%20muffin%20man%20(6).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR8Yauw83eWyAGEkMTlmXY8HG17OMa06vthbatEtDb0vzWWJD9cVaZZl3Tm8fEbQJE0SiztaH6PW0i54n9KeCB0dhyLuk0tTJuPCABKq6223LnyA93MkdKuMXGiHlwfJkcsNOJ6LJR8Ar8Web7eNiYg_2EM6zRQOhjL80zZfXkg57wauO-gtbpCuFoHIEM/w400-h400/The%20muffin%20man%20(6).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>When in answer to my question I was told that we were randomly given cakes, I asked the waitress for some chocolate cakes. Sylvia was unhappy that we got three chocolate cakes and one lemon. So I confessed to the waitress I had just been thinking of myself and that Sylvia would prefer another cake that was not chocolate. </p><p>The cakes were very light with lots of cream fillings and toppings. We ended up with the lemon cake, a chocolate layer cake, a creamy fudgy chocolate cake, and a berry roulade. Sylvia loved them but I was less keen. I liked the slices of strawberries on them. They were very British. Note the London Tube icon on top of the tier of plates.<br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhO-7yXwdegsKo-PcE9q_Gowh-0C4vPBfI6PvhdF64DJrhJ867owhIkZFyJJCtPN-BsUycP5lEblApwtXqbJv9YFeVwn9Z1XYxwsW8f0ahZnOR8AL1W2ky1wMu88QSvYTjGBMeNybQQEyDJwvDYR70ioTOOAUGeGOcaa2IDMDftqvcGfmS1jb1QiL9zihP/s541/the%20muffin%20man%20(9).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="541" data-original-width="375" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhO-7yXwdegsKo-PcE9q_Gowh-0C4vPBfI6PvhdF64DJrhJ867owhIkZFyJJCtPN-BsUycP5lEblApwtXqbJv9YFeVwn9Z1XYxwsW8f0ahZnOR8AL1W2ky1wMu88QSvYTjGBMeNybQQEyDJwvDYR70ioTOOAUGeGOcaa2IDMDftqvcGfmS1jb1QiL9zihP/w278-h400/the%20muffin%20man%20(9).jpeg" width="278" /></a></div><p></p><p>Of course I did wonder about how I had a daughter who loved cakes with lots of cream and not chocolate! Then I discovered that she also preferred to eat her scones with the jam on top of the cream. Who was this child! That is not how things have ever been done in our family so I can't imagine what possessed her. Unless it was that she realised it makes a good photo! And to be fair my siblings all liked cream more tha me.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKp_gqTiF5CL1lxa2VwsqYgbv_Pups0IWteGyeiB4QQBmjlgroSVPcBhCMGe9HgH3AR7l0TQEDu19UbQXbXyeMqGKoTtMfY308rbknmkaCHiqmNTrTsXAHvmaUUKE6FD6tWNo6JXH8d11OvBVyuqVTYNi8pShOT9TMKJ892mXcS8OJ5ygsqmYRKe1yeC0P/s1280/IMG_3767.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKp_gqTiF5CL1lxa2VwsqYgbv_Pups0IWteGyeiB4QQBmjlgroSVPcBhCMGe9HgH3AR7l0TQEDu19UbQXbXyeMqGKoTtMfY308rbknmkaCHiqmNTrTsXAHvmaUUKE6FD6tWNo6JXH8d11OvBVyuqVTYNi8pShOT9TMKJ892mXcS8OJ5ygsqmYRKe1yeC0P/w400-h400/IMG_3767.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p>When we finished, Sylvia decided that she would like a serve of the tomato soup to take back to the hotel room to have for dinner later. She loved the food so much that she wanted to try more. We stood by the display cabinet of cakes with the tiered plates on top and watched the room while they got it together for her. She ended up having an early dinner so it was warm and loved the soup.<br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtizuO24tUqqyJkous74TZNjGfL95kxUzI6wkl3SddF4iaQT_EnuZfX7jISen-hshS-pPbjr_ciuM8kNYl2pRHPQZqs7e6llCeCXl33ScGdhdLx2btYdNmR_D_1C7GKE-2gs-j8WvmjuL7LVh9rb3T-4dUruL2cDlwZsVlmQMrs7_4NkVGamKH28X3REZr/s1280/The%20muffin%20man%20(8).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtizuO24tUqqyJkous74TZNjGfL95kxUzI6wkl3SddF4iaQT_EnuZfX7jISen-hshS-pPbjr_ciuM8kNYl2pRHPQZqs7e6llCeCXl33ScGdhdLx2btYdNmR_D_1C7GKE-2gs-j8WvmjuL7LVh9rb3T-4dUruL2cDlwZsVlmQMrs7_4NkVGamKH28X3REZr/w300-h400/The%20muffin%20man%20(8).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p>By the time we finished our high tea, it was getting dark. From the outside the tea room looked so cosy and welcoming (once they let you in when there was a free table). Sylvia went there again with my sister Chris for cafe lattes. If we had had time, I would have loved breakfast or lunch there but we had paid for hotel breakfasts and did not need somewhere near by for daytime meals. But it was lovely to walk by each day and remember our delicious high tea that we had early in our week in London. Each time I tried not to sing "have you seen the muffin man?" to Sylvia but occasionally I just could not help myself!<br /></p><p><b>The Muffin Man</b><br />12 Wrights Lane, London, W8 6TA<br />Open: Mon-Thur 9am-5pm and Fri-Sun 9am-6pm<br /><a href="http://www.themuffinmanteashop.co.uk/" target="_blank">www.themuffinmanteashop.co.uk</a></p>Johanna GGGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08594201473931487490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6742756814967464811.post-52133596163142437852024-03-02T12:11:00.000+11:002024-03-02T12:11:17.383+11:00In My Kitchen: March 2024 - holiday kitchens in Europe<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97PTHxE5lY29qxxpi_NSsvEypwngxGClz9VUGQPtxozvKA3iitOKhUQnENtHxnboChrX0VzQYdiB6ZnTAVAdYKg5sXHzR1yvVcqo9oLwHVGAXaYqKeUBT-SAa0dKazbmHNlr3t4S_B_kGA5c8oJtCx63vsfQvPpEerZinhdACSBY2p7iX-0jN1pvh_AN7/s1280/IMK%20(4).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1074" data-original-width="1280" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97PTHxE5lY29qxxpi_NSsvEypwngxGClz9VUGQPtxozvKA3iitOKhUQnENtHxnboChrX0VzQYdiB6ZnTAVAdYKg5sXHzR1yvVcqo9oLwHVGAXaYqKeUBT-SAa0dKazbmHNlr3t4S_B_kGA5c8oJtCx63vsfQvPpEerZinhdACSBY2p7iX-0jN1pvh_AN7/w400-h336/IMK%20(4).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p>As regular readers will know, we are recently back from a month long holiday in Edinburgh, Rome, Zurich, and London. We are still jetlagged and feeling a bit out of kilter. It is great to be in our own kitchen and we are making some old favourite meals but there is not much to report from the home front. So this month I will report on what we were eating in our holiday accommodation (mostly with kitchens but not always). As you will see, we had lots of fun trying food we could take to our temporary homes.<br /></p><p>The top photo is out last dinner in Rome. We had a lovely feast of these pizza slices, arancini and suppli that I bought from the nearby <a href="https://pizzhoriaacasamia-roma.it/" target="_blank">Pizzhoria Appio</a>.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAHCoWWvxRRhHqIMArtAAc6WjeP-s7Yjcntd2_rt4OJN1xl6g9mOsxAoSaVj56ddtV4ts2F-z4_OjIADwPGPLClkqy4foN9UeNXFUHe4JjliCgbzvP_utKd6Aq__e3WkYuMwXP70hW6jVJ9lAKNXIa3qggo2Z6tL9HTURno_Bl8p-V6bslZbpeBX_Fynoo/s1280/in%20my%20kitchen%20(1).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1046" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAHCoWWvxRRhHqIMArtAAc6WjeP-s7Yjcntd2_rt4OJN1xl6g9mOsxAoSaVj56ddtV4ts2F-z4_OjIADwPGPLClkqy4foN9UeNXFUHe4JjliCgbzvP_utKd6Aq__e3WkYuMwXP70hW6jVJ9lAKNXIa3qggo2Z6tL9HTURno_Bl8p-V6bslZbpeBX_Fynoo/w328-h400/in%20my%20kitchen%20(1).jpeg" width="328" /></a></div><p></p><p>I am sure the planes ply us with more snacks these days than they used to do. These are snacks that made their way into our luggage after flying from Melbourne to Edinburgh. A pretzel mix with roast corn, almonds and soya crisps, Kit Kat, Tim Tams, Blueberry muffin, Soy crisps.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_697tvpzcmrJYz0vCNp-eBZUOhTao0h96L0vJN49lCHcE931GtYsU6Q9CRuGT_DmhcL1gM23yO7KrjXgsliI6ZdB9Qx9zXhfN-QflAkDUZjn97GYQ2oANBimsAHwyCE6QQY3pjFY5DjD2BpLCXvpSxWxV0wkTk58F2Zgz6e_GIpOWZtKk1onZP74wk7PS/s1280/in%20my%20kitchen.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_697tvpzcmrJYz0vCNp-eBZUOhTao0h96L0vJN49lCHcE931GtYsU6Q9CRuGT_DmhcL1gM23yO7KrjXgsliI6ZdB9Qx9zXhfN-QflAkDUZjn97GYQ2oANBimsAHwyCE6QQY3pjFY5DjD2BpLCXvpSxWxV0wkTk58F2Zgz6e_GIpOWZtKk1onZP74wk7PS/w400-h300/in%20my%20kitchen.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>We were excited to go to the large Sainsbury's supermarket at Cameron Toll near our hotel in Edinburgh. Our purchases included: Tablet popcorn, cheese bread roll, Branston baked beans, Muellers corners yoghurt, Haggis and black pepper crisps, and Golden syrup porridge.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPpT0e3PHzjqqttpLesejZpNdxuk6xJ7SQ-yDNGzmh-10cybFKUQZZVI82ApnA_ZsF_C4VYauLchKROKmEQzm06MYv6KXSxXPBWb546tNFAIRB-ab0_QYgoPevutHDZ1ZTNQ8VyZIou3l1JDsjQ4Fz7mj91I0RVkFEitmUvU1Kb4OEai2tF2o2t8Yx_Wb/s1280/imk%20(10).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPpT0e3PHzjqqttpLesejZpNdxuk6xJ7SQ-yDNGzmh-10cybFKUQZZVI82ApnA_ZsF_C4VYauLchKROKmEQzm06MYv6KXSxXPBWb546tNFAIRB-ab0_QYgoPevutHDZ1ZTNQ8VyZIou3l1JDsjQ4Fz7mj91I0RVkFEitmUvU1Kb4OEai2tF2o2t8Yx_Wb/w300-h400/imk%20(10).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p>To drink, we bought Cloudy apple juice and a festive Merry Berry mulled punch. I didn't have a kitchen in Edinburgh so I took the punch to Rome where I had it warmed in the microwave some nights. It was very nice.<br /><br /></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXRvhUh8VGrdZYQk-vT9UbJ0AXPfHr-IlPM5du4RV3HPjD-wOBttHXzBfbnw2HhLZqPX3TXqyuVox48aac8VxOIzJKcsySR868HM9FNuOtME3jr7IueE2oMHhpSPxzWPkOF1vy51o9YRuR-djRzRJg6oCtPB6j2aVkn-HrYfSp8gG_akBET5qLVmkMvSFy/s1280/IMK.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1099" data-original-width="1280" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXRvhUh8VGrdZYQk-vT9UbJ0AXPfHr-IlPM5du4RV3HPjD-wOBttHXzBfbnw2HhLZqPX3TXqyuVox48aac8VxOIzJKcsySR868HM9FNuOtME3jr7IueE2oMHhpSPxzWPkOF1vy51o9YRuR-djRzRJg6oCtPB6j2aVkn-HrYfSp8gG_akBET5qLVmkMvSFy/w400-h344/IMK.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p>When we arrived in Rome it was exciting to be able to buy food we could store in the fridge or heat in a microwave or stovetop. We went to our local Supermarket Tigre and bought Emmental cheese, red pepper, rocket, Muellers corners yoghurts, pickled vegetables, canned minestrone soup, mini potato pizzas and blueberries.</p><p>We have fond memories of Muellers corners in Edinburgh but were surprised to find them in Rome as well. I preferred the yoghurt in the Italian version, which seemed less sweet than in the British version.<br /><br /></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-KHHfOqXm-qcIGMd49YAW6C_Vyvx0F8BOTwkL9VPCmnQ8c_jxNf-Se1iaD67TPJSwV06gNm8gvmcgpaGI2LW_64AoUOqfCv-sF5Tpe8ZTipR_-e3VKgXSEAL1PSdAL9Fh9wRZdBLAwRJjEFC12QzWNUyluD9w6ssRL4znCE6AOgpxLr_U3GsUn0QnYh9N/s1280/IMK%20(1).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="799" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-KHHfOqXm-qcIGMd49YAW6C_Vyvx0F8BOTwkL9VPCmnQ8c_jxNf-Se1iaD67TPJSwV06gNm8gvmcgpaGI2LW_64AoUOqfCv-sF5Tpe8ZTipR_-e3VKgXSEAL1PSdAL9Fh9wRZdBLAwRJjEFC12QzWNUyluD9w6ssRL4znCE6AOgpxLr_U3GsUn0QnYh9N/w250-h400/IMK%20(1).jpeg" width="250" /></a></div><p>Here is one of Sylvia's meals. I think the baked beans were brought over from the UK as we could not find them in Rome. They went very well with the potato pizzas and the blood orange juice.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhKMhnRu2wOdJYAMcHaQg13AgNmJSZUcS6C7PX3gXxQTQz6PjaRHx3wIlIKKOpoeMtMoipAAH0wN2XENX-3Arl-9-9g3f_KbYhHEc_gnfq4F_RfN34NFP1OUp_aUQleHd4rHJwCgfIjBw_1JhIrz8nC5modgz9IyIvu0bF7tIwOtRX2WLBveFohOKVSkVR/s1280/IMK%20(3).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhKMhnRu2wOdJYAMcHaQg13AgNmJSZUcS6C7PX3gXxQTQz6PjaRHx3wIlIKKOpoeMtMoipAAH0wN2XENX-3Arl-9-9g3f_KbYhHEc_gnfq4F_RfN34NFP1OUp_aUQleHd4rHJwCgfIjBw_1JhIrz8nC5modgz9IyIvu0bF7tIwOtRX2WLBveFohOKVSkVR/w400-h300/IMK%20(3).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Sylvia had done very thorough online research on Rome's food options and found that McDonalds sold Panarotti: pizza pockets with tomato and mozzarella. We saw a lot of McDonalds on our travels (sigh) and had one close to our apartment and so she went there one night. The portions were tiny but they were nice. </p><p>It was a more successful night time walk than the one where we went to a close by gelato shop where Sylvia got an eggnog and berry gelato. As we walked back 'home', she was making faces as she avoided the surprisingly strong rum (or whisky?) in the eggnog gelato and I was in my pyjamas and my winter coat (because I had just planned to take garbage out to the big black bins on the footpath).<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZXKot8w0DcxcFLQwxVU1g0JDQgzjvxovnL9raKxwNenvflnMipopUOxYidULxG6BO1Q-aXd8imGXZwlM-jQYsP8-30MgIfj9-xRSKH3sDkkWw6XIp88wjxq7S5BKJKy6A56ca5RuNgCxxKa4fPL7mhUe_Z-eVch8-zjH3WiTfniYriKpUdxmW9y9tISCW/s1280/imk%20(11).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZXKot8w0DcxcFLQwxVU1g0JDQgzjvxovnL9raKxwNenvflnMipopUOxYidULxG6BO1Q-aXd8imGXZwlM-jQYsP8-30MgIfj9-xRSKH3sDkkWw6XIp88wjxq7S5BKJKy6A56ca5RuNgCxxKa4fPL7mhUe_Z-eVch8-zjH3WiTfniYriKpUdxmW9y9tISCW/w300-h400/imk%20(11).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p>I found these Misura wholewheat crackers in the supermarket. I enjoyed them with some nice cheese (maybe provolone?) on a few nights in Rome. I planned to carry them with me on travels, especially as they came in small packages (good for travel but not for the environment) but the leftovers were too bulky and got cast aside.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO2iJtSXxmpdFAVqUqQBbanr1MbWJHqNuo5dv9xNqWU2FxcEdgaZLBqvj_zC0mYYu-QGPDKXgkSr17Ye_3xUZN9jcWtj00-rPSEzvPhloxr5WoPcPhWkuJ1YVMwKOlEtaHRCtUvhhcGmEnm8eCeFPYp9-eF3g-AbO1hsiW8DnzjFdTYrEvVr94opHFTX3w/s1280/IMK%20(2).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO2iJtSXxmpdFAVqUqQBbanr1MbWJHqNuo5dv9xNqWU2FxcEdgaZLBqvj_zC0mYYu-QGPDKXgkSr17Ye_3xUZN9jcWtj00-rPSEzvPhloxr5WoPcPhWkuJ1YVMwKOlEtaHRCtUvhhcGmEnm8eCeFPYp9-eF3g-AbO1hsiW8DnzjFdTYrEvVr94opHFTX3w/w400-h400/IMK%20(2).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>This dark bread was purchased at the <a href="https://gggiraffe.blogspot.com/2024/02/rome-campo-de-fiore-market-forno-and.html" target="_blank">Forno Campo de' Fiore</a> in Rome. It had amazing flavour and was so so soft with a chewy crust. I was surprised that they were willing to cut the loaf in half and just sell me what I needed. This is great for travel when you are not stopping long.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiajWBSjlGnnNmnu0GaiC6bm6mHCwd77bHxjGKI44IEs3tKQN8cdfTN9f8RGmM0Id1mGG_J0yfv4Eur_OwLpUU8nEtoJFiRX83FjBORo6dZv1d-J9hUS36LPOzsQTIMcw6RHNnzuRRtvaHC3pon5sTMyGQc8Pl3TW9PR-bA34qD84pwXgZOorpBJOyFx7Ym/s1280/IMK%20(5).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="784" data-original-width="1280" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiajWBSjlGnnNmnu0GaiC6bm6mHCwd77bHxjGKI44IEs3tKQN8cdfTN9f8RGmM0Id1mGG_J0yfv4Eur_OwLpUU8nEtoJFiRX83FjBORo6dZv1d-J9hUS36LPOzsQTIMcw6RHNnzuRRtvaHC3pon5sTMyGQc8Pl3TW9PR-bA34qD84pwXgZOorpBJOyFx7Ym/w400-h245/IMK%20(5).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Sylvia took this photo of some of the chocolate that we bought at the Lindt Factory when in <a href="https://gggiraffe.blogspot.com/2024/02/zurich-old-town-lindt-and-churches.html" target="_blank">Zurich</a>. I am not sure we ate any of the chocolate at all. Some was given as presents and quite a bit is still in our kitchen back in Melbourne. We weren't in Zurich long enough to need much in our kitchen. Sadly I did not get to try the hot plates that folded away when not in use.<br /><br /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1YriyR40sl6FP1u6rmGlV1QD-vmMNINaV5KrEIBL2ZaxM92R-XmG1831AlxvyQEJC3BnqPwUxWCd0E0xTlh4TGq6vur9UK8qteQ0HMZSdJdcJ-B0yK7f9YSdSJiqXujhDWm-vDnSiLYV7zbbVAMxMC9rKIWbvvK11-hp4OKaGe2Q71vBFzyu0Aph7xPwd/s1280/IMK%20(6).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1YriyR40sl6FP1u6rmGlV1QD-vmMNINaV5KrEIBL2ZaxM92R-XmG1831AlxvyQEJC3BnqPwUxWCd0E0xTlh4TGq6vur9UK8qteQ0HMZSdJdcJ-B0yK7f9YSdSJiqXujhDWm-vDnSiLYV7zbbVAMxMC9rKIWbvvK11-hp4OKaGe2Q71vBFzyu0Aph7xPwd/w360-h640/IMK%20(6).jpeg" width="360" /></a></div><p></p><p>When Sylvia stayed in <a href="https://gggiraffe.blogspot.com/2024/02/london-holiday-inn-high-street.html" target="_blank">our hotel</a> one day while I was out visiting museums in London, she ventured to the local Kensington High Street and bought herself lunch from Wasabi. This is one of the franchises that sold Japanese food. There is a lot more of it than when I lived in London. She had cucumber sushi (or hosomaki), seaweed onigiri, apple juice, vegetable gyozas and strawberry cheese mochi. The sushi and onigiri was nice, the gyoza would have improved if she had been able to heat it and she was amazed by the mochi. I feel like saying the apple juice is pretty safe purchase but Sylvia had an apple juice in Rome that she hated. I had never thought I would see the day.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMtRK0PvY7mP6yXUvJ_E69ZFQzZZK-nU7q_b4XCc9HXgcEkfYwOa5Bv6W3Jia2yfxKXB0H9GzO8ec5-Ode73koEZebPfJxiSdmZGZJ_djXDlcEvzqT0qWWTEXSbSnvvoztZYMZRPVDlVIPYdGJHEjszmr1rlGSn_kBGUkMA-buo_-toHhIZCYRlcHB8LS3/s1280/IMK%20(7).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMtRK0PvY7mP6yXUvJ_E69ZFQzZZK-nU7q_b4XCc9HXgcEkfYwOa5Bv6W3Jia2yfxKXB0H9GzO8ec5-Ode73koEZebPfJxiSdmZGZJ_djXDlcEvzqT0qWWTEXSbSnvvoztZYMZRPVDlVIPYdGJHEjszmr1rlGSn_kBGUkMA-buo_-toHhIZCYRlcHB8LS3/w300-h400/IMK%20(7).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>On another night in London, I wanted something with lots of vegetables after lots of carbs. I went to Itsu, hoping to see some of the bento boxes I had admired at a Heathrow Airport Itsu, but could not find them. Instead I went to Wasabi where I bought a Sesame Tofu Bowl for 8.75 pounds. It comprised Tofu, avocado, pickled red cabbage, edamame bean salad, charred pepper, broccoli florets, crispy onion, mixed leaves, sesame seeds, sesame dressing. I loved it.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQhoe2zz9hYSZ2yZn3_Pei_kVRJ0Ju3ntIm_spd_DmDk8g63bs04bV_sJZunTwCmfPIStSeF62_PDx5XOHYwGcAMXDYO5rWTf0_dlo70MNc3Leb9RFp9eESe1cQqBPKbTCSzTsp89c56gyJsbq1gfMUk7prHPsTXm4TBrMHGM6rTckVFJnyHkQBvLyrWDZ/s1280/IMK%20(8).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQhoe2zz9hYSZ2yZn3_Pei_kVRJ0Ju3ntIm_spd_DmDk8g63bs04bV_sJZunTwCmfPIStSeF62_PDx5XOHYwGcAMXDYO5rWTf0_dlo70MNc3Leb9RFp9eESe1cQqBPKbTCSzTsp89c56gyJsbq1gfMUk7prHPsTXm4TBrMHGM6rTckVFJnyHkQBvLyrWDZ/w400-h300/IMK%20(8).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>I noticed that there was a Whole Foods Market on Kensington High Street near our hotel. Having heard a lot of bloggers (especially in USA) mention this franchise, I was curious to try it. I was surprised that it had a lot of fresh food that either needed a fridge or to be eaten fairly quickly. Many of the health food stores in Melbourne have a lot of grains and other products that are shelf stable in the pantry. </p><p>I took a hot food tub back to our hotel. It was filled with rice, lasagna, a Korean stew, mac and cheese, lentils, capsicum and zucchini, greens and coleslaw. Of course it was too much but there were so many options at the hot bar. I also got a pomegranate flavoured karma kombucha. It was delicious and welcome because I didn't see much kombucha on my travels. I also bought some black truffle crisps which were ok but not brilliant. <br /><br /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9TaT7o9rYXIJdWcrmOXGxbghI6qpwQ9m7NlfHa_DcuXsM6hW-srapZkz9FDJRl_-yBbIvL4Fui-G9xJdgbZa764yn6PAUKNRsVc1nmegQWzFAo8UyKsSKGmxPRQY0NxvmVvv52QK3fir2GjYF8UjZFcjPpm50JNacHOh1p_NICJkMTJQMbuH1_OGFu1s/s1280/imk%20(12).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9TaT7o9rYXIJdWcrmOXGxbghI6qpwQ9m7NlfHa_DcuXsM6hW-srapZkz9FDJRl_-yBbIvL4Fui-G9xJdgbZa764yn6PAUKNRsVc1nmegQWzFAo8UyKsSKGmxPRQY0NxvmVvv52QK3fir2GjYF8UjZFcjPpm50JNacHOh1p_NICJkMTJQMbuH1_OGFu1s/w400-h300/imk%20(12).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>When we went to our Edinburgh apartment with a full kitchen, it was great to go to Cameron Toll Sainsburys again and buy some ready meals we could keep in our fridge, rather than having to buy dinner each night. Unfortunately it was a trek from out apartment and but mini-marts near us did not have special dishes like Truffle mac and cheese or my favourite Sainsburys Green Vegetable Selection (broccoli, cabbage and peas) with mint butter.<br /><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7q4HbrGVHvGQ3FKx-I5Hw1WkhRYi0iJrTldaBmA45LUzU8Aja3Bu_FwOPr52CqI53SOjGZOvpXsSyx49E-bjW_pFzpVc6PdgiTYZr1ld6FlEgop-xCAoothfq7X7aS0LE26Ye4I5CO-q9Fjgz9zLiUWOuOJOBXJjnVCtJ3aUyMh-Xo7RRLr32-dU2YXgO/s1280/imk%20(15).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7q4HbrGVHvGQ3FKx-I5Hw1WkhRYi0iJrTldaBmA45LUzU8Aja3Bu_FwOPr52CqI53SOjGZOvpXsSyx49E-bjW_pFzpVc6PdgiTYZr1ld6FlEgop-xCAoothfq7X7aS0LE26Ye4I5CO-q9Fjgz9zLiUWOuOJOBXJjnVCtJ3aUyMh-Xo7RRLr32-dU2YXgO/w400-h400/imk%20(15).jpeg" width="400" /></a> <br /></div><p></p><p>This meal was from the Wasabi franchise but sold in the supermarket rather than a cafe. This one was the Pumpkin Katsu Curry. The oven at our Edinburgh apartment was excellent. I baked my meal in the oven and had really crispy breaded pumpkin as well as curry and rice. I also added some of the Green Vegetable Selection. It was one of my favourite ready meals of the holidays.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ0fpi3Dy0QhWsAaY7W4tismwm_tke89g8g3oL8GfbfN5AdzMCOQifH8SVLUsSM758gFT5-T33RuQrAothlMyCiihyphenhyphenK2GI8w9ND9hcGgutRALk4uyYddjpBPgU0-VXN5D2LEz6hBsBlQ_kZGfF9IUQahc6wkS-dzhZ-gajNwII2pihsAp5qnxFUkt6UqEy/s1280/imk%20(14).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ0fpi3Dy0QhWsAaY7W4tismwm_tke89g8g3oL8GfbfN5AdzMCOQifH8SVLUsSM758gFT5-T33RuQrAothlMyCiihyphenhyphenK2GI8w9ND9hcGgutRALk4uyYddjpBPgU0-VXN5D2LEz6hBsBlQ_kZGfF9IUQahc6wkS-dzhZ-gajNwII2pihsAp5qnxFUkt6UqEy/w400-h400/imk%20(14).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Again we bought Muellers Corners. The banana yoghurt with chocolate flakes was our favourite on this holiday.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_f8yno70yemJsAaixvG02tOUgLDk98rQj_lthQTGgbeGot1hwyEnqs9TYHFZtXQAWsgCMjJfUqVEfWMNl3sGSAZ1xdnnzmdRw0QIINvZ7Dzdp074D-Z3zqLgjQ4fcOba5AlCR7o-JjgnJl2JYyBQQejIuv_PE-8mTBZHHvdwIhbP4IOJ5cYayknfN7581/s1280/imk%20(13).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_f8yno70yemJsAaixvG02tOUgLDk98rQj_lthQTGgbeGot1hwyEnqs9TYHFZtXQAWsgCMjJfUqVEfWMNl3sGSAZ1xdnnzmdRw0QIINvZ7Dzdp074D-Z3zqLgjQ4fcOba5AlCR7o-JjgnJl2JYyBQQejIuv_PE-8mTBZHHvdwIhbP4IOJ5cYayknfN7581/w400-h300/imk%20(13).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>For breakfasts, Sylvia loved the instant golden syrup porridge from Sainsbury's. We both love baked beans but only I was excited at the baked beans with vegan sausages. Although the sausages in the tin are boiled rather than my preference of fried or barbecued, I still find it magic that you can buy such things in the UK (unlike Australia). And they bring back good memories me of living in London with a single mother and her kid. I can still hear the mother saying "Do you want beans and sausages for tea?" to her kid.<br /><br /></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbsYLMLD0tmMuYCC6sZfMb1GQFJbLHSgEUrjH0qz3n5qKEN_CytJJCwiElEpXD3bZ6SLL5X6Pv7ADoBSvirN3SSyvImRYc-1DAZ3MWvqUj99t203JB0jZDmOv_qCUDxbPCrDQdKsQCL6Qf8UljJ6ccfvUzVvP0fw06yFWP-6fkTqPva_7jdxj33DQDlmte/s1280/IMK%20(9).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbsYLMLD0tmMuYCC6sZfMb1GQFJbLHSgEUrjH0qz3n5qKEN_CytJJCwiElEpXD3bZ6SLL5X6Pv7ADoBSvirN3SSyvImRYc-1DAZ3MWvqUj99t203JB0jZDmOv_qCUDxbPCrDQdKsQCL6Qf8UljJ6ccfvUzVvP0fw06yFWP-6fkTqPva_7jdxj33DQDlmte/w400-h300/IMK%20(9).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p>This last photo is some of my haul from the Edinburgh Farmers Market. The Perthshire raspberries were amazing and far superior to the Morocco raspberries that Sainsburys sold. I love the pretzel and the Japaense pineapple bread. The Tablet was for E, which he loved. The Bramble and Blackcurrant Jam is to have in Melbourne to remind me of the UK. The cheesecake was really soft but in convenient tubs and nice for dessert. I loved the cheese pretzel and had the vegan sausage roll with some soup for dinner one night. It was filling.</p><p>I had hoped to have some nut roast in the UK, other than <a href="https://gggiraffe.blogspot.com/2024/03/london-borough-market-and-mudlark-pub.html" target="_blank">in a pub</a>, but didn't find much. Mock meat now seems to be far more easy to find than old-school nut roasts. I also brought home souvenirs but have decided to write it up as a separate post because there are so many photos. I am gradually getting through the travel posts I plan to write but it might be some weeks before regular service resumes.<br /></p><p></p><p><br /><i>I am sending this post to Sherry of <a href="http://sherryspickings.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Sherry's Pickings</a> for the <a href="http://sherryspickings.blogspot.com/2024/03/in-my-kitchen-march-2024.html" target="_blank">In My Kitchen</a> event. If you would like to join in, send your post to Sherry by 13th of the
month. Or just head over to her blog to visit more kitchens and her gorgeous hand drawn header.</i><br /></p>Johanna GGGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08594201473931487490noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6742756814967464811.post-82503291280206253872024-03-01T16:45:00.003+11:002024-03-02T09:23:06.676+11:00London: Borough Market and The Mudlark pub sunday roast<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEittE3o23h8R9YSaVkPUT-D8BvUFzJiLHbcBwziIeTWWyPGRgUg0suq43CPIq4GI5u7OvtGTXnv54Vm6u-MjVxOX0WKxQbxPiWkwB1zhMpVZU2y_j_Vh5yebgsRgBNZvYdxd7ESB9ECTLEn6IVep8DWobmzTIwa5ReOp55pV0GA2cyDqjfFrNuOceB2tmdA/s1200/london%20borough%20market%20collage.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEittE3o23h8R9YSaVkPUT-D8BvUFzJiLHbcBwziIeTWWyPGRgUg0suq43CPIq4GI5u7OvtGTXnv54Vm6u-MjVxOX0WKxQbxPiWkwB1zhMpVZU2y_j_Vh5yebgsRgBNZvYdxd7ESB9ECTLEn6IVep8DWobmzTIwa5ReOp55pV0GA2cyDqjfFrNuOceB2tmdA/w400-h400/london%20borough%20market%20collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>I was delighted that my sister from Dublin was able to meet us in London for two days. We partly planned our time by messaging but kept it open to serendipity. A morning at Borough Market was our first destination. Both Sylvia and I had read about it online and Chris loves going there when she comes over to London. We loved it so much we stayed for a Sunday roast lunch at a nearby pub.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpYvW5kX6oghGAzYwKWCTnMY1kavjJNqr3WaEAblQmG-YwmiqPy-MbbBhicRsJ0bMgY5kpoSpK8uR8XxL_M92eA9AdJfynuo5CPNXyiHKBymAhIN6rclh9S0mNwREp4LHwmgyG6RuImmxU6tGy6GQLALX7OMsdV7ChBx-Qbh3G7FV2OS4I1oN6OKCG6zlU/s1280/London%20borough%20market.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpYvW5kX6oghGAzYwKWCTnMY1kavjJNqr3WaEAblQmG-YwmiqPy-MbbBhicRsJ0bMgY5kpoSpK8uR8XxL_M92eA9AdJfynuo5CPNXyiHKBymAhIN6rclh9S0mNwREp4LHwmgyG6RuImmxU6tGy6GQLALX7OMsdV7ChBx-Qbh3G7FV2OS4I1oN6OKCG6zlU/w300-h400/London%20borough%20market.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p>We met Chris at our hotel and took the tube to Monument. The underground station is named after the 17th Century monument to the Great Fire of London in 1666. The tall monument was designed by Christopher Wren.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk4QFVxfd4hEPd_kkt_nSUtboOGgcSNuwSfF0HvxRBXFK0I6_4hn68RgRkpRNKpAnkXrf5NL_YHefB5FbkRbE0FL7EBrLLMfbbl_JqVQzUIevw3PxGvsyVzuRuepqaHQwewSIGjDjVujbkQys30vK8O5zhsu5-xAJ8UtKdq6tRj5vXwm3qsSY6TIEzyRw9/s1280/London%20borough%20market%20(1).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk4QFVxfd4hEPd_kkt_nSUtboOGgcSNuwSfF0HvxRBXFK0I6_4hn68RgRkpRNKpAnkXrf5NL_YHefB5FbkRbE0FL7EBrLLMfbbl_JqVQzUIevw3PxGvsyVzuRuepqaHQwewSIGjDjVujbkQys30vK8O5zhsu5-xAJ8UtKdq6tRj5vXwm3qsSY6TIEzyRw9/w400-h300/London%20borough%20market%20(1).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Then we walked across London Bridge with a splendid view of the iconic Tower Bridge. </p><p>Interestingly the latter 19th Century suspension bridge is far more prominent in tourist literature about London but if you dig even a little into the history of London Bridge it has an amazing history. While the current concrete bridge was built in the 1970s, it is at a significant location that has had bridges going back to the first wooden bridge in 50AD built by the Romans. By the 17th Century the Medieval stone bridge was the location of many shops and houses that were built up to 6 stories, and the gatehouse was topped with spikes exhibiting severed heads of executed criminals.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0SLDYaIs8X89hAe6-uRkjWPrRURy19q0CtzB-afj03E9MC3Qbkowo4mx4EJCZ3EjuETiUAgcyJO4rVJAd8YtEpDCEWVbfKL8cnkqksxdGisWbYV6YyIHVJlYaP9RG6owAlYJQk1qBkKkxFotlTdQaHuUeJ4reZIwOknCFJDYTL-_iCoAwG4zZc6I3b00k/s1280/London%20borough%20market%20(2).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0SLDYaIs8X89hAe6-uRkjWPrRURy19q0CtzB-afj03E9MC3Qbkowo4mx4EJCZ3EjuETiUAgcyJO4rVJAd8YtEpDCEWVbfKL8cnkqksxdGisWbYV6YyIHVJlYaP9RG6owAlYJQk1qBkKkxFotlTdQaHuUeJ4reZIwOknCFJDYTL-_iCoAwG4zZc6I3b00k/w400-h300/London%20borough%20market%20(2).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>We walked past Southwark Cathedral. I wish we had had time to see the Shakespeare window but alas it was not to be.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_GLWFUQjgsvWCMgRL9Orh2Cl_wDhg4CqjnaHkB__atLXXanOGpwbAErHf9HDFV0TJ_3zaJp1_OPFwAt0JP-MoreuM__oMwfqjYnm4fy27Y2Xstk7LHt6mPMjxCsnWZ4UNfeQpJ96-llZ1ADRyS2nh-_2iZTh3VIDVwhqZ79mPdNxGtPfWHsAIp8b3jXA/s1280/London%20borough%20market%20(6).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_GLWFUQjgsvWCMgRL9Orh2Cl_wDhg4CqjnaHkB__atLXXanOGpwbAErHf9HDFV0TJ_3zaJp1_OPFwAt0JP-MoreuM__oMwfqjYnm4fy27Y2Xstk7LHt6mPMjxCsnWZ4UNfeQpJ96-llZ1ADRyS2nh-_2iZTh3VIDVwhqZ79mPdNxGtPfWHsAIp8b3jXA/w400-h300/London%20borough%20market%20(6).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Then we descended into the bustle of the Borough Market. This photo does not show just how busy it was. There were a lot of people on a grey Sunday in February. And lots of twinkly lights among the iron girders<span> </span>.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3UddAbOh1y4_m7_txo1PuO-QpdeGqcXzyQT86jquqobFgST8-doB0EmS1sRSwSZpsbUgfVO7oRmSbDFnzHoO8qP4sJywaWTfxApRYs0rxM7iEMZS2p_6pZafVZtfF26awzM2tLx2M65SEV_KrNtPhC6IncOxC02L7ONl0OZurth3XOoCJSInPxEbq8ei6/s1280/London%20borough%20market%20(5).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3UddAbOh1y4_m7_txo1PuO-QpdeGqcXzyQT86jquqobFgST8-doB0EmS1sRSwSZpsbUgfVO7oRmSbDFnzHoO8qP4sJywaWTfxApRYs0rxM7iEMZS2p_6pZafVZtfF26awzM2tLx2M65SEV_KrNtPhC6IncOxC02L7ONl0OZurth3XOoCJSInPxEbq8ei6/w400-h400/London%20borough%20market%20(5).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>And so many tempting stalls. Piles of baked good. Big wheels of stinky cheese. Colourful fruit and vegetables. So many places that I wanted to stop and buy. It was both a blessing and a curse that we were only in London a week and had limited space in our luggage.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbIinOSL2FkWe85XwVybX2WybZ_bH3QcZB__iqzpH2ZHUd95gNYjRRbXY1SuMjasb7MIygWq2rSWqVQnkrhszuQCBLp7cGmBZa8eaVWh3qDls4cLa_nqQ9dlhYqMb0sTJGuFPB-_8XpYGLsbohrNhjjqlG_KZ7nX3SArhgNcns6Ui9XbfLfmyKXTPeMY_L/s1280/London%20borough%20market%20(10).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbIinOSL2FkWe85XwVybX2WybZ_bH3QcZB__iqzpH2ZHUd95gNYjRRbXY1SuMjasb7MIygWq2rSWqVQnkrhszuQCBLp7cGmBZa8eaVWh3qDls4cLa_nqQ9dlhYqMb0sTJGuFPB-_8XpYGLsbohrNhjjqlG_KZ7nX3SArhgNcns6Ui9XbfLfmyKXTPeMY_L/w300-h400/London%20borough%20market%20(10).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>The Borough Market shop was impressive. I loved their aesthetic and bought a new double oven glove to replace our favourite red dotted one at home that is falling apart.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Ml4RYpajhZGlhiZZVwSvI4EXgFuvIxyEIlc36BL59gmZPM_ZOHr_oNljHuvaF9_v4Bx394o2htia5tkwVsgUok-yXye9uYJROAWG25dFeBOr333sb77iI-0m-o42SzWgl0xjY-umsbM9qkSkiLZFOpgXw0WNHaycwzqFf6uv9pnCIuGUb43GivPg9tuf/s1280/London%20borough%20market%20(12).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="961" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Ml4RYpajhZGlhiZZVwSvI4EXgFuvIxyEIlc36BL59gmZPM_ZOHr_oNljHuvaF9_v4Bx394o2htia5tkwVsgUok-yXye9uYJROAWG25dFeBOr333sb77iI-0m-o42SzWgl0xjY-umsbM9qkSkiLZFOpgXw0WNHaycwzqFf6uv9pnCIuGUb43GivPg9tuf/w300-h400/London%20borough%20market%20(12).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>I was so busy admiring the old-school barrow and daffodils that it took me a while to notice that the roses in the background spelled out Love. It was close to St Valentine's Day.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrH2ZUZAooLmQzTflOyjs5YSW8Nw40VaEryosOMJ2227clPAIAJl8qdlOHzuqFH77U1S0ugR2r_Lj6DqPvGONqO6hESBPbDohDJ9nlQRdu165fICmyNNQd387T-W07MYYe7dctrirXHp7vvnYq6r_dICecblI5WXWMCZ5-nSNqXOPl3xvdXUIV51y9jnBD/s1280/London%20borough%20market%20(11).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrH2ZUZAooLmQzTflOyjs5YSW8Nw40VaEryosOMJ2227clPAIAJl8qdlOHzuqFH77U1S0ugR2r_Lj6DqPvGONqO6hESBPbDohDJ9nlQRdu165fICmyNNQd387T-W07MYYe7dctrirXHp7vvnYq6r_dICecblI5WXWMCZ5-nSNqXOPl3xvdXUIV51y9jnBD/w400-h300/London%20borough%20market%20(11).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>This spice shop was amazing. I took away a sicilian lemon salt. I wanted to walk away with a bagful of salts. Sylvia got a matcha latte powder.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUFYsF9u0tgp3VkOvEVMxJeaJu3RM0ArGVE1GJKmW5A7IW7YUMKi2nkepSE5YEsXve6eH4I9-LzZbvajs9QsNUw54jgw5fHjfqQyKZxbtnur3m-RPxCfnxuFh7fMc8XfsqRR1AlRPAbZxsRVHXGqUyoS2VCD0bdzV_iIhM9cZGW0nSjJcSGtQMNGP2AA9/s1280/London%20borough%20market%20(13).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUFYsF9u0tgp3VkOvEVMxJeaJu3RM0ArGVE1GJKmW5A7IW7YUMKi2nkepSE5YEsXve6eH4I9-LzZbvajs9QsNUw54jgw5fHjfqQyKZxbtnur3m-RPxCfnxuFh7fMc8XfsqRR1AlRPAbZxsRVHXGqUyoS2VCD0bdzV_iIhM9cZGW0nSjJcSGtQMNGP2AA9/w400-h300/London%20borough%20market%20(13).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Rows and rows of bottled vinegars, sauces, preserves are such a beautiful sight!<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo3UZ1c78coz9HS9bgnxvw4pVypJAA_0t2NkyhGusTOTnOWIIQpLxqiqOcBtfRoG0YOvQplIwQ40jhGZ8G_D0epgjd3JPDsnIbY1k2ucZLG_fcfWaaHoCM7DaOBJqk5E7YshCPzxyl6ggCDiHebeKilk7D3eTrYTphBqXd86anrbL-nbskA8UW20AOOnFY/s1280/London%20borough%20market%20(15).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo3UZ1c78coz9HS9bgnxvw4pVypJAA_0t2NkyhGusTOTnOWIIQpLxqiqOcBtfRoG0YOvQplIwQ40jhGZ8G_D0epgjd3JPDsnIbY1k2ucZLG_fcfWaaHoCM7DaOBJqk5E7YshCPzxyl6ggCDiHebeKilk7D3eTrYTphBqXd86anrbL-nbskA8UW20AOOnFY/w300-h400/London%20borough%20market%20(15).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p>This fruit and vegetable display was amazing. At the top is a huge jackfruit and beside it are spiky orange cocoa pods. Neither is a common sight in my world.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxSy4SI3UsRvNpTF7gLerTQ0JbdTERMZ4-cNHaSXdZgBfob-HN-y0dE1hz8bryie38HnptCf3IJnbreRkecJIUHTOsupjCAwP0JkI4rp9jXrRn6dNwrt4t_dd6ip5ERLJDdCZcDrYuWh30KGHiemv-zh_51FbxH5I6eVF9yNDwYd7SZ6Qk-ebJoHWxjA2C/s978/London%20borough%20market%20(28).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="978" data-original-width="669" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxSy4SI3UsRvNpTF7gLerTQ0JbdTERMZ4-cNHaSXdZgBfob-HN-y0dE1hz8bryie38HnptCf3IJnbreRkecJIUHTOsupjCAwP0JkI4rp9jXrRn6dNwrt4t_dd6ip5ERLJDdCZcDrYuWh30KGHiemv-zh_51FbxH5I6eVF9yNDwYd7SZ6Qk-ebJoHWxjA2C/w274-h400/London%20borough%20market%20(28).jpeg" width="274" /></a></div><p></p><p>All that food made us hungry. Chris went to queue forever for Ginger Pig sausage rolls. They are a sensation at the market but a bit much meat for her liking. Close by were venison sausage rolls with no queue at all. Chris recommended coffees from Monmouth but it was closed.<br /></p><p>Sylvia got a peach drink at a Turkish food van and I went to get us some empanadas at Portena (which we enjoyed) I went to eat them with Sylvia but the Turkish owners said that we could not eat something from elsewhere at their table. We went, but not before photographing our food.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDjmJTXIqZmLTPU0rYXwt966w07Ts-6CEQ8Zmq6T6T3Z9rArAy8XNaXJtPFMBgBv0qEAp5kZYMhLc9zvv6Xu6SZySaWEkyV-9cJ9DSujWhXnerjTg_BFE7k32gVciigkFMSKTf5HveoNUxFJopLjX9U1pEWXMyCrDdSddedsXzSnckb-LK6HrYN1vpV8Do/s750/London%20borough%20market%20(27).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDjmJTXIqZmLTPU0rYXwt966w07Ts-6CEQ8Zmq6T6T3Z9rArAy8XNaXJtPFMBgBv0qEAp5kZYMhLc9zvv6Xu6SZySaWEkyV-9cJ9DSujWhXnerjTg_BFE7k32gVciigkFMSKTf5HveoNUxFJopLjX9U1pEWXMyCrDdSddedsXzSnckb-LK6HrYN1vpV8Do/w400-h400/London%20borough%20market%20(27).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Then we walked on and passed by many food stalls. Sylvia was most excited to see the famous strawberries with melted chocolate. The stallholders were handing out samples. We waited expectantly and watched the chocolate fountain but it seemed the samples had dried up. Chris asked the stallholders if they were still handing out samples and they obligingly gave us some. They were really good but we did not have the room in our stomach or our wallet for a cup of them at 8.50 pounds.</p><p>I had my eye on other treats. Nearby was a place selling mulled juices. I liked the look of the mulled orange and the mulled jolly fig but could not go past the steaming pot of Mulled Rhubarb and Quince Juice. It was delicious and smelled so fragrant: perfect for a warming winter drink.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZyH6IFYnnlIQJYESkF-4irz9lfEtBRtx1_hABxfFoNTNJPBkmQYwSr98AvHuSA5u19HgtkQxKmdsC4jWcF331wZEH1ObseUzEtLtSEpm1pbTOrxpLZWffuURu3u32opkjgKUNyt9z8A_eVXw_KMnho9lW1h8ItEvtiDZkjzwpmajfGc-slI9mzlmJp69/s1280/London%20borough%20market%20(17).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZyH6IFYnnlIQJYESkF-4irz9lfEtBRtx1_hABxfFoNTNJPBkmQYwSr98AvHuSA5u19HgtkQxKmdsC4jWcF331wZEH1ObseUzEtLtSEpm1pbTOrxpLZWffuURu3u32opkjgKUNyt9z8A_eVXw_KMnho9lW1h8ItEvtiDZkjzwpmajfGc-slI9mzlmJp69/w400-h300/London%20borough%20market%20(17).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>We loved this mushroom display and were very happy to taste some mushroom risotto. It was as delicious as their mushrooms were pretty.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDaH8swCxtPD_DibHYDzB-z25_IGto2XH1eJa2-wm9onC-o1DP0LbZbqHps2gQ9HSuIZZ3NnVKrqX9osW8s95RN3nef0Bg-548_MiKf5ZGfJbDCIF1Ikux7V_u14fWCqLWri_o1YyZfcL7k4xQBrfY-2ErjWXGbsDEISd_G2Gtu05yvb63OycUofmkgYUq/s1280/London%20borough%20market%20(20).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDaH8swCxtPD_DibHYDzB-z25_IGto2XH1eJa2-wm9onC-o1DP0LbZbqHps2gQ9HSuIZZ3NnVKrqX9osW8s95RN3nef0Bg-548_MiKf5ZGfJbDCIF1Ikux7V_u14fWCqLWri_o1YyZfcL7k4xQBrfY-2ErjWXGbsDEISd_G2Gtu05yvb63OycUofmkgYUq/w400-h400/London%20borough%20market%20(20).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>There were a few other viral sensations before we finished our stroll through the market. One was Bread Ahead doughnuts. You can see a picture of them in the top photo collage. They looked amazing. The queue made them less attractive. We walked on to check out the Humble Crumble. Such a great name! It has a great flexibility with the 'Customise your Crumble' menu under the headings of fruit, crumble and toppings. Unfortunately the queue again was so long that we didn't even consider it.<br /><br /></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4BeglTgLPG7GgBqaOm4qFbaiRFtfF5yt3LH5R0EWu_xTfpRHUqcVeonFKhT1sEG0sCOUiSMnMc78XnBtfzVMgQJyDWXSeB4uwXCBBUhq08JkNnZZ2_DDd6r247ClD4U6de7NMTP2IdAJehcKFX0I2230si9tjzPFFWiYCaThxpTkR0Y2fvoHZu0Nw6Bj/s1280/London%20borough%20market%20(21).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4BeglTgLPG7GgBqaOm4qFbaiRFtfF5yt3LH5R0EWu_xTfpRHUqcVeonFKhT1sEG0sCOUiSMnMc78XnBtfzVMgQJyDWXSeB4uwXCBBUhq08JkNnZZ2_DDd6r247ClD4U6de7NMTP2IdAJehcKFX0I2230si9tjzPFFWiYCaThxpTkR0Y2fvoHZu0Nw6Bj/w300-h400/London%20borough%20market%20(21).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p>Instead we decided it was time to leave and find the Sunday roast I had promised myself.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFIaLqucosVCFJmErrtHKtRSGnS813Qic9BNjqYA53Qk_nHv9YjyymmQl7A5bkXLIjqDPTO5BaqrNkKvq-3grtFcgrGXaIptwlgrTSBcDWBld_7P225d-UE-NrCNPUJRDRcBBfVK_b8ZIwCF0RQHSG3aeslP3cl6F36lRFdc0YXnOaEtEZpWL7uk_o7CAY/s1280/London%20borough%20market%20(19).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFIaLqucosVCFJmErrtHKtRSGnS813Qic9BNjqYA53Qk_nHv9YjyymmQl7A5bkXLIjqDPTO5BaqrNkKvq-3grtFcgrGXaIptwlgrTSBcDWBld_7P225d-UE-NrCNPUJRDRcBBfVK_b8ZIwCF0RQHSG3aeslP3cl6F36lRFdc0YXnOaEtEZpWL7uk_o7CAY/w300-h400/London%20borough%20market%20(19).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>We passed a few places that looked like great lunch places. I read some recommendations online for this vegan restaurant called Mallow.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXNCKvj1MQVJJfd7Gei0NtK41Emngp9GlXb3x27Kpj5BHuWfXd5rb4EBaA1InSslV4xnnQLdpvh_ai0Tle52VTsI8xHlU-rd7Cdyn1EmKKDQ_npx6yS0zD7CDp2mr9LgqLw2vqweMkbfrU-O15bSjQWbUXpdntu6SO4JeHKWaAe6IYcIPzcGtinNQEwnMK/s1280/London%20borough%20market%20(31).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1205" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXNCKvj1MQVJJfd7Gei0NtK41Emngp9GlXb3x27Kpj5BHuWfXd5rb4EBaA1InSslV4xnnQLdpvh_ai0Tle52VTsI8xHlU-rd7Cdyn1EmKKDQ_npx6yS0zD7CDp2mr9LgqLw2vqweMkbfrU-O15bSjQWbUXpdntu6SO4JeHKWaAe6IYcIPzcGtinNQEwnMK/w376-h400/London%20borough%20market%20(31).jpeg" width="376" /></a></div><p></p><p>I was hellbent on a vegetarian roast dinner (by which I mean with nut roast) at a pub. Sunday roast seems to be a thing in London at many pubs. We passed <a href="https://www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk/restaurants/london/themudlarklondonbridge#/" target="_blank">The Mudlark pub</a> (Montague Close, London, SE1 9DA) near the market. It was built in the mid 19th Century and today offers a Sunday Roast including a nut roast option. It seemed what we were looking for (and we were too hungry to travel to <a href="http://www.themallw8.com/" target="_blank">the Mall Tavern</a> in Notting Hill Gate where I had planned to go).<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB_DxoWKl6t1CerYx6wDcDlK7a4AKHwkF-YEgYCYdOhZU8awUNaG9bDjb6xgEg8qZkYS4tjkKNeKDP5lBjvKrDJX0Qv7bnE_qaqnVniV33q1A75nC1oMpHiuQ6bjOf2PXc8p1LyOle2EXKxrn1Qyl1WRURbDm0s680gAx6ZSCccGWCJbDcszadIQQwbY-S/s1280/London%20borough%20market%20(22).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB_DxoWKl6t1CerYx6wDcDlK7a4AKHwkF-YEgYCYdOhZU8awUNaG9bDjb6xgEg8qZkYS4tjkKNeKDP5lBjvKrDJX0Qv7bnE_qaqnVniV33q1A75nC1oMpHiuQ6bjOf2PXc8p1LyOle2EXKxrn1Qyl1WRURbDm0s680gAx6ZSCccGWCJbDcszadIQQwbY-S/w400-h300/London%20borough%20market%20(22).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>I was first drawn to the name. Mudlarks harks back to Dickensian times
when people made a living by finding treasures in the mud of the
Thames. A sign also told us that the pub had been a backdrop in scenes
in films such as <i>Bridget Jones Diary</i> and <i>Harry Potter and the Prisoner
of Azkaban</i>. Inside the pub was cosy and welcoming.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBmyqmhw7hJLxieS-kEZbXx1Xr0RoBQaBT1g6TsG5Ro6dQIQTM5uDLllJr3OESu_a86jIPY7iTg678hI2XC8Z25-hLX_8-Bs6ngWS4DJqNwwoTTMhBf2M85AmA1wsgOE3Q6rGTz79PMj6hNZkgvBlijLbaVfsP8zj0c37OfythvPvyezt7U9JqpcZk3Cm/s1280/London%20borough%20market%20(25).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBmyqmhw7hJLxieS-kEZbXx1Xr0RoBQaBT1g6TsG5Ro6dQIQTM5uDLllJr3OESu_a86jIPY7iTg678hI2XC8Z25-hLX_8-Bs6ngWS4DJqNwwoTTMhBf2M85AmA1wsgOE3Q6rGTz79PMj6hNZkgvBlijLbaVfsP8zj0c37OfythvPvyezt7U9JqpcZk3Cm/w400-h300/London%20borough%20market%20(25).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Both my sister and I ordered the roast dinner with a nut roast. The
"nut and vegetable roast" was described as made of almond, walnuts,
sweet potato and root vegetables. It was served with glazed parsnips,
thyme roasted carrots, long stem broccoli, a Yorkshire pudding and rich
gravy. I liked that they noted that the nut roast came with vegetarian
gravy. It's good to be clear on this. I also had some cauliflower
cheese on the side (because it is part of my family roast tradition).
The nut roast was a bit softer than I prefer but it was an excellent
lunch. Those potatoes were pleasingly crispy and it was a great novelty to have pillowy Yorkshire puddings.<br /><br /><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvlmMBWU1I2AFDkkTLAi6UdCoCeHJmuikfbD20JdTSUWsLLUywYzlwItaLJEXCqkdyssRiWpg8VV8wou2g-ZYWn_q8iJJbboLYC9pzPLUzCJMKHl_zu5cdzzHIzB5bKkvAgskLOws8AB42aqKThaBBBBmhqPZEf7NbTSVpa59pQenpYbUz9LylzwxZ4KxO/s1280/London%20borough%20market%20(24).jpeg"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvlmMBWU1I2AFDkkTLAi6UdCoCeHJmuikfbD20JdTSUWsLLUywYzlwItaLJEXCqkdyssRiWpg8VV8wou2g-ZYWn_q8iJJbboLYC9pzPLUzCJMKHl_zu5cdzzHIzB5bKkvAgskLOws8AB42aqKThaBBBBmhqPZEf7NbTSVpa59pQenpYbUz9LylzwxZ4KxO/w400-h300/London%20borough%20market%20(24).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>For drinks we had a coke for Chris, a cafe latte for Sylvia and a
Fentimans ginger beer for me.Sylvia decided she would just taste my
roast dinner and order herself a baked macaroni cheese served with
garlic sourdough flatbread. She also had roasted garlic mushrooms on
toast, which was a bit soggy. We also had a really lovely waitress who was so charming and friendly.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwO-uTo0QopIClH87od2BlEEczoRv6HILIPZDt72LmXJ879lT_aBNi7R737c6xdfoWUC41PXuW1p7Xgzg4UNPh_xiIjh_GywQ-anrtiRhBaOngznWyb5NznydBO5hxBXAx_EGTStTetQJaf48TPHxjqgA0VFgd7FFNYp36YPjaOJH2ODdTIicJbkggoQ-r/s1280/London%20borough%20market%20(23).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwO-uTo0QopIClH87od2BlEEczoRv6HILIPZDt72LmXJ879lT_aBNi7R737c6xdfoWUC41PXuW1p7Xgzg4UNPh_xiIjh_GywQ-anrtiRhBaOngznWyb5NznydBO5hxBXAx_EGTStTetQJaf48TPHxjqgA0VFgd7FFNYp36YPjaOJH2ODdTIicJbkggoQ-r/w400-h300/London%20borough%20market%20(23).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p>I loved all the timbered beams in the interior. The Mudlark is one of the Nicholson Pubs franchise but it still retained character. <br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFbO_oZJ_nr6ldkQNqHUzWRfUkfUiOU4Nov8FgMflOWyBGQ8hY5SWGRaK_BChyphenhyphenwU9T550Q6ygmGwMIdBAvePOb5NjKVnzNlwlqyVmfwOUIIEu6LIdpUz86F9LLDoVgj0fiq8Lo1mnXJLH4xjhywZtrs3dL_ZHQD7ic2EdEHehbZCz8jBIIujO5men8Mozj/s1280/London%20borough%20market%20(26).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFbO_oZJ_nr6ldkQNqHUzWRfUkfUiOU4Nov8FgMflOWyBGQ8hY5SWGRaK_BChyphenhyphenwU9T550Q6ygmGwMIdBAvePOb5NjKVnzNlwlqyVmfwOUIIEu6LIdpUz86F9LLDoVgj0fiq8Lo1mnXJLH4xjhywZtrs3dL_ZHQD7ic2EdEHehbZCz8jBIIujO5men8Mozj/w400-h300/London%20borough%20market%20(26).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />We walked back across London Bridge, admiring the sight of St Paul's Cathedral as we headed for the underground station to travel back to our hotel. We wanted time to rest before going out to Leicester Square to see the most recent Mean Girls at the cinema.<br />Johanna GGGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08594201473931487490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6742756814967464811.post-25333331099464256522024-02-28T01:37:00.000+11:002024-02-28T01:37:05.422+11:00London: Holiday Inn High Street Kensington<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHDUSSNikWn5Ms-P_L6Ym6SgSco8RYLGlkUKzunl3EpX2PqxLKrh3NU_UxOjzg1akqcyh78YRuAL18n1N1SjfpGYnES6X1yeAsNx5B9_82BaWutJNv1PFTL4Q_RERFHTILHKBrhPoS1KK7_8eqQ_0AoCwRey1qA5ZmPg3diYNlYGJ6yE6sBujW6Y4pBV2y/s1280/kensington%20hotel%20(20).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHDUSSNikWn5Ms-P_L6Ym6SgSco8RYLGlkUKzunl3EpX2PqxLKrh3NU_UxOjzg1akqcyh78YRuAL18n1N1SjfpGYnES6X1yeAsNx5B9_82BaWutJNv1PFTL4Q_RERFHTILHKBrhPoS1KK7_8eqQ_0AoCwRey1qA5ZmPg3diYNlYGJ6yE6sBujW6Y4pBV2y/w400-h300/kensington%20hotel%20(20).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div></div><p></p><p>I did not quite have enough Qantas frequent flyer points for two return flights to Edinburgh so I decided to use them for one flight and then put the rest towards a week in a hotel in London. This meant that we had to go through the Qantas holiday site which gave less options. After discarding a couple of cheap-as-chips hotels, I decided on the Holiday Inn - High Street Kensington. <br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrcwSiigGzfYM-82v64jKQq_rbDVq6Wgs3yqvuhqyo71_ZcXesr1wn6D01Zju1-WLbDI6Ym3jcFbD5GKFjU2RgcJ-WLYCA706RJPCJ4r30bURJT9f4ttz73Wcop8j7aMl82Hr605H4rWHzLynPiWfcX3-wHH1tVGO2kpXp_wGwLp3KHLjU9tuxHYh4WCXa/s1280/Kensington%20Hotel%20(7).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrcwSiigGzfYM-82v64jKQq_rbDVq6Wgs3yqvuhqyo71_ZcXesr1wn6D01Zju1-WLbDI6Ym3jcFbD5GKFjU2RgcJ-WLYCA706RJPCJ4r30bURJT9f4ttz73Wcop8j7aMl82Hr605H4rWHzLynPiWfcX3-wHH1tVGO2kpXp_wGwLp3KHLjU9tuxHYh4WCXa/w400-h300/Kensington%20Hotel%20(7).jpeg" width="400" /></a> <br /></div><p></p><p>It is the sort of hotel I would consider when travelling for work rather than holidays but it was close to the West End with good amenities and transport options. While staying anywhere for a week I often like an apartment for a kitchen, London is different. I have lived in London and also visited as a tourist. I decided that location and comfort were our main aims. And if we could make this affordable, so much better. I didn't know I had booked breakfasts as well until just before we arrived. A week of comfortable beds and a fry up each morning in a great location for $787 (after frequent flyer points) was great value in London.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_unwPeGyJrrN6Dz4eniYiC7_D4gTkVlSFu140u82ypC9UkFxLjY4QgvMUcrR39kdp51nLpujVYK70ArVcbAawdxNlQ_4hGJAmKiD-TcMmEplIGICF_SJJPi5xS4_kzLAX3ewULb9a-NLGMFOu_pHnqpo1PU8j2Tu8C4HE2LoOv-NncNJiLxWaRXQJEghL/s1280/Kensington%20Hotel.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_unwPeGyJrrN6Dz4eniYiC7_D4gTkVlSFu140u82ypC9UkFxLjY4QgvMUcrR39kdp51nLpujVYK70ArVcbAawdxNlQ_4hGJAmKiD-TcMmEplIGICF_SJJPi5xS4_kzLAX3ewULb9a-NLGMFOu_pHnqpo1PU8j2Tu8C4HE2LoOv-NncNJiLxWaRXQJEghL/w400-h300/Kensington%20Hotel.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;">We had twin beds with a bathroom, as well as a tv, hairdryer, kettle and bar fridge. And of course wi-fi. Upon checking in, I was relieved that the room seemed larger than it looked on the Qantas website. I was surprised that they did not have temptation of a minibar in our room but we were well catered for with food. We had options of cooked breakfasts in room or in the restaurant, a bar, room service and a Starbucks, as well as a good range of food to purchase near the hotel. Sylvia also loved the pillow menu and sleeping next to a window that opened. Actually I think we were happy to be in London where people spoke our language.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUN4GdgR37dXgZWYS1jTxms7z2eDcfE2ajAFp_J1mQRtoIudl6BFfq2LucLDPv7RYI2Rh2GCmwu3RCOtdM41DWvwKyS59HesOt3rwZSjMR7j_yaKifWW7Sj_vn4qwuMrwXyAgo5PZKrYOO-pn6ChEp6n-LRrm0cCTeyXjXHukFetVpF8bPlK0-887w0Vwv/s1280/Kensington%20Hotel%20(10).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUN4GdgR37dXgZWYS1jTxms7z2eDcfE2ajAFp_J1mQRtoIudl6BFfq2LucLDPv7RYI2Rh2GCmwu3RCOtdM41DWvwKyS59HesOt3rwZSjMR7j_yaKifWW7Sj_vn4qwuMrwXyAgo5PZKrYOO-pn6ChEp6n-LRrm0cCTeyXjXHukFetVpF8bPlK0-887w0Vwv/w400-h300/Kensington%20Hotel%20(10).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">We arrived late in the afternoon following over 8 hours of train travel from Zurich, including a local train between stations in Paris. We were tired after navigating the tube ticketing system (which had changed in the 20 years since I had last been there) and dragging suitcases up the stairs at Kensington High Street underground station. London was dark and rainy so we had dinner at the hotel.<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJGLEFWgKi3q4buQ7VI9Qgrb-FZdgIgPWbF9q_smECffxo35I9U7lpUuCTDW4gNhxtTbccVF8bQUDSfhm_RCPQHE38ieVm95pdAPYtSt-tIb2BYZ62OcVVrAwRHv_Q1U8cUTmFWbQNQFybETMqv81fHoDDP6Uy-rYnri3XV7CyzMakbHagotKXzBVSt7sx/s1280/Kensington%20Hotel%20(1).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1017" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJGLEFWgKi3q4buQ7VI9Qgrb-FZdgIgPWbF9q_smECffxo35I9U7lpUuCTDW4gNhxtTbccVF8bQUDSfhm_RCPQHE38ieVm95pdAPYtSt-tIb2BYZ62OcVVrAwRHv_Q1U8cUTmFWbQNQFybETMqv81fHoDDP6Uy-rYnri3XV7CyzMakbHagotKXzBVSt7sx/w318-h400/Kensington%20Hotel%20(1).jpeg" width="318" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">I didn't love the menu. Sylvia was delighted to have the options of generic pasta and pizza, even after a week of eating the good stuff in Rome. She ordered the Pasta Arrabiata, penne pasta in a slightly spicy tomato sauce. She loved it and the garlic bread that we shared.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I needed more than carbs and had the choice between soup and salad. I went with the Superfood and Quinoa salad: white and red quinoa, grilled courgettes, green asparagus, green beans, sundried tomatoes, dried apricots, roasted almond flakes and sumac dressing. When it came I could not believe that it was mainly baby spinach, nuts and Turkish dried apricots with very little quinoa and other vegies. In the end Sylvia and I shared our pasta and salad and they worked well together. However at 16.50 pounds I expected much more than the salad I got. <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikPGwPPlnkz8OUy3XVyHXPFbx-nWBXJGIXZL5GRcvTJlwuYokAVC4G8DSMBv22I7F7Apwk0AHb_V5tlsct5RUfrpImoPWK1FItxn1UEO-6vD3swwpHEahHDxzX6MF8C6aERxxY97pHh5g4K5HSiP7fMcK0eXDDYqWTulFVZQTLXolIZ6jSQqjJEwP6hKVE/s1280/Kensington%20Hotel%20(22).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikPGwPPlnkz8OUy3XVyHXPFbx-nWBXJGIXZL5GRcvTJlwuYokAVC4G8DSMBv22I7F7Apwk0AHb_V5tlsct5RUfrpImoPWK1FItxn1UEO-6vD3swwpHEahHDxzX6MF8C6aERxxY97pHh5g4K5HSiP7fMcK0eXDDYqWTulFVZQTLXolIZ6jSQqjJEwP6hKVE/w400-h300/Kensington%20Hotel%20(22).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p>On our first morning, we headed down to breakfast. Our room number and name were checked by the staff member at the counter with bright pink orchids and a sign saying "Good morning. All happiness depends on a leisurely breakfast." This foretold of the queues on most mornings, probably partly because the latter part of our week was in half-term break for UK schools. The breakfast room (Boulevard Restaurant) was huge and queues would move quickly. <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwrOHy8_0mne-Hrh11mMfC33yQCEImZcEXlwBAlvkBn3lFEJd3oKLSLk7Z6gFSFL23ZGZauFrLkbUGXKoP_zigzgBFXguE8G_DJb71ehyphenhyphen9d41VaYWhFeRcCutaj5zyBClkAMHDwCPdK0o_LxIovJgm0rKyOnLzMumcRgO4YQBBo6809fjcggRoJDesN5oD/s1280/Kensington%20Hotel%20(3).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwrOHy8_0mne-Hrh11mMfC33yQCEImZcEXlwBAlvkBn3lFEJd3oKLSLk7Z6gFSFL23ZGZauFrLkbUGXKoP_zigzgBFXguE8G_DJb71ehyphenhyphen9d41VaYWhFeRcCutaj5zyBClkAMHDwCPdK0o_LxIovJgm0rKyOnLzMumcRgO4YQBBo6809fjcggRoJDesN5oD/w400-h300/Kensington%20Hotel%20(3).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Upon arriving each morning we would start by getting a small glass of juice. I liked to mix the cranberry and apple juices but was also pleased that cold water was available. Neither of us spent time at the tea and coffee station.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgisZ28d5KRNwacrEVeQTu0SlMgU-SwmCLnui9tIvdbzbI7GFvtC0RX0pPLArbjrFBaaBDb8HBRm-gEJiWvbR992738zyBcxZ0R84883pv6Xhyphenhyphenr4OPcgQmaVR24UzIh_tnqx6Yy2feP-0a2u9qGsrLZqk6Wb0Fuw0inoaV4j7cvmeWfEK6MMt4hnGshXvbA/s1280/Kensington%20Hotel%20(21).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgisZ28d5KRNwacrEVeQTu0SlMgU-SwmCLnui9tIvdbzbI7GFvtC0RX0pPLArbjrFBaaBDb8HBRm-gEJiWvbR992738zyBcxZ0R84883pv6Xhyphenhyphenr4OPcgQmaVR24UzIh_tnqx6Yy2feP-0a2u9qGsrLZqk6Wb0Fuw0inoaV4j7cvmeWfEK6MMt4hnGshXvbA/w400-h300/Kensington%20Hotel%20(21).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Next we went to the hot food area to serve ourselves a hot breakfast. Most mornings we had an English breakfast (aka a fry-up). <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioUZcfeu_R2ao9klgN0uztiTA_HeXGITrmiuTSLYRCEmENFOx3VY1C3Qrhyphenhyphen1pXi-kmTCtOiR-bctBgVY7GO-_SdE3-ivBgktjPN_I44UEEckujXY6I9POPT3K3S2rSdto7g64PlxtlUyuw_hSd0hoi_u-pH9Cnxd3W4dKmbcTa4P6Hgtedw6LR0sbT6xid/s1200/kensington%20hotel%20collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioUZcfeu_R2ao9klgN0uztiTA_HeXGITrmiuTSLYRCEmENFOx3VY1C3Qrhyphenhyphen1pXi-kmTCtOiR-bctBgVY7GO-_SdE3-ivBgktjPN_I44UEEckujXY6I9POPT3K3S2rSdto7g64PlxtlUyuw_hSd0hoi_u-pH9Cnxd3W4dKmbcTa4P6Hgtedw6LR0sbT6xid/w400-h400/kensington%20hotel%20collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>These were my favourites: baked beans, vegetarian sausages, roasted baby mushrooms and hash browns. Sometimes I had grilled tomatoes. Sylvia loved the eggs too. I tried the pancakes one morning but they were either too tough or two soft. I topped them with some yoghurt, prunes and stewed peaches. The worst morning was when there was a problem with the stove and hot food was scarce.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghforhU7ywemOxKA_rqHSJ7gMIdKEVKAIQATmyRgp7EemG91AdzSHFidvqtX07oiKCr9spWyw4kGJYAX1F1ic24cCzFo6eEniL67m1j-QGLoKAwEZ09KhSFfk5j1tDftOe-4KB0idqbOWL_DcTJIYRhfza5Q5NoWtAQQVRJk2icLgi9hOKscLRM9D1qsj_/s1280/Kensington%20Hotel%20(5).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghforhU7ywemOxKA_rqHSJ7gMIdKEVKAIQATmyRgp7EemG91AdzSHFidvqtX07oiKCr9spWyw4kGJYAX1F1ic24cCzFo6eEniL67m1j-QGLoKAwEZ09KhSFfk5j1tDftOe-4KB0idqbOWL_DcTJIYRhfza5Q5NoWtAQQVRJk2icLgi9hOKscLRM9D1qsj_/w400-h300/Kensington%20Hotel%20(5).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The toast machine was over the other side of the room to the hot food. I usually spent time waiting for slices of bread to slowly travel between the red hot elements and slide out as toast.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOO5n8n4KXukQVERGqY2vfaU_SqJv1LrxtiZQEp0ShgrLhyphenhyphenq4oagsCmDp8GP3nd8o3OmJPRUWd_Xbd7ChOVyH7CoL43lh0plz6eMexDstTPa7JNW_ro5W2qcEp47-YJGyURqhyphenhypheny8LTWCeOARZ8bZiE2HjSkU2Ko7biKF0JwM0Kw7oJbzSHmyEhYUxg8wKa/s1280/Kensington%20Hotel%20(4).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOO5n8n4KXukQVERGqY2vfaU_SqJv1LrxtiZQEp0ShgrLhyphenhyphenq4oagsCmDp8GP3nd8o3OmJPRUWd_Xbd7ChOVyH7CoL43lh0plz6eMexDstTPa7JNW_ro5W2qcEp47-YJGyURqhyphenhypheny8LTWCeOARZ8bZiE2HjSkU2Ko7biKF0JwM0Kw7oJbzSHmyEhYUxg8wKa/w400-h300/Kensington%20Hotel%20(4).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Next to the toast were the toast toppings and the baked goods: croissants, pain au chocolat, pain au raisins, and muffins. Some mornings we wrapped a few baked goods in a serviette for later.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMTmJz3L3xaBk6DHLIAHEkIMGi37ww6v0DFHo-C2NuCjAdELdjeHmmOfI_uvR_u3p3B_oL0iMrxNaMkxGN2Efg8w6QChTc4kXbkhKB7Cz0RvtJGbULAhcJcNss4u4DBgmw14B6ptnqT3w3itr-SX-u7nd4ImfoFZxvyn1poE5qcsk4ZJMT5nzByIS1snTh/s1280/Kensington%20Hotel%20(9).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMTmJz3L3xaBk6DHLIAHEkIMGi37ww6v0DFHo-C2NuCjAdELdjeHmmOfI_uvR_u3p3B_oL0iMrxNaMkxGN2Efg8w6QChTc4kXbkhKB7Cz0RvtJGbULAhcJcNss4u4DBgmw14B6ptnqT3w3itr-SX-u7nd4ImfoFZxvyn1poE5qcsk4ZJMT5nzByIS1snTh/w400-h300/Kensington%20Hotel%20(9).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>It took a few days to find the cereals station. I would have liked to try cereals with yoghurt and fruit but was always drawn to the hot food. <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTUIq13Q0p2mVzJfu57ELAZqvO7-zxiCpBUBuKI4vMcbACa-fa7eZUi7LTXo-K9XFnroV4AFu9eu22IaBmicMdT2e3sR9fa3yJeQXZ3Thmph2ZhRAl9ihqtz3xlSmA5mRrq6Ejym2RZicMSIafEQBWE-j08lADJj9qj3O-Gb8mNs0zqbwUrb-xG7fIMdGb/s1280/Kensington%20Hotel%20(2).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTUIq13Q0p2mVzJfu57ELAZqvO7-zxiCpBUBuKI4vMcbACa-fa7eZUi7LTXo-K9XFnroV4AFu9eu22IaBmicMdT2e3sR9fa3yJeQXZ3Thmph2ZhRAl9ihqtz3xlSmA5mRrq6Ejym2RZicMSIafEQBWE-j08lADJj9qj3O-Gb8mNs0zqbwUrb-xG7fIMdGb/w300-h400/Kensington%20Hotel%20(2).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p>Here is my breakfast on the first day. As I have said, it was good value and I was pleased they catered to vegetarians. It was a great way to start each morning, and as breakfast closed at 10.30am on weekdays and a little later on weekends it meant we didn't sleep in too much.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2rM3lL4uSjh8Pn4LHF3HdwPK0Pyk7WU5Z0_gei2b-Tlhdk2K3F3TpBmAneDAxcZol-V76QQ6qNckkPzMevMfK2vhiNXfBwZX6CLgXTmUo3VbNOIk3lX6-98X9g5IcwixxqRxTKo3YtaPvqJA_5HmcOc72OclU3rlBxVs0hvbQ9lO_Ttj8wuq5RQYFlr45/s1280/Kensington%20Hotel%20(6).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2rM3lL4uSjh8Pn4LHF3HdwPK0Pyk7WU5Z0_gei2b-Tlhdk2K3F3TpBmAneDAxcZol-V76QQ6qNckkPzMevMfK2vhiNXfBwZX6CLgXTmUo3VbNOIk3lX6-98X9g5IcwixxqRxTKo3YtaPvqJA_5HmcOc72OclU3rlBxVs0hvbQ9lO_Ttj8wuq5RQYFlr45/w400-h300/Kensington%20Hotel%20(6).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>I loved the walk to tube on the first morning. Firstly it was only a few minutes walk. Despite some roadworks we had a lovely walk past typical West London flats. The first place I stayed when I first arrived in London was Notting Hill Gate where my sister worked in a pub, and later I lived in Shepherd's Bush. It is an area of London that is very familiar to me and I felt quite at home.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLr-c7RFxW5R78fy1BvOBfWtWiftauPxcjkF81TfTLTpM4Hoqr1HzYmiXS4mAQFh-s_JgKTgvaJQqs6JeZ4prm2RDUeqUnEuexUpCgOosXMsb2sl5WZrrHXmjZGxddu28j1_2wRhhybzYM2SZj4zYDJTYsJ-dOu_u5Jg2okdWRmvrwJEWdhT7siz9e16q/s1280/Kensington%20Hotel%20(8).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLr-c7RFxW5R78fy1BvOBfWtWiftauPxcjkF81TfTLTpM4Hoqr1HzYmiXS4mAQFh-s_JgKTgvaJQqs6JeZ4prm2RDUeqUnEuexUpCgOosXMsb2sl5WZrrHXmjZGxddu28j1_2wRhhybzYM2SZj4zYDJTYsJ-dOu_u5Jg2okdWRmvrwJEWdhT7siz9e16q/w400-h300/Kensington%20Hotel%20(8).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />As I said the breakfasts could changed on different mornings. This was the sort of breakfast that Sylvia loved with toast, fried eggs, cheese, hash brown, beans, tomato and rocket.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFoXnaz4vfVk6ECl1WYEIQLP2QLGBEw0CbSCtDrrxkWL49N_IY8tMP2Yrb-2Gw8CFV4acvuf7ZltOBViS7HyZManQJqpvJTU-1_tQvibv6ojmL9PyK7kX0v-ZLeC3SGWiEA2MPCPmN1fA3IFQXaTraeumsEqEBwq1HOXNwoEznZuXpDz99SfOLthFKbPzz/s1280/Kensington%20Hotel%20(13).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFoXnaz4vfVk6ECl1WYEIQLP2QLGBEw0CbSCtDrrxkWL49N_IY8tMP2Yrb-2Gw8CFV4acvuf7ZltOBViS7HyZManQJqpvJTU-1_tQvibv6ojmL9PyK7kX0v-ZLeC3SGWiEA2MPCPmN1fA3IFQXaTraeumsEqEBwq1HOXNwoEznZuXpDz99SfOLthFKbPzz/w300-h400/Kensington%20Hotel%20(13).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>On only one morning I found these really cute little glass jars with muesli, yoghurt and berries. I was so pleased to have it for when I finished my fry up but was so full I could not eat much of it.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbeGQT5Ypm_-sAMVH70bG6fR-259j7-bXDjKl4CT77l_XK7_YsH-0t76MnpmU0njMGCRSo5UsF0pwCueLTwVdxeofUYg43M-IkS-W2fzmsml7Lyv3O6cKpVx_kHfSiSD3-GzyL_G9YsksRWdEjSNJMRDKPzP_9woLjSi3SsXvfZTniKOus6oZ2ErIzsD3/s1280/Kensington%20Hotel%20(18).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbeGQT5Ypm_-sAMVH70bG6fR-259j7-bXDjKl4CT77l_XK7_YsH-0t76MnpmU0njMGCRSo5UsF0pwCueLTwVdxeofUYg43M-IkS-W2fzmsml7Lyv3O6cKpVx_kHfSiSD3-GzyL_G9YsksRWdEjSNJMRDKPzP_9woLjSi3SsXvfZTniKOus6oZ2ErIzsD3/w300-h400/Kensington%20Hotel%20(18).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>When we checked in, we were given a choice of bath and shower. I chose the latter. It amused me that the hand soap and body wash were parsley stalk fragranced. (I am not sure if parsley leaves have a different aroma to the stalks but maybe it was a sustainability project to use us leftover stalks.) </p><p>I am used to little shampoos and soaps in hotels and holiday houses but on our trip I found most places had large bottles and at the Holiday Inn had them locked down. It seemed that we were being encouraged from taking them as souvenirs. I loved the sign directing us to place the non-slip bathmat securely on a dry surface before turning on the water. Bathmats strike me as very British and unnecessary but I assume this was an anti-litigation sign.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7SZHZd4tSptjhAG1fp16zoA1AZGQzAH2bxEaoGm1c84BX9cFdf8pErWOBNDcRCQV7mk6OkLwyxC0OiGee1uZbBI35PCyUO9fsGqCZRE5lL7XFsPwkFIvBM1U11F1VqMjmZ5RPwjbzu7L2ZHprgDahP04jUv3GghyphenhyphenefEi3deCxPqcvA-QRzUB4zApfht2/s1280/Kensington%20Hotel%20(19).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7SZHZd4tSptjhAG1fp16zoA1AZGQzAH2bxEaoGm1c84BX9cFdf8pErWOBNDcRCQV7mk6OkLwyxC0OiGee1uZbBI35PCyUO9fsGqCZRE5lL7XFsPwkFIvBM1U11F1VqMjmZ5RPwjbzu7L2ZHprgDahP04jUv3GghyphenhyphenefEi3deCxPqcvA-QRzUB4zApfht2/w400-h300/Kensington%20Hotel%20(19).jpeg" width="400" /></a> <br /></div><p>Our stay was not without challenging. This is our final collection of keycards to let us into the room. (Well, almost all, as I found one in my wallet when I got home.) We got locked out of our room a few times and staff were very helpful in replacing them but it was frustrating. I got told that mobile phones could unset the coding. It seems a problem when it was intuitive to put our phone and key card together in a safe place. We also had a leak in the bathroom that was siliconed up and a blown light bulb that could not be changed. The upside was that there was always someone on the room phone or reception desk who could help us.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivty0W96dSugTzB0Sez17nMhR7GeBjEW6BHFg_9fQUAk7XhJ9bz6mKmu6vCB4hWHDEruJ-8BgOZWgzYmlXbL7YB8KQS3wqYpMcjZX0170bGnZ8IZI44TnlgRy_fWBWsnrWjCfBKcnT4qxno1DXTvx9hcxrRQC59EkJdF8-TGlinStuu1UO6soLzxbOm8_e/s1280/Kensington%20Hotel%20(12).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivty0W96dSugTzB0Sez17nMhR7GeBjEW6BHFg_9fQUAk7XhJ9bz6mKmu6vCB4hWHDEruJ-8BgOZWgzYmlXbL7YB8KQS3wqYpMcjZX0170bGnZ8IZI44TnlgRy_fWBWsnrWjCfBKcnT4qxno1DXTvx9hcxrRQC59EkJdF8-TGlinStuu1UO6soLzxbOm8_e/w400-h300/Kensington%20Hotel%20(12).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p>I am happy with our choice of hotel. I ate well, slept well and found it easy to get a bus or underground train to our destination each day.</p><p><b>Holiday Inn High Street Kensington</b><br /><span class="color-tenth" style="line-height: 160.0%;">Wrights Lane, London, W8 5SP<br /></span><a href="https://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/london/lonwl/hoteldetail" target="_blank">https://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/london/lonwl/hoteldetail</a></p>Johanna GGGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08594201473931487490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6742756814967464811.post-90046711943612192162024-02-27T02:00:00.001+11:002024-02-27T02:00:44.264+11:00Rome Miscellaneous: ancient buildings, fountains and food<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM1iPv9zKkObnhEfV_ziYuyeFgjr0Pd0CepG4242Oor_tU8T0YL_RgLXw83EgLMSe-B5aMTLjFJfhQ62vCm2xNLkNViyFTsCnaXcuvqjEYveAnyZGcUiE89-LeVy1X88lllNjP3KWKJ-cW7VcP3G-8AOpvGUCIpZsz9XuwqYW7NylCF7TuRQXLEAGBKFGB/s1280/rome%20random%20(17).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM1iPv9zKkObnhEfV_ziYuyeFgjr0Pd0CepG4242Oor_tU8T0YL_RgLXw83EgLMSe-B5aMTLjFJfhQ62vCm2xNLkNViyFTsCnaXcuvqjEYveAnyZGcUiE89-LeVy1X88lllNjP3KWKJ-cW7VcP3G-8AOpvGUCIpZsz9XuwqYW7NylCF7TuRQXLEAGBKFGB/w400-h300/rome%20random%20(17).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div></div><p></p><p>We had a fantastic time in Rome. So good that even after all my blog posts on our week there, I still have some random photos to share to finish up my blogging on Rome.My first visit to Rome over 20 years ago was not great but this week has found a spot for Rome in my heart. </p><p>The first photo above is just because Rome was so full of beautiful old buildings and cute little cars. We spent most of our time in the old centre of Rome<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvrg_cizd2ox8VZhjMN_AarrFTgvys8g1xJht2oPWzXgtvBHbVBctCY5nSgC7INqsUnrp58uWN1bLhOQFQCjmIa_8eef6oAS4tKReCsDDMbGJY622BURL1yprQIVUOjVhjIiQOpzwpSKTHIPO2Z2THVXnvB32wTU492bR7SraxGQRC_iKH39a7BppRAuBE/s1280/rome%20random%20(19).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvrg_cizd2ox8VZhjMN_AarrFTgvys8g1xJht2oPWzXgtvBHbVBctCY5nSgC7INqsUnrp58uWN1bLhOQFQCjmIa_8eef6oAS4tKReCsDDMbGJY622BURL1yprQIVUOjVhjIiQOpzwpSKTHIPO2Z2THVXnvB32wTU492bR7SraxGQRC_iKH39a7BppRAuBE/w400-h300/rome%20random%20(19).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>This is a photo of the <a href="https://gggiraffe.blogspot.com/2024/02/rome-visit-to-colesseum-with-lunch-and.html">Colesseum</a> from the bus. We travelled mostly by the 87 bus and it always seemed to pass the Colosseum. Each time brought awe. The first time we bought tickets and tried to use them on the bus but the machine did not work so the buses were accidentally free.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuKzuPs6GYYSxno_1kSD-MltbMm4USuF3cHh4ev6ZSSKWk6scSs7OW1fGiBJvVhzwilzWQQFhk0XazGEkX0XfCVVjLrAaoXRTHrmV_5-fnvkqP6O4PY9Ce7YvHa4voLhqOrn9h7HUZ5UWb6DJyVhlJ6TfODUCLjjzEGEjlWlfFRLC7xumm95iL47KmV6bp/s1280/rome%20random%20(7).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="961" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuKzuPs6GYYSxno_1kSD-MltbMm4USuF3cHh4ev6ZSSKWk6scSs7OW1fGiBJvVhzwilzWQQFhk0XazGEkX0XfCVVjLrAaoXRTHrmV_5-fnvkqP6O4PY9Ce7YvHa4voLhqOrn9h7HUZ5UWb6DJyVhlJ6TfODUCLjjzEGEjlWlfFRLC7xumm95iL47KmV6bp/w300-h400/rome%20random%20(7).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>We'd then pass the Forum. Also impressive. So many ancient buildings and statues in central Rome, side by side with modern life.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0DlJEVnuHeMa4HbeDDrHgvI4FRWr2Iecij8IAxX1hZOyjnyBG2Z2-C4D71QZuJBarMO-hGYA98EgJOP4qpLSsBJwtcR91BTtn67_e76BVJGmOOyGBuUadMNg04zBsHuQBARiXcMDbG8kS7In4dtozl0-wPx7oD9b1W0mMKFMUR5CpUzdsNIrpOkswWsC4/s1280/rome%20random%20(10).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0DlJEVnuHeMa4HbeDDrHgvI4FRWr2Iecij8IAxX1hZOyjnyBG2Z2-C4D71QZuJBarMO-hGYA98EgJOP4qpLSsBJwtcR91BTtn67_e76BVJGmOOyGBuUadMNg04zBsHuQBARiXcMDbG8kS7In4dtozl0-wPx7oD9b1W0mMKFMUR5CpUzdsNIrpOkswWsC4/w300-h400/rome%20random%20(10).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Rome is so full of pasta and pizza. I really regret not being the blue pasta. It looked so cool! Pasta just seems a bit bulky and fragile to stuff into a suitcase. We left one of our big suitcases in Edinburgh with my sister-in-law so were being cautious with adding to luggage. (And even then we returned home with two heavy suitcases!)<br /><br /></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjycEa7v5xbNQVgK8nX99L4ios5tjcr7L1iIa8TKXt7JzxMFxGfTE1TJ9N0PNS7OAAxQy1W59VCfHrQpEu6sCAV6Not9XKi-YhH_2-o9QycsxbBIlI2ShbXMshYeinvDm0kJI89UnieDn0SJA-mYwiK6jtW4Z1F0UKHaUyTyqfEBQupzLcDgG4L1iAg2uLV/w400-h400/rome%20random%20(2).jpeg" width="400" /><br /></p><p>One lunchtime I went alone to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/vegjoysrls" target="_blank">VEG Joy</a> (<span class="LrzXr">Via Vasto, 4, 00182 Roma) </span>, a vegan restaurant down the road from where we were staying. Actually it is on a little laneway off Via Appia Nuova. I was greeted by the welcome sight of a terracotta coloured wall with green tables and chairs under a large white umbrella. It was also quite cute inside with gold leaves on a dark blue wall.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjycEa7v5xbNQVgK8nX99L4ios5tjcr7L1iIa8TKXt7JzxMFxGfTE1TJ9N0PNS7OAAxQy1W59VCfHrQpEu6sCAV6Not9XKi-YhH_2-o9QycsxbBIlI2ShbXMshYeinvDm0kJI89UnieDn0SJA-mYwiK6jtW4Z1F0UKHaUyTyqfEBQupzLcDgG4L1iAg2uLV/s1280/rome%20random%20(2).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIOIum_BoyrmknFOINqj7pYBcRQyJU41-q1J4uLFMKVvMdqgNAAr_R9XuZDOgT20tyNdmo3RRMuBsA0g65uLdSBETguePAj54ZiybqOMWyNhNOSyMNKJrWWMJuZPZ2ebRArp8ZgWvfLC-P_l1ZRqjat_H1apKbMYqjYoHHDW-tOqHby4KYHItwkBSraR9S/s1280/rome%20random%20(1).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIOIum_BoyrmknFOINqj7pYBcRQyJU41-q1J4uLFMKVvMdqgNAAr_R9XuZDOgT20tyNdmo3RRMuBsA0g65uLdSBETguePAj54ZiybqOMWyNhNOSyMNKJrWWMJuZPZ2ebRArp8ZgWvfLC-P_l1ZRqjat_H1apKbMYqjYoHHDW-tOqHby4KYHItwkBSraR9S/w400-h400/rome%20random%20(1).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p>I ordered the "orange glazed tempeh served with oven baked fennel with crumble nuts and potatoes" for 15 euros. It was very nice but quite different to what I expected. I had thought it would be tempeh with a fennel and potato with a crumble on top. However it was very nicely presented slabs of tempeh with smaller chunks of baked fennel and potato and a few chopped nuts. I would have liked a few more potatoes but it was very good and I loved the glazed tempeh and soft fennel chunks as well as the mustard sauce and roasted slices of orange. I had hoped to return but never managed it.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo469dvVHfOD-pBnCGmIGUsz4DMa-EGHGzv5olneuqK6U8Fx5SfLfdquM8zyYwk3nkHwYMAB3yavmIFBjlavUSOy4UzNrxBAS7zsuyZHLF-meHHvPTWB49KgvQWC7XByH4LojAJFb8IhWumCWwe8UoNB9WiG_BGUA87ncH_aHJpFD2Ow0pYp9xtXcphB2F/s1280/rome%20random%20(12).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo469dvVHfOD-pBnCGmIGUsz4DMa-EGHGzv5olneuqK6U8Fx5SfLfdquM8zyYwk3nkHwYMAB3yavmIFBjlavUSOy4UzNrxBAS7zsuyZHLF-meHHvPTWB49KgvQWC7XByH4LojAJFb8IhWumCWwe8UoNB9WiG_BGUA87ncH_aHJpFD2Ow0pYp9xtXcphB2F/w300-h400/rome%20random%20(12).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br />Walking along the cobbled laneways of Rome was always so beautiful. (Sylvia was not very keen on what she called "wobblestones"). <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-0GZwV5n6tThgp9DvemiJj2PIhlAQ_JRxuJSk-NUoVpZjN7L_sMZGNzhivymYOOxjglqQ5hD5vZP1f6gNIHnTWyjdJfLog1lEXs-SPvJfBVSrj0hJlUfPmYtghiZHbGOCKV3Ysxx5wqZky-slpwUmFwsAZGnTOdMipAc9JZZtiw8KbGIlIMmC-IUoJZz/s1280/rome%20random%20(23).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-0GZwV5n6tThgp9DvemiJj2PIhlAQ_JRxuJSk-NUoVpZjN7L_sMZGNzhivymYOOxjglqQ5hD5vZP1f6gNIHnTWyjdJfLog1lEXs-SPvJfBVSrj0hJlUfPmYtghiZHbGOCKV3Ysxx5wqZky-slpwUmFwsAZGnTOdMipAc9JZZtiw8KbGIlIMmC-IUoJZz/w300-h400/rome%20random%20(23).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>When I read about <span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AnticaLibreriaCascianelli/?paipv=0&eav=AfYnwjD4Jc7exuoLf0eAdjAK1zhsbxoobb7ip0RF1ysh7kA7nefzzSpoTSA-enfDUiE&_rdr" target="_blank">Antica Libreria Cascianelli</a> (</span><span class="LrzXr">Largo Febo, 15, 00186 Roma)</span><span>,</span> one of the oldest bookshops in Rome, I was determined to visit. There is something lovely about old wooden bookshelves, especially when they are surrounded by stacks on the floor. When we entered, we encountered a sign saying to request permission to ask photos. So I asked and it was not a problem at all.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivkTtiQVBOKkx2KeUxqTBt1h1DWr7hf0iA0A0JD5RSESVg4Gj6Rq5k29k4HqHA8iF42F6uxmMNZtFWx7xcoYy9sX4RCA-ZZHAb9l4X6OgR8Chc27lkvLrOhBMwvDTqwu1P4j_TTu8Dq_JL_Hv-4x87K7sTdujzbP_9Cb80yGYaoOmZxD3n9kjNl01Iubhv/s1280/rome%20random%20(24).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivkTtiQVBOKkx2KeUxqTBt1h1DWr7hf0iA0A0JD5RSESVg4Gj6Rq5k29k4HqHA8iF42F6uxmMNZtFWx7xcoYy9sX4RCA-ZZHAb9l4X6OgR8Chc27lkvLrOhBMwvDTqwu1P4j_TTu8Dq_JL_Hv-4x87K7sTdujzbP_9Cb80yGYaoOmZxD3n9kjNl01Iubhv/w400-h300/rome%20random%20(24).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>I loved this back room and the blue all behind the shelves. A lot of these books were war history, which seemed very in keeping with antiquarian books. Less expected with the humour of the skeleton in the shelf.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaP567qIkzIcjXdNUvPqs0F1IkozIE6JrM-iAqj7Sq3AZVK0roYQmMHyqUHlXTamXujpo7Z5I_qpUWEJ7LrhkQ7ZVGFZXrCwgNz770tfKDbDnm3yNwINa11nZJ6FcXgUrFl5L8ZA9Wv_ogdQWDsaqdHovM3wGl4s-dke6tYjVX5Sf3DzWr32upF47BCFRL/s1280/rome%20random%20(27).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaP567qIkzIcjXdNUvPqs0F1IkozIE6JrM-iAqj7Sq3AZVK0roYQmMHyqUHlXTamXujpo7Z5I_qpUWEJ7LrhkQ7ZVGFZXrCwgNz770tfKDbDnm3yNwINa11nZJ6FcXgUrFl5L8ZA9Wv_ogdQWDsaqdHovM3wGl4s-dke6tYjVX5Sf3DzWr32upF47BCFRL/w400-h300/rome%20random%20(27).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>We walked a lot around Rome and often arrived home with sore feet. I remember stopping in the Piazza Navona and enjoying the sight of this fountain. It was the day we were waiting for <a href="https://gggiraffe.blogspot.com/2024/02/rome-alfredo-alla-scrofa-restaurant.html">Alfredo Alla Scrofa</a> to open for dinner. I'd decided to go to the tour of <a href="https://stadiodomiziano.com/homepage-en/" target="_blank">Stadium of Domitian</a>, billed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sylvia decided to stay on a seat near this fountain rather than accompany me. She was wise to save her 7 Euros (9 for me) and enjoy the above ground piazza while I went to explore the underbelly of the piazza.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_nLbVnSvc7Cg3zLLdnTvhtfaNBL9f-RdZeq_Uq_5sNBDvZDC6NWPHAJCum8fwklTOZ51geOKGud9rYOjXotCj50NBXAo_bQvWqVuLDD60MIOqyJRk6zbOsp1aCuhqyfOi2ZF7uNn1DYwc8Gfw7VmdmnZbXJq71FcUU_TPxj3ZkWSbZb8YfsqgxfcY3af/s1280/rome%20random%20(29).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_nLbVnSvc7Cg3zLLdnTvhtfaNBL9f-RdZeq_Uq_5sNBDvZDC6NWPHAJCum8fwklTOZ51geOKGud9rYOjXotCj50NBXAo_bQvWqVuLDD60MIOqyJRk6zbOsp1aCuhqyfOi2ZF7uNn1DYwc8Gfw7VmdmnZbXJq71FcUU_TPxj3ZkWSbZb8YfsqgxfcY3af/w300-h400/rome%20random%20(29).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>I was told it was a 45 minute tour of the Stadium of Domitian. So I thought I would be wandering through a labyrinth of ruins rather than a few ruins in one (rather large) room with some parts of the stairs to the stadium and information boards. I tried the audioguide but found it just as useful to read the information. While it was interesting, it was fairly generic. Given there are so many interesting ruins to see free of charge if you wander around Rome, I would not recommend it unless you have money and time to waste. I did not.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_pt8q0hLn-L1LFYJlldAGzaEmUjmHhZ5nT1i12vasvTM3I3b6JqiIMbrVO5WjjZruHbjnNOdK27E6pbtJm0BtRyLGZdUTUsTg3KDvqQa3-jUXlWFLarHKWacKgWeE1tnFs1T5n9rowfvhAvARL5OJubemdslnupf9Ivl7-HttSQ5fEW-kV0voTrWFtnad/s1280/rome%20random%20(32).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_pt8q0hLn-L1LFYJlldAGzaEmUjmHhZ5nT1i12vasvTM3I3b6JqiIMbrVO5WjjZruHbjnNOdK27E6pbtJm0BtRyLGZdUTUsTg3KDvqQa3-jUXlWFLarHKWacKgWeE1tnFs1T5n9rowfvhAvARL5OJubemdslnupf9Ivl7-HttSQ5fEW-kV0voTrWFtnad/w400-h300/rome%20random%20(32).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>When I returned to Sylvia, she was enjoying watching wonderful sight of the sky darkening over the Piazza Navano. The square was busy with tourists and locals. Restaurants were filling up and beckonling with warm lights. One of the less attractive parts of eating outside was the smoking at these tables. Perhaps because I was disappointed about the underground tour, I bought my most expensive souvenir in a giftshop there before we left for dinner. <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmOo0UDkJDimKqyxRmzwbLRYfWVrHoq6tKrPQR-I3dTYHmMH5UArDk_9OSWbGc0cyveJqK3UOZAYNK7TCoCgnMZWvVDRF-HZx7eiRSeB95EJWmfi3riDcAPqH6cXXLJS1VCyJqUJC9y4eQZiEc5A5DKi4n-ofczkRrqep85sYoQFF2o2m5iupNUwGd_TU/s1280/rome%20random%20(26).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmOo0UDkJDimKqyxRmzwbLRYfWVrHoq6tKrPQR-I3dTYHmMH5UArDk_9OSWbGc0cyveJqK3UOZAYNK7TCoCgnMZWvVDRF-HZx7eiRSeB95EJWmfi3riDcAPqH6cXXLJS1VCyJqUJC9y4eQZiEc5A5DKi4n-ofczkRrqep85sYoQFF2o2m5iupNUwGd_TU/w400-h300/rome%20random%20(26).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>While the Piazza Navona fountains are famous and many tourist sites will direct you there. But walk through central Rome and you will stumble across many gorgeous little squares such as this one with a fountain. It was not hard to find an outdoor table to eat and drink with a beautiful view.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNMyvd1BZWikA_KEbPg-wqAr1xgF9CqIFJ4Ek_ihnN5zA3ZnzPEB7zI3h8VMFiWlJ8KiFRmQ-8ulf6hYGLW3DYN_lvZEtXWNyCBZb3OQvAdFPHpv1lEMKfbGuczgy2XWdH1G80xqr3sWFKKj7gAJQ0r_DrGNR2PX0ACtbUO-cVJ84-KP3XC6fcRfmZNn0g/s1280/rome%20random%20(30).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNMyvd1BZWikA_KEbPg-wqAr1xgF9CqIFJ4Ek_ihnN5zA3ZnzPEB7zI3h8VMFiWlJ8KiFRmQ-8ulf6hYGLW3DYN_lvZEtXWNyCBZb3OQvAdFPHpv1lEMKfbGuczgy2XWdH1G80xqr3sWFKKj7gAJQ0r_DrGNR2PX0ACtbUO-cVJ84-KP3XC6fcRfmZNn0g/w300-h400/rome%20random%20(30).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>I found the nearby <a href="https://gggiraffe.blogspot.com/2024/02/rome-basilica-santa-croce-aurelian.html" target="_blank">San Giovanni gate and old town walls</a> far more interesting than the underground tour at the Piazza Navona. What a waste of time to pay for that underground ruins when I had these just near my apartment.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9owinVuXRU0ap1g19n_YlXOkx5DZfxXSTTjt0RxvMCQXZfC-QyfpfM1nkOxclvxZLRDqoF9-aWpGYZ6polStLCc-CUG2YS7hG7N8-zIJ_-hWbO-_z-851Ak6XJkcdkc3nxhkBk2_tt5PoJdzFcXeVwOT9qRbD1rlE_lRXugQPRD54I957r5StK_z80jku/s1280/rome%20random%20(31).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9owinVuXRU0ap1g19n_YlXOkx5DZfxXSTTjt0RxvMCQXZfC-QyfpfM1nkOxclvxZLRDqoF9-aWpGYZ6polStLCc-CUG2YS7hG7N8-zIJ_-hWbO-_z-851Ak6XJkcdkc3nxhkBk2_tt5PoJdzFcXeVwOT9qRbD1rlE_lRXugQPRD54I957r5StK_z80jku/w300-h400/rome%20random%20(31).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>As I have said a few times, we loved the pizza that was sold by weight in Rome. On our final day we had a great local day. After visiting the <a href="https://gggiraffe.blogspot.com/2024/02/rome-san-giovanni-lateran-basilica-and.html">Lateran Basilica</a> we ate at <a href="https://pizzhoriaacasamia-roma.it/" target="_blank">Pizzhoria Appio</a> (Piazzale Appio, 4, 00183 Roma). As you will see by the above photo, it was a great place to eat good pizza with a view of the Porta San Giovanni. We had pizza with burrata, tomatoes and basil. Sylvia loved the burrata but it is a bit creamy for my liking. I enjoyed the suppli, and arancini with truffle mushroom filling in one and pesto filling in another. Sylvia had this place on her list to try and was happy both that it was close to our apartment and that we finally got to eat there. I even got some pizza to takeaway for dinner as it was convenient.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEIOtIr7ONw1aEGDkzkwSRIAswvZtDQHPj7wQo-aRjc4KOvVo2MO5W8nJ2cAn8e3xOtH55xQV_FGjKh7tk0U6_ornNV6zpHAw2ketr0FfDvEuN-UL7vNt0sFa0_3A0XSlllgX8WB4d8y84UJcGDw5VchuMkOYwygVv1HyrLXAI6hiMf9ax8Wa4BQKM8GGo/s1200/Rome_collage.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEIOtIr7ONw1aEGDkzkwSRIAswvZtDQHPj7wQo-aRjc4KOvVo2MO5W8nJ2cAn8e3xOtH55xQV_FGjKh7tk0U6_ornNV6zpHAw2ketr0FfDvEuN-UL7vNt0sFa0_3A0XSlllgX8WB4d8y84UJcGDw5VchuMkOYwygVv1HyrLXAI6hiMf9ax8Wa4BQKM8GGo/w400-h400/Rome_collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>So ends my 13 posts about our 8 days in Rome. It was a great part of our trip. We really enjoyed our apartment. It is great to have a base where you have separate sleeping quarters, a kitchen and a washing machine. I was relieved to finally get a load of laundry washed to keep us going but the constant sirens around the apartment were not great. Outside our apartment, it was fantastic to visit some of the iconic sights and amazing places to eat.</p><p>At the end of our trip to Rome I made the biggest mistake of the trip. I had planned to go to Venice for one night after Rome but on our final night as I sat up late planning our next leg of travel, I realised that I should have been in Venice on that night. I had spent a lot of time planning the accommodation and transport and had to make changes as I firmed up our itinerary. Too late, I found I had forgotten to change our Rome accommodation from 8 to 7 days. However, Sylvia and I agreed we had had such a wonderful time in Rome that we were fine without visiting Venice. Travel has it challenges but also such interesting experiences. We were just excited to head to our next destination, Zurich.<br /></p>Johanna GGGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08594201473931487490noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6742756814967464811.post-19076287191643815032024-02-26T17:05:00.003+11:002024-02-26T17:05:48.264+11:00Rome Street Art<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNkI40TCspNwsNUAbPxDM8Cy5WfPcUinQS7w2yy8Yb8yJLpMyDNOiADST_6L39dQA1EGu5e-kT3tERX1X5xqKUVGhXtpk9jSgLGoQzEXPF1kzjYGgbkjMzlxYwCy78bdaEywiFczjfaSB0F1j_GOtAoj1Bc5DNxp5nv0vaV0wthYPdT9g54LTnoenp08Ei/s1280/rome%20street%20art%20(1).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNkI40TCspNwsNUAbPxDM8Cy5WfPcUinQS7w2yy8Yb8yJLpMyDNOiADST_6L39dQA1EGu5e-kT3tERX1X5xqKUVGhXtpk9jSgLGoQzEXPF1kzjYGgbkjMzlxYwCy78bdaEywiFczjfaSB0F1j_GOtAoj1Bc5DNxp5nv0vaV0wthYPdT9g54LTnoenp08Ei/w400-h400/rome%20street%20art%20(1).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div></div><p></p><p>When we visited <a href="https://gggiraffe.blogspot.com/2024/02/rome-romeow-cat-bistrot.html">Romeow Cat Bistrot</a> in the South of Rome, Google Maps told me that some of the best street art in Rome was just near by. So we walked to the corner of Via del Porto Fluviale and Via Ostiense to view the street art on the buildings and then walk down under the railway bridge to see more street art. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Most of the street art in this post are from this area. Towards the bottom are a few from central Rome.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03QAZSaG1EINJdNnEByR5oJ7DBCAJkphEOvrmIHB5cBo8spwVRYc01FXAUDYzmzlyk2tQiUgNElG787gqV1d0KeCXyPRbvLsgEiRfqkCTCrnniN8Y7UybYJDW4XuHM8kke4RCUmq2HgRWVhu7k7SC2mnolpJIX4eTkKvmR0zT2gtFtgUMCQrxOKLPUlZs/w400-h400/rome%20street%20art.jpeg" width="400" /><br /></p><div><div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGA5O5GlXimnx85qktjYPsVil7VtWZhzyqHfRZyNNTyjPPnPY4U40-U57yLhRjz9YBptFOH6MVu0BgwDeL6qcCEo3c6nb-AEFmPGRF4zlu4Mlhf_XJN6rTqIKB3u8W8fPlazBFr52MDYdJ82eFQRX7u0J9BUZ5EyRJAlJ1t1Gp8cwF-K4uxt0ccQVFNjTG/s1280/rome%20street%20art%20(2).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGA5O5GlXimnx85qktjYPsVil7VtWZhzyqHfRZyNNTyjPPnPY4U40-U57yLhRjz9YBptFOH6MVu0BgwDeL6qcCEo3c6nb-AEFmPGRF4zlu4Mlhf_XJN6rTqIKB3u8W8fPlazBFr52MDYdJ82eFQRX7u0J9BUZ5EyRJAlJ1t1Gp8cwF-K4uxt0ccQVFNjTG/w400-h300/rome%20street%20art%20(2).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmu4Gd_i29D1URSs7oqTWp70JcBjTZEq-OjVW8ipRceS2RaKj3GhQ9zCoqjLcYLxM6gdDiDE4O0PCqmh_vUarBIAv-JayVpZlQztD1crI81Rzl2PS0siLyloIOeiMvD0MBkT6qwrrR1UwzbeK67Ki21m77PE7v5mJAiYpAbv88EaP3WpqAbr38oDj7GRYs/w300-h400/rome%20street%20art%20(4).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcR2X7MbYElarQa1hB9TnOCk0lyb-_vKls4J4hk_Oxg0LWYhnO_USYXVMKfdPF3PPC_nK3e3e_fXMVydriilKO2tGjt_VZ13z1kS-9dM4XclHWZK1D24wUgixRF0WGjyzGYs9By8PWCPH9tQGxIZBQaazEwLRn16rRzdGVjorpaPZMBhEP2nOxZjXHapRm/s1280/rome%20street%20art%20(7).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcR2X7MbYElarQa1hB9TnOCk0lyb-_vKls4J4hk_Oxg0LWYhnO_USYXVMKfdPF3PPC_nK3e3e_fXMVydriilKO2tGjt_VZ13z1kS-9dM4XclHWZK1D24wUgixRF0WGjyzGYs9By8PWCPH9tQGxIZBQaazEwLRn16rRzdGVjorpaPZMBhEP2nOxZjXHapRm/w300-h400/rome%20street%20art%20(7).jpeg" width="300" /></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPIetoLisB9-2KmF9_0aXKGJQZVLeprjvUHUKJdn-a4AvNdSoBfIToqoQLm0Qeu2dItzV8qa7pFz1vxvkIoQDcqB0I2fuGOpCXZzadgkE6wrwSb8GSXCa0u1i0-FFp0lPVc5fgbYtqMdner8Pv_h_HeEu2JEIhD8Pb6gdp3uid75IzKDg0qvRJqNFBw64b/s1280/rome%20street%20art%20(13).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPIetoLisB9-2KmF9_0aXKGJQZVLeprjvUHUKJdn-a4AvNdSoBfIToqoQLm0Qeu2dItzV8qa7pFz1vxvkIoQDcqB0I2fuGOpCXZzadgkE6wrwSb8GSXCa0u1i0-FFp0lPVc5fgbYtqMdner8Pv_h_HeEu2JEIhD8Pb6gdp3uid75IzKDg0qvRJqNFBw64b/w300-h400/rome%20street%20art%20(13).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZXHdkgtT38kenH2KzQ4-MNY6H_HbHnBrz3S1ZGD3A_ZO-ikYSEu4VMk_ZZhXqoZeWMiWuKVBj8R2DIJxsw_HC5xROF-uKrq6yhhZTbTtlokojP7qFCOe7ZWw93c-UTVSz7rhVnRZ1hfvIQWBNexttId4cFbGnw7imHrhLDvBpfcZ-S0KMckk3w29XQi6/s1280/rome%20street%20art%20(14).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZXHdkgtT38kenH2KzQ4-MNY6H_HbHnBrz3S1ZGD3A_ZO-ikYSEu4VMk_ZZhXqoZeWMiWuKVBj8R2DIJxsw_HC5xROF-uKrq6yhhZTbTtlokojP7qFCOe7ZWw93c-UTVSz7rhVnRZ1hfvIQWBNexttId4cFbGnw7imHrhLDvBpfcZ-S0KMckk3w29XQi6/w300-h400/rome%20street%20art%20(14).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRb9pVwwECNjniVUCkI2AaIcF6dCohpzngkZqFAq1rLFUL5LPAWfK4XHFAG49GHqglu3_rsV0i2oNHX1rp7_EvMTzkm2Vb0wx4xYa57Gy103lUA_aalbRVRyuNaT53b8HVyAqBe5nh043dCsiC0ey2k6qmidI6FD0b716dJNhDqtV4VJ2_pkqKIV8pZ3-H/s763/rome%20street%20art%20(16).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="763" data-original-width="749" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRb9pVwwECNjniVUCkI2AaIcF6dCohpzngkZqFAq1rLFUL5LPAWfK4XHFAG49GHqglu3_rsV0i2oNHX1rp7_EvMTzkm2Vb0wx4xYa57Gy103lUA_aalbRVRyuNaT53b8HVyAqBe5nh043dCsiC0ey2k6qmidI6FD0b716dJNhDqtV4VJ2_pkqKIV8pZ3-H/w393-h400/rome%20street%20art%20(16).jpeg" width="393" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1-dmgqmrRp4aRKfHj7E19PuXVe4gzGiv4ZDx9du8VuWdFvZ12MK_KvFWwrCpUXw7ZdCOvEZ_gz60npmwp1S9Etuu2X8u60e8s6-2qura0VzaMmQuO-EmytORsRBW71FKCIrsStCXo_i_Xu2T62-PsFj-3A1dCoUdkc0mDXe2oQx4985GzV6VCGcLC_6A/s1280/rome%20street%20art%20(17).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1-dmgqmrRp4aRKfHj7E19PuXVe4gzGiv4ZDx9du8VuWdFvZ12MK_KvFWwrCpUXw7ZdCOvEZ_gz60npmwp1S9Etuu2X8u60e8s6-2qura0VzaMmQuO-EmytORsRBW71FKCIrsStCXo_i_Xu2T62-PsFj-3A1dCoUdkc0mDXe2oQx4985GzV6VCGcLC_6A/w400-h300/rome%20street%20art%20(17).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03QAZSaG1EINJdNnEByR5oJ7DBCAJkphEOvrmIHB5cBo8spwVRYc01FXAUDYzmzlyk2tQiUgNElG787gqV1d0KeCXyPRbvLsgEiRfqkCTCrnniN8Y7UybYJDW4XuHM8kke4RCUmq2HgRWVhu7k7SC2mnolpJIX4eTkKvmR0zT2gtFtgUMCQrxOKLPUlZs/s1280/rome%20street%20art.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03QAZSaG1EINJdNnEByR5oJ7DBCAJkphEOvrmIHB5cBo8spwVRYc01FXAUDYzmzlyk2tQiUgNElG787gqV1d0KeCXyPRbvLsgEiRfqkCTCrnniN8Y7UybYJDW4XuHM8kke4RCUmq2HgRWVhu7k7SC2mnolpJIX4eTkKvmR0zT2gtFtgUMCQrxOKLPUlZs/s1280/rome%20street%20art.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY0Jkr2BmscubF6DQkzhKr4Ij4Rg6WvS2I2Ov7Et8rxuE1FCepRixh6dgmC-KDFaCVcg35PUnG9ePkugnfcylnuVZkI8SOj4iMFJ-TMKr4ZDIABCLi7GV3pZG_c_jri6miML4hijYUuUomytfWyu2yexFjWP0Vj4NtZ9oUyfWA3GXHRtOk-ibAI74axN9d/s1280/IMG_1262%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY0Jkr2BmscubF6DQkzhKr4Ij4Rg6WvS2I2Ov7Et8rxuE1FCepRixh6dgmC-KDFaCVcg35PUnG9ePkugnfcylnuVZkI8SOj4iMFJ-TMKr4ZDIABCLi7GV3pZG_c_jri6miML4hijYUuUomytfWyu2yexFjWP0Vj4NtZ9oUyfWA3GXHRtOk-ibAI74axN9d/w300-h400/IMG_1262%202.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The following street art is from central Rome. I was especially interested in the mosaic work used to fill the cracks in the footpath. I have read of such street art but never seen it in real life. The last artwork is stencil art near the <a href="https://gggiraffe.blogspot.com/2024/02/rome-san-giovanni-lateran-basilica-and.html" target="_blank">Lateran Basilica</a>.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHDfa3QcJi8_PpTFEuqAU2RH4oLsQTmOmw64Z_tZPx1TP03O-oRtRAeeVJZ-uFlz6hIvDbsT7ygBFr6kb5ivKUwnQbHqPFb8U3ZiGk7Y_0jTb6HGyb9_pA7pkkJnE5TsqvvYerQEYFaiJlk7wNKEC-2CsBZuRbc3dL5vSv6GDSRh_Ez39idylt7IwwdsbH/s1280/rome%20street%20art%20(20).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHDfa3QcJi8_PpTFEuqAU2RH4oLsQTmOmw64Z_tZPx1TP03O-oRtRAeeVJZ-uFlz6hIvDbsT7ygBFr6kb5ivKUwnQbHqPFb8U3ZiGk7Y_0jTb6HGyb9_pA7pkkJnE5TsqvvYerQEYFaiJlk7wNKEC-2CsBZuRbc3dL5vSv6GDSRh_Ez39idylt7IwwdsbH/w400-h300/rome%20street%20art%20(20).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-7sGNsAdjJ4Wh1zhNSnspwKslmNXGRKDskaRmMnrDdHqxWXnWdcI1OyV2kZNoFTNBUHDY131LDhpuYRV8xE68I7OHqH37_ImrtZwPbKHW_dpSKSVCWn1_I7GdkU9q7jY7pLirRHGQjYBnN50zaPyqmiFkHBSvdhXH8oeWm7MQeMHYuVSmWxgE4a1lII9p/s1280/rome%20street%20art%20(19).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="961" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-7sGNsAdjJ4Wh1zhNSnspwKslmNXGRKDskaRmMnrDdHqxWXnWdcI1OyV2kZNoFTNBUHDY131LDhpuYRV8xE68I7OHqH37_ImrtZwPbKHW_dpSKSVCWn1_I7GdkU9q7jY7pLirRHGQjYBnN50zaPyqmiFkHBSvdhXH8oeWm7MQeMHYuVSmWxgE4a1lII9p/w300-h400/rome%20street%20art%20(19).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtkrP8jubzRw4PMe0ZrNRiiDNL8GxNwUIvc7RthmNvwZURgHIfLrzN3bahnc4mgtbVRqylUQL4iNa6C6Z1RCv9qnZV8p4Bc0LW1U47elL1CQE_kBATN82XE3r9oC84P_VFMwZeprIZPDuhvCb_DKoOqMwNOPvupdN_NQGVJ0BX1kDKHxXiClSE0Xy0cBtn/s1280/rome%20street%20art%20(18).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtkrP8jubzRw4PMe0ZrNRiiDNL8GxNwUIvc7RthmNvwZURgHIfLrzN3bahnc4mgtbVRqylUQL4iNa6C6Z1RCv9qnZV8p4Bc0LW1U47elL1CQE_kBATN82XE3r9oC84P_VFMwZeprIZPDuhvCb_DKoOqMwNOPvupdN_NQGVJ0BX1kDKHxXiClSE0Xy0cBtn/w300-h400/rome%20street%20art%20(18).jpeg" width="300" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO_wq3GXsFdsyx7yoLNtCDwFLY9NLaAk3Xy2BOWqUy-uDuR4U7ByCNdKR66V1z1eygB8MczN6P_-DqpYCpjxFMEcJcDRHVwJfooV823yAnEfxRy1OkWrWO5TbbGum_Aa0GkdWZLDv3rwZ-BP5h-IQvieVxJtDfalSFAJgNuUHqBZ4G8HmJ-FMHVVgi3SrM/s1280/rome%20street%20art%20(21).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO_wq3GXsFdsyx7yoLNtCDwFLY9NLaAk3Xy2BOWqUy-uDuR4U7ByCNdKR66V1z1eygB8MczN6P_-DqpYCpjxFMEcJcDRHVwJfooV823yAnEfxRy1OkWrWO5TbbGum_Aa0GkdWZLDv3rwZ-BP5h-IQvieVxJtDfalSFAJgNuUHqBZ4G8HmJ-FMHVVgi3SrM/w300-h400/rome%20street%20art%20(21).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div></div><br /><p></p></div></div></div>Johanna GGGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08594201473931487490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6742756814967464811.post-10971632410929003442024-02-26T01:07:00.001+11:002024-02-27T00:52:18.062+11:00Rome: Molino bakery pizza cucina, San Giovanni <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghy_4kyCRTlONi0vQ5kcDcw8KpWaHwauYqCkrFDYOblNHMxSodZuH0G5kPnlsL1JIbfywNslNAs_tgEzsNgd35AoHXtiEmFWSgmaIvgZB2uRv-FRCrUOGFmotTmeimfH7K-YgmufyKmMVcdY7aUunYMun662_u4RtmIhl2r0Qnkt9o4_00N7pCUzkfqGYt/s1280/molino%20(4).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghy_4kyCRTlONi0vQ5kcDcw8KpWaHwauYqCkrFDYOblNHMxSodZuH0G5kPnlsL1JIbfywNslNAs_tgEzsNgd35AoHXtiEmFWSgmaIvgZB2uRv-FRCrUOGFmotTmeimfH7K-YgmufyKmMVcdY7aUunYMun662_u4RtmIhl2r0Qnkt9o4_00N7pCUzkfqGYt/w400-h300/molino%20(4).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p>When we stayed in Rome, our AirBnB host recommended Molino which was about a block from our apartment. We went there our first day and were so delighted with their focaccia that we returned again and again. In fact, I lost count of the times we went there over our week by the San Giovanni Porta. I should also note that we got up at 3am to catch our plane from Edinburgh to Rome so we were a bit discombobulated and so a good meal later in the afternoon was very welcome.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhARO8c61SqFD1vb_4eg5XkBw-lOutDeWGwU0WvX7THXziak_Sm6uVm-ew8v3lf6WsRoYcYsK9iRSrtAeVIUV-kU0gMjKGqhGszwudJJaYKSHTPt3IdX9Z5_eqcfIApiYRrjnJMcYAb9eaktLOPSny2ac07M8mQh7cb3ymgQ-KUpcezQOmxiYmB4hy8loli/s1280/molino%20(1).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhARO8c61SqFD1vb_4eg5XkBw-lOutDeWGwU0WvX7THXziak_Sm6uVm-ew8v3lf6WsRoYcYsK9iRSrtAeVIUV-kU0gMjKGqhGszwudJJaYKSHTPt3IdX9Z5_eqcfIApiYRrjnJMcYAb9eaktLOPSny2ac07M8mQh7cb3ymgQ-KUpcezQOmxiYmB4hy8loli/w300-h400/molino%20(1).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>The pizza and bakery section was our favourite. It was always exciting to go see what pizza was on offer. It varied depending on when we went there. One morning we were sad to be there too early for the focaccia. Speaking of the focaccia, I can also confirm that it really good the next morning.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3eX5IG7cxmjLGItHKx1rkZEYj79qn1I0TDRgFRzmPYg17twmTWNOpibkx1oEi9byDubxPbf9ZY_-uyZuTdcDvdtiZwMRF639ibKZRxNbHQXN-cxMohZhG1RoUR0055niDbWiUdTzn6lT7618lhNyMhw1xmn4-EssYvxglaTdudcri6ZEJwzO8XO7RBSz/s1280/molino%20(6).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3eX5IG7cxmjLGItHKx1rkZEYj79qn1I0TDRgFRzmPYg17twmTWNOpibkx1oEi9byDubxPbf9ZY_-uyZuTdcDvdtiZwMRF639ibKZRxNbHQXN-cxMohZhG1RoUR0055niDbWiUdTzn6lT7618lhNyMhw1xmn4-EssYvxglaTdudcri6ZEJwzO8XO7RBSz/w400-h300/molino%20(6).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p>Here is the pizza display on a random day when I was ordering focaccia. You can see the server in the background cutting it the size I requested. It would then be weighed for price, heated and wrapped in paper while I went to the cashier to pay.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZYk78cZdRPb0rJX8ZMDm1ukLQpRYsPYnp1P0-GULL93aB9kftMkjgJrxHdgdwiEb4MUqif9V4jEhbX6tHuZNRMVL_7A1KEUiLKVcH8ovc7xZMiJLgSM9mPf0yJ-VwZC_4bP9ARn6MBrSAnFZHOTO9AuVEOn3RoGoJReX4yoi7DLytQLf-lZjkEodYl7r9/s1280/molino%20(5).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZYk78cZdRPb0rJX8ZMDm1ukLQpRYsPYnp1P0-GULL93aB9kftMkjgJrxHdgdwiEb4MUqif9V4jEhbX6tHuZNRMVL_7A1KEUiLKVcH8ovc7xZMiJLgSM9mPf0yJ-VwZC_4bP9ARn6MBrSAnFZHOTO9AuVEOn3RoGoJReX4yoi7DLytQLf-lZjkEodYl7r9/w300-h400/molino%20(5).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>We loved Molino so much that we went for breakfast one morning. We ate in these two comfortable chairs overlooking the counter. What a perfect spot! We ordered the drinks and baked goods from our waiter but had to go and order the pizza at the counter so it was cut to my preferred size.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-TcyB8TgJ1oxpnSXGBW5Gjk2owJnRVKPQQzXS4dIMPoaLyy0bHh3uukmRMP_MfdxdDIfBG_8y63XC1NCOkOJ22TCof42EvgQt_yrNBzH8_HW_KJH8zEByG3SQnIGu6M_9r8EF9507XxDygNdTy2YSUejwle1lXMAPosKPgl0KUYlyFyQIRUrk3Cp7c5q/s1280/molino%20(3).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-TcyB8TgJ1oxpnSXGBW5Gjk2owJnRVKPQQzXS4dIMPoaLyy0bHh3uukmRMP_MfdxdDIfBG_8y63XC1NCOkOJ22TCof42EvgQt_yrNBzH8_HW_KJH8zEByG3SQnIGu6M_9r8EF9507XxDygNdTy2YSUejwle1lXMAPosKPgl0KUYlyFyQIRUrk3Cp7c5q/w400-h300/molino%20(3).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Sylvia had an ice caffelatte with a croissant and I had a Red Passion Tea and a nutella bombolini. Actually I can't remember what it was called at Molino. It was similar to a bombolini but the top was a bit more fancy with a nutty crumble around the nutella filling. They also had pistachio fillings. Although my tea was made with a teabag it was very nice and I liked the way the teabag sat in the pot.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVLf8Qzwn-NzH7qXD58Gxr2ifFkSbg0HJEQ3FdJkpQF6OUDPB-IFRYR0yZHWldw3FVkdGNYBh28dmVa1cydlkV-D-K1jGBSEqYW72QFOTMV-GjVNmnTXJFM78AdaBerFqAU5JjTmdN0ZRrSw2ghtNupsbFQ5RqhjYK-MUYQHPDoL3UZPljWNDErV7RYX6/s1280/molino%20(7).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVLf8Qzwn-NzH7qXD58Gxr2ifFkSbg0HJEQ3FdJkpQF6OUDPB-IFRYR0yZHWldw3FVkdGNYBh28dmVa1cydlkV-D-K1jGBSEqYW72QFOTMV-GjVNmnTXJFM78AdaBerFqAU5JjTmdN0ZRrSw2ghtNupsbFQ5RqhjYK-MUYQHPDoL3UZPljWNDErV7RYX6/w300-h400/molino%20(7).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br />Unfortunately I had a bad experience with the pizza. I asked if the pizza with potato chunks was vegetarian and was told yes. Some of the pizzas had more than one topping on the whole rectangle. So when I took a bit of the pizza and found a bit of meat in it, I assumed it was from the adjacent topping. Unfortunately not. I had thought the little coloured bits were onion but they were bits of some sort of gristly meat. Usually, as a vegetarian, I would not eat any more but as I had already had a mouthful and it tasted delicious (and I did not want to discuss it with someone who did not speak English as a first language), I ate the rest, pulling bits of meat off. Sylvia really loved her tomato topped pizza.<br /><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMIAde9UWuGUAoG9FmDK-tPxsNzz-yUsOC1znCnpK5O43JlTwWSVHlVn4tUCwljV5RiGHPTy3YTIvYgFgjw6hBoK_YwgwZ3QTU2QRJBKp3bb6iAM-pP4OJpBEuHt_nbK5SheGNExO4f0N4WyW1gr4Z_z0YlIJ074sEi8I6N0fkj8nl_mcUpe_q1Hhyphenhyphenx5SI/s1280/molino%20(2).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMIAde9UWuGUAoG9FmDK-tPxsNzz-yUsOC1znCnpK5O43JlTwWSVHlVn4tUCwljV5RiGHPTy3YTIvYgFgjw6hBoK_YwgwZ3QTU2QRJBKp3bb6iAM-pP4OJpBEuHt_nbK5SheGNExO4f0N4WyW1gr4Z_z0YlIJ074sEi8I6N0fkj8nl_mcUpe_q1Hhyphenhyphenx5SI/w300-h400/molino%20(2).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>On our last morning we decided to treat ourselves with another Molino breakfast. We really loved pizza for breakfast in Rome. Eating outside with views of beautiful buildings was very pleasant. Sylvia had her favourite tomato topped pizza and a hot chocolate. I was interested to taste it to see if it was as good as the amazing one at <a href="https://gggiraffe.blogspot.com/2024/02/rome-babingtons-tea-rooms-and-spanish.html" target="_blank">Babington's Tea Rooms</a>. It was almost as good. </p><p>I had the margherita pizza which had a tomato sauce and slabs of mozzarella. It was a reminder that, unlike our Melbourne pizzas, Rome pizzas did not have lots of melted cheese on top unless it was a feature. The mozzarella was too much for me and I peeled some off the pizza to leave on the size.<br /><br /></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyG2BcX0IBd_7GNVjRPTpp06y6JM6w7Gn4TFH43047tCCIO1k3MJM7x9idJAt9KWJrHjuWMsmOsK9Oy7wiITGxJH_0D_7jRn1ehN0Is-8LWO_ktaHvvNYtX7LuNWZO29l3zIbx7WG1NGPKOZj5nEd3wJnAfDtWxyPjJrcq-jrshFU3ux2Yjn8_yd8GNJwR/s1280/molino.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyG2BcX0IBd_7GNVjRPTpp06y6JM6w7Gn4TFH43047tCCIO1k3MJM7x9idJAt9KWJrHjuWMsmOsK9Oy7wiITGxJH_0D_7jRn1ehN0Is-8LWO_ktaHvvNYtX7LuNWZO29l3zIbx7WG1NGPKOZj5nEd3wJnAfDtWxyPjJrcq-jrshFU3ux2Yjn8_yd8GNJwR/w400-h300/molino.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>When we left that last breakfast it we planned to return that evening for one last meal. As happens with travel, we never did. Probably just as well because I had thought about trying these chocolate covered crostoli (crisp fried pastry). Sylvia had wanted to had a maritozzo (giant sweet buns filled with an obscene amount of cream) and was very happy that she took one with her in the morning.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8sqNP3aX0JfSZeCOAhAg5edcqgxnA9TUIDCuTMCCkQHtt8LrtWIjrH3dPl3xHWyKlQO8b8xe98Y_CjI0qRaLV0Fazydxr-HzSUXHjUZEyZ0NTbysG_zZmlTNcThFAR1Vnt3HgmUpRvW1hTckHzN0Ddb5OS6s2yury-nxCKNCzzEMXIcQh50ES2gbvLLH/s1280/rome%20random%20molino.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8sqNP3aX0JfSZeCOAhAg5edcqgxnA9TUIDCuTMCCkQHtt8LrtWIjrH3dPl3xHWyKlQO8b8xe98Y_CjI0qRaLV0Fazydxr-HzSUXHjUZEyZ0NTbysG_zZmlTNcThFAR1Vnt3HgmUpRvW1hTckHzN0Ddb5OS6s2yury-nxCKNCzzEMXIcQh50ES2gbvLLH/w400-h300/rome%20random%20molino.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Later I found there were more Molino establishments - it was based in 7 locations around Rome. The one by San Giovanni Porta did not feel like a franchise. It served excellent food with friendly and prompt service (including English speaking staff) at a reasonable price. It was always busy, often with customers stopping for a quick coffee and chat at the counter. It felt like the locals loved it just as much as we did.<br /></p><p><b>Molino</b><br />Via Appia Nuova 82<br />San Giovanni<br />Rome, Italy<a href="https://www.molinoroma.it/" target="_blank"><br />www.molinoroma.it</a></p>Johanna GGGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08594201473931487490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6742756814967464811.post-26612428570726828832024-02-24T23:48:00.000+11:002024-02-24T23:48:10.159+11:00Edinburgh: Makars Mash Bar<p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-tjy9nqm6GOKq4EYgzVSOwgx0KXmLJz3bG_Pq2sRnKKQLpv1Vippp4GHkYo6I5If3N4TyWcDA5AOyoHFNEPjAnRZcJQR6P0VRRbr7AN0mddpXr-66urO26SEM9Rt8OhkiDE5n0YdPaJqak7Ap_8e7aLCMUfLWAMz34-YUxl5FmUHGQPes-BTc-6A-k-0P/s1280/makars%20mash%20bar%20(4).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-tjy9nqm6GOKq4EYgzVSOwgx0KXmLJz3bG_Pq2sRnKKQLpv1Vippp4GHkYo6I5If3N4TyWcDA5AOyoHFNEPjAnRZcJQR6P0VRRbr7AN0mddpXr-66urO26SEM9Rt8OhkiDE5n0YdPaJqak7Ap_8e7aLCMUfLWAMz34-YUxl5FmUHGQPes-BTc-6A-k-0P/w300-h400/makars%20mash%20bar%20(4).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>The Makar's Mash Bar entices on a cold Edinburgh evening with twinkling lights and the promise of plenty of comforting mashed potato. I was not familiar with the term <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Makar" target="_blank">Makar</a> but Wikipedia tells me it is someone who creates. I love the idea of a creative maker of mashed potatoes. Indeed it was a place of interesting food and an interest in literature.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQmSjcLIqJV_3IT8d1vu7xxZ3Wnh9TCrNVRjLdGGYvCIq9f0rdlsBc2f5C6M5r7-Xi99IkvKx7f9I24ch415MN6QC_q2NZkgDDLItLIVhOddeVXZwhuOc0wMmP-uQCqDDgxog0FlWJNKDf0WAIL6aNDMouzm09YKYmEodmxbUjCjKSgJqJYbJanwyrOrs/s1280/view%20makars%20mash%20bar.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQmSjcLIqJV_3IT8d1vu7xxZ3Wnh9TCrNVRjLdGGYvCIq9f0rdlsBc2f5C6M5r7-Xi99IkvKx7f9I24ch415MN6QC_q2NZkgDDLItLIVhOddeVXZwhuOc0wMmP-uQCqDDgxog0FlWJNKDf0WAIL6aNDMouzm09YKYmEodmxbUjCjKSgJqJYbJanwyrOrs/w400-h300/view%20makars%20mash%20bar.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>We walked in rather than booking. The waiter took our name and mobile phone number so he could text us when they were ready in 10 to 15 minutes. So we went for a walk in the chilly evening while we waited. The Makars Mash Bar is on Bank Street just off the Royal Mile. At night this area is lit up and twinkles with the wisdom of an old town that has seen many centuries come and go!<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO6G6ZSkM4C3OckU_Vnfn3MzQoEUcUj2DNpDVen0iokDCrEv1Hyi7vB0SjuePuCi2pFjCTnl1_D6x9zIT8HsG9pTPRcak-3v9oWVXqhA9lMA7dflnrbv7LOIrjNg90k_p2qseXh-2YYx9_k7LS4FFvNTpwuIGbbTg7tjRFv-ND3M7M3-lkFkfEquLZ9ru4/s1280/makars%20mash%20bar.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO6G6ZSkM4C3OckU_Vnfn3MzQoEUcUj2DNpDVen0iokDCrEv1Hyi7vB0SjuePuCi2pFjCTnl1_D6x9zIT8HsG9pTPRcak-3v9oWVXqhA9lMA7dflnrbv7LOIrjNg90k_p2qseXh-2YYx9_k7LS4FFvNTpwuIGbbTg7tjRFv-ND3M7M3-lkFkfEquLZ9ru4/w400-h400/makars%20mash%20bar.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Once a table was ready we returned into the bright warmth of the entrance and were shown down the stairs to our table.<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ZpckCHqpgBgUXNHXqCZq5KYH83k-UAfViMvDgev0Wfjp9_wD4nDW7n0kzQP_hViKTHICOIjd-FXCwj7rjHVIZTBEETFimbPt-TINDudJdz6oX5PXghIM3VWt6s2eybAl1sB2PbPhpGMeIlRMFfpoe20syACYvjemDMeK6uiGY2D7tCLtrpKEmwQ5ug-g/s1280/makars%20mash%20bar%20(1).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ZpckCHqpgBgUXNHXqCZq5KYH83k-UAfViMvDgev0Wfjp9_wD4nDW7n0kzQP_hViKTHICOIjd-FXCwj7rjHVIZTBEETFimbPt-TINDudJdz6oX5PXghIM3VWt6s2eybAl1sB2PbPhpGMeIlRMFfpoe20syACYvjemDMeK6uiGY2D7tCLtrpKEmwQ5ug-g/w400-h300/makars%20mash%20bar%20(1).jpeg" width="400" /></a></p><p>I was very pleased that my seat overlooked the wall of writers. I have enjoyed many of Ian Rankin's books and was happy for him to keep me company. There were also pictures nearby of Muriel Spark, Conan Doyle and Irvine Welsh. And lots of literary quotes to ponder.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmD0e5j0MJhGSPBY0I22HVD1Ci5bpDFZOHmuLQhzbZPrWS_om3WAmMKuRobv2KOrxlymwcqk6iH6FsDZgasg1vloSTqE6Q5PHEhmA3IUh1Mz5DDKZGkHM3P6Rqvx1jmjEIpZhqaj8pqfX3oh3DvJmFodXiZIoeb8QQ8yUnEiO71NQJaA-UY69fJWtZxvkk/s1280/makars%20mash%20bar%20(2).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmD0e5j0MJhGSPBY0I22HVD1Ci5bpDFZOHmuLQhzbZPrWS_om3WAmMKuRobv2KOrxlymwcqk6iH6FsDZgasg1vloSTqE6Q5PHEhmA3IUh1Mz5DDKZGkHM3P6Rqvx1jmjEIpZhqaj8pqfX3oh3DvJmFodXiZIoeb8QQ8yUnEiO71NQJaA-UY69fJWtZxvkk/w300-h400/makars%20mash%20bar%20(2).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>We started with a drink. Sylvia had apple juice and I had the Bon Accord Rhubarb Soda. Mine was excellent and creamy, not too sweet and with pleasing rhubarb flavour.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRBgisbpcAMelcL1YdsD8Cmzxj7klrEnSSBnvL1nwZnYZzyJj4OAx0OGrfqT03lEDHcMHhBfqvP0xMOKDspqLUAV4v0COlM4vLJBeACVm9xoJ_Ii42conwJGmWEf1DXcWUal9xKASLvmVb0FVANILnBSjE_HhLEExJA-FkD20Os_QsUYUsOYk6RCVf7GL/s1280/makars%20mash%20bar%20(7).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRBgisbpcAMelcL1YdsD8Cmzxj7klrEnSSBnvL1nwZnYZzyJj4OAx0OGrfqT03lEDHcMHhBfqvP0xMOKDspqLUAV4v0COlM4vLJBeACVm9xoJ_Ii42conwJGmWEf1DXcWUal9xKASLvmVb0FVANILnBSjE_HhLEExJA-FkD20Os_QsUYUsOYk6RCVf7GL/w400-h300/makars%20mash%20bar%20(7).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Sylvia ordered that Leek and Potato soup with Potato scones and some Mature Scottish Cheddar Cheese mash. She wanted something light because she had a cold on top of her jetlag. The meal was just what she needed, though she wanted a few more of the tattie scones that came with her soup and found the cheese in her mash quite chewy. No complaints about all the potato she had in her meal! And the waitress brought her over more tattie scones when Sylvia asked. However if the vegetarian Scotch Egg had been available, she would have tried it.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkI_P99rRE2Mn65hJ3OERaH6J3GvrYY3eMcunQ0Py8V7B3D-mkwhO-g7txi8201j-DHEQGZXy9sMYvBbjm2E5PYyI_mIUCdvWq2VuZtyiYBqEDzLedU0ldpyZGOJtJq7X2KCYExl3OCxUi-5u29uYwOKk3XdRxJ-jwQQYcVNCaBl6-u_lWZPtTqC27kDLo/s1280/makars%20mash%20bar%20(3).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkI_P99rRE2Mn65hJ3OERaH6J3GvrYY3eMcunQ0Py8V7B3D-mkwhO-g7txi8201j-DHEQGZXy9sMYvBbjm2E5PYyI_mIUCdvWq2VuZtyiYBqEDzLedU0ldpyZGOJtJq7X2KCYExl3OCxUi-5u29uYwOKk3XdRxJ-jwQQYcVNCaBl6-u_lWZPtTqC27kDLo/w400-h300/makars%20mash%20bar%20(3).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>I chose to have Vegetarian Haggis with Whisky Peppercorn Cream Sauce. This came with neeps and tatties as is the tradition. I admired the way it was served as a stack in a pool of sauce (which looked huge but was just right). It has always struck me how difficult it is to make haggis, neeps and tatties look attractive but I think restaurants are improving on this. I was able to choose my mashed potato to have with the haggis and chose the Mild Smoked Applewood Cheese. I was a little jealous of Sylvia's chunks of cheese in hers as I did not really detect the smoky cheese in mine. I am still not sure if I got the right mash or not.</p><p>On the menu, the haggis described as "a mix of healthy fresh vegetables, pulses, oatmeal, mustard, seeds and spices". I loved my haggis so much I asked the waitress how they made it and she came back with advice from the kitchen that it was made with barley, oats and pumpkin seeds.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3bHPXZLZE_zeBIXlZbX-KyifNYiF9Au-xSQW98A7V1f_gfYP6FcWnWmq2TGb9Glo3cumH-e6kPOJHQOjXAOL0DgEm-X5AzXLF-fPqra98_-auPNXUfuLIBEiTuwyMig2T68sADoatDLQE69IsBefB5f10T1DlZPN07jMQGHXbL2H9KJ74R28FCApQgRX/s1280/makars%20mash%20bar%20(5).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3bHPXZLZE_zeBIXlZbX-KyifNYiF9Au-xSQW98A7V1f_gfYP6FcWnWmq2TGb9Glo3cumH-e6kPOJHQOjXAOL0DgEm-X5AzXLF-fPqra98_-auPNXUfuLIBEiTuwyMig2T68sADoatDLQE69IsBefB5f10T1DlZPN07jMQGHXbL2H9KJ74R28FCApQgRX/w400-h300/makars%20mash%20bar%20(5).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p>It happened to be Burns Night on the day we chose. I was delighted when our waitress brought everyone a little thistle charm and a print out of a poem by Rabbie Burns, whose writing is traditionally celebrated in Scotland on 25 January each year with haggis, whisky, poetry, song and dance. I asked her why the writers that had large "portraits" on the walls were not represented in the literary quotes surrounding them. She said no one had ever asked her that before and she would be asking about it. She was so friendly and fun to chat with and had time for everyone.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHRswPYxcvhihyZw-s7KVayMhUtGOb2zruu5J61EUfAe-Taw4RIyGRk0rJBnzIa0bpQhpnSE-un1I7fSF4Z5XPBrmsXaUr2C2dRUiroT2ynqYzSPwv2k-ouq8EGwiurVX4wGTQU_BLT8Fs4bvLbU9sgKE7Nv38H7YYX0olFADgzVEx35iif4iUJkT5-2m3/s1280/makars%20mash%20bar%20(6).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHRswPYxcvhihyZw-s7KVayMhUtGOb2zruu5J61EUfAe-Taw4RIyGRk0rJBnzIa0bpQhpnSE-un1I7fSF4Z5XPBrmsXaUr2C2dRUiroT2ynqYzSPwv2k-ouq8EGwiurVX4wGTQU_BLT8Fs4bvLbU9sgKE7Nv38H7YYX0olFADgzVEx35iif4iUJkT5-2m3/w300-h400/makars%20mash%20bar%20(6).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div></div><p></p><p>Then it was time to leave and catch the bus back to our hotel. I really loved the Makars Mash<b> </b>Bar. It catered to vegan and gluten diets with ease and made us feel very welcome. It was also lovely to have an opportunity to stroll down the High Street section of The Royal Mile and see the familiar sights of Edinburgh.<b> </b></p><p>(NOTE: This was written on the plane and published when we got home to Melbourne.)<b><br /></b></p><p><b>Makar's Mash Bar</b><br />9-12 Bank Street (The Mound)<br />Edinburgh EH1 2LN<a href="https://makarsmash.com/" target="_blank"><br />makarsmash.com</a></p><p></p>Johanna GGGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08594201473931487490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6742756814967464811.post-86784541777287450822024-02-23T08:30:00.006+11:002024-02-23T08:30:57.351+11:00Rome: San Giovanni Lateran Basilica and Scala Sancta<div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigPLUgBYdlvVm7-QoBjn390qCBPTQhkNA4CKmgh5EtJMRDhwoJoKRastUYVLdICePaCUN2RavdVDSYKFlcEeKrTUKIiYW3fKAt25d47pg1vajVZvT_OOZ3hojF1rzY7DnBXG13KesTLIjE4zwFO-41lOSv0vdfRlg80ecwS2y6XxRz1BrV2FKDhbgDxO2F/s1280/cathedral%20of%20rome%20(1).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigPLUgBYdlvVm7-QoBjn390qCBPTQhkNA4CKmgh5EtJMRDhwoJoKRastUYVLdICePaCUN2RavdVDSYKFlcEeKrTUKIiYW3fKAt25d47pg1vajVZvT_OOZ3hojF1rzY7DnBXG13KesTLIjE4zwFO-41lOSv0vdfRlg80ecwS2y6XxRz1BrV2FKDhbgDxO2F/w400-h300/cathedral%20of%20rome%20(1).jpeg" width="400" /></a> <br /></div><p></p><p>According to Wikipedia, the title of this basilica is "Major Papal, Patriarchal and Roman Archbasilica Cathedral of the Most
Holy Savior and Saints John the Baptist and the Evangelist in Lateran,
Mother and Head of All Churches in Rome and in the World." It must be important. It is definitely an impressive building. The above photo does not convey the awe that I felt outside the building looking at at how huge it is.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijeeJnSUlF9oA94jOKAwWXiqs5zM7GyP71elzWnqc82Pyb2lVBkHqz-4rS5O7PmVhHRl_Qna14HUf6nlCiVmIHYEy_i7A9XKywCpY130p6UAgoo34iiAt0PfNn7mBQWerRukGuig_Npf0jJDNlJGHkoraRMG-DHSBUCqYunQoa0RxX5vropbw4D4BHwIwf/s1280/cathedral%20of%20rome%20(2).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1164" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijeeJnSUlF9oA94jOKAwWXiqs5zM7GyP71elzWnqc82Pyb2lVBkHqz-4rS5O7PmVhHRl_Qna14HUf6nlCiVmIHYEy_i7A9XKywCpY130p6UAgoo34iiAt0PfNn7mBQWerRukGuig_Npf0jJDNlJGHkoraRMG-DHSBUCqYunQoa0RxX5vropbw4D4BHwIwf/w364-h400/cathedral%20of%20rome%20(2).jpeg" width="364" /></a></div><p></p><p>Even this photo of the portico does not give justice to how large it is. (If you look out from this portico, you will look out to see busy traffic around the San Giovanni Porta.)<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGkio4DoZ5MteYb4dnSa0DaGWRHO0Xxks0sjsBN0vx4m7EmZukN4BcVgcenJjOEUwrX8KX7v-JuXv-AZclIHd-ljEeC9M5mczyeAv3bD8a1gOZjGmQGQcLTAVFpxWq4eSJMpUfVdaJDMNA6R3wHF8yzOlYNyQXj-3pELyt9aCV9Qg03sJYUqFseDZpDU1n/s1280/cathedral%20of%20rome%20(21).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGkio4DoZ5MteYb4dnSa0DaGWRHO0Xxks0sjsBN0vx4m7EmZukN4BcVgcenJjOEUwrX8KX7v-JuXv-AZclIHd-ljEeC9M5mczyeAv3bD8a1gOZjGmQGQcLTAVFpxWq4eSJMpUfVdaJDMNA6R3wHF8yzOlYNyQXj-3pELyt9aCV9Qg03sJYUqFseDZpDU1n/w300-h400/cathedral%20of%20rome%20(21).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br />So here is a photo of me against the green door that you will glimpse in the previous photo. That is one big door! It looks like I have drunk the "shrink me" potion in <i>Alice in Wonderland</i>.<br /><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTu7SAxxCgM22iNGuqMvbYbIp5qyYMeyqErXjqbPBLP5-aPQYG9VohCFI3bFQwhb8aZUU2-oWUz2Iu30B8A0Bv-MKvK6sWdbTw7vtcRjWOxksan14Ue6Kya3mON2rR_hYLbYvSEW4QxOQKfYzaVJ6EGcT-jc_rePKauWpx8zuC3QwdAtF9kkAKokCCxsWh/s1280/cathedral%20of%20rome%20(3).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTu7SAxxCgM22iNGuqMvbYbIp5qyYMeyqErXjqbPBLP5-aPQYG9VohCFI3bFQwhb8aZUU2-oWUz2Iu30B8A0Bv-MKvK6sWdbTw7vtcRjWOxksan14Ue6Kya3mON2rR_hYLbYvSEW4QxOQKfYzaVJ6EGcT-jc_rePKauWpx8zuC3QwdAtF9kkAKokCCxsWh/w300-h400/cathedral%20of%20rome%20(3).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p>I took this photo of the chapel on my left as I walked in and later read that it was the resting place of someone significant. I should have written notes because now I cannot find who it is. Rome is like that. So much history that what might be notable elsewhere is just a drop in the flood of significance. It is hard to keep up. </p><p>I was so overwhelmed by this basilica that I bought a guidebook in a chapel; something that I rarely do these days given the information online and the piles of tourist detritus in my house. But even trying to read it is difficult because it condenses so much information. </p><p>So many architectural changes to the building. <br />So many beautiful and symbolic works of art. <br />So many significant people involved as popes, artists and architects. <br />So many significant moments related to world history and the Catholic Church. </p><p>My blog post can only skim across the surface and express my awe because I would be here for years if I were to say everything that should be said about it. </p><p>And to return to my uneasiness with the Vatican, so much wealth has been poured into this building, which might have been used to bring material comfort to those in need rather than focusing on spiritual needs. One might argue that the wealth of the spirit is from attending to the material needs of others rather than creating grand buildings. And yet I can't get over how amazing the building is so I am conflicted in seeing such beautiful creations!<br /><br /></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOwfoVuNU9mqtgEA75g5Ave9zJ28lll6zQXOSRNNf4-zm-_vFX7nvkoSsGIrEgapZNJGdFkFQ2kZfDZkR3hYQr9hyszxE6Xs7Zahg3s96z3A_zSnBqXM4UXm-U1xJwXRfUpi-j2tarO0I1MfcmacxKW40c4e7AeTFfFhyphenhyphenarf7YR30KtQS1Cv-GaGCXJ_m0/s1280/cathedral%20of%20rome%20(20).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOwfoVuNU9mqtgEA75g5Ave9zJ28lll6zQXOSRNNf4-zm-_vFX7nvkoSsGIrEgapZNJGdFkFQ2kZfDZkR3hYQr9hyszxE6Xs7Zahg3s96z3A_zSnBqXM4UXm-U1xJwXRfUpi-j2tarO0I1MfcmacxKW40c4e7AeTFfFhyphenhyphenarf7YR30KtQS1Cv-GaGCXJ_m0/w300-h400/cathedral%20of%20rome%20(20).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>So after my digression, I return to the astonishing size of the basilica. If you look carefully towards the bottom right corner, you will see a guide sitting in a chair to give you some perspective. This is the view towards the back of the church.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHAxm2iiNgLmseyevlXHfyTirsJycLKKWzsXoU19led2geQyImUV3-rFhUGql1e7uPLi5uE7Yc2s-n3BY-zzlOTAD0ojHQDqSkD9PuTczGhlmPIUR98zUzuB_ER-rRDBIBa-b6TVDFzKVDU6D-jBna3HJsagg_bWIakdFCuGRxIRNcVoG4WG1HsytMNMpu/s1280/cathedral%20of%20rome%20(23).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHAxm2iiNgLmseyevlXHfyTirsJycLKKWzsXoU19led2geQyImUV3-rFhUGql1e7uPLi5uE7Yc2s-n3BY-zzlOTAD0ojHQDqSkD9PuTczGhlmPIUR98zUzuB_ER-rRDBIBa-b6TVDFzKVDU6D-jBna3HJsagg_bWIakdFCuGRxIRNcVoG4WG1HsytMNMpu/w300-h400/cathedral%20of%20rome%20(23).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>This is the view from the same place as the previous photo but it is looking towards the nave. The opulent golden ceiling draws the eye. I wish I had had more time to study the statues of the apostles in the alcoves. I am fascinated by the lives of the saints and wish I knew more about them. (Thanks for the start, Sister Mary at my Catholic school!)<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkSGD4aTCeAnpR_oKx7TnqMCCncleT5XUGJsOCowe-iVuYtbTyh5mDI2rz8yU0Chlrw6SZuyvXxT9fZzevCuCf6U1U_ZTVJ16ax0NKvtbKIrAly3Pl0MowNvE2E4DzZJ6t9WgwsGHVYxDJwd_5VFESWAAACYs9XR6Zm01QYNJpC3bW8GzSpj8lgAJxk-X2/s1280/cathedral%20of%20rome%20(4).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkSGD4aTCeAnpR_oKx7TnqMCCncleT5XUGJsOCowe-iVuYtbTyh5mDI2rz8yU0Chlrw6SZuyvXxT9fZzevCuCf6U1U_ZTVJ16ax0NKvtbKIrAly3Pl0MowNvE2E4DzZJ6t9WgwsGHVYxDJwd_5VFESWAAACYs9XR6Zm01QYNJpC3bW8GzSpj8lgAJxk-X2/w300-h400/cathedral%20of%20rome%20(4).jpeg" width="300" /></a> </p><p>Here is a statue of Bartholomew, one of the apostles. He is depicted with his flayed skin and a knife to represent his death being skinned alive and beheaded. Apparently this is one of the ways he is said to have died but I guess it is the most memorable. This is immediately recognisable.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvENqCKkgQ_LQ3lwYHCJnEgF0XoAxiQhrKhVkGIEJFdO6fsGqLOQ78wl3F4XkWh7PdPVsaJQ2PlNehhFDWvDVs3MbKUOhXtIBPjCfKotlvm1KKlbb401y0APcTa_f29A5HA6ZRaYh5zTjMLXV1W1ddZ1ah3Qk125AQcm0_Y6CZhiO9DJKRG8E6QsTYeHEW/s1280/cathedral%20of%20rome%20(5).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="961" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvENqCKkgQ_LQ3lwYHCJnEgF0XoAxiQhrKhVkGIEJFdO6fsGqLOQ78wl3F4XkWh7PdPVsaJQ2PlNehhFDWvDVs3MbKUOhXtIBPjCfKotlvm1KKlbb401y0APcTa_f29A5HA6ZRaYh5zTjMLXV1W1ddZ1ah3Qk125AQcm0_Y6CZhiO9DJKRG8E6QsTYeHEW/w300-h400/cathedral%20of%20rome%20(5).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Also fascinating in Catholic iconography is that way that people are represented. In the above scene I think the saints (or is that God the Father and God the Son?) look odd because their heads are out of proportion. The pope is holding up a building to . Show and tell? <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRnqDqjMbP60e6s6Hvb6Qs5rk-uLRQJ3Mrk3nn_eBo2qB3JS29JDotky3iKyLHpb9Lk5qeA-bR6wrV8gQ5GMrCwZnYEslLTFChLgY6hC1YsJsKXEP_Y8JSsLed-a5moryJjFu65b_yOS4nr15E7bABKyuYS_jhWXk9kF_EW2DRQaADVt8YZjeVAo-fuOq3/s1280/cathedral%20of%20rome%20(6).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="899" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRnqDqjMbP60e6s6Hvb6Qs5rk-uLRQJ3Mrk3nn_eBo2qB3JS29JDotky3iKyLHpb9Lk5qeA-bR6wrV8gQ5GMrCwZnYEslLTFChLgY6hC1YsJsKXEP_Y8JSsLed-a5moryJjFu65b_yOS4nr15E7bABKyuYS_jhWXk9kF_EW2DRQaADVt8YZjeVAo-fuOq3/w281-h400/cathedral%20of%20rome%20(6).jpeg" width="281" /></a></div><p></p><p>Did I mention that when I went in, Sylvia decided to wait outside. At
this point while I was walking through the basilica, I realised I was
taking longer than I had expected and messaged Sylvia who was tired of
waiting and decided to come in. I was glad because there was so much to see that I needed quite a bit more time and she got to see the splendid building.<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIfthX3dXFZikeOHT7hP3T1Y7V-8mV7piO_-Dsnl4HRoMc8q9xl5eZWZLK1C1hyphenhyphenPrDej9Co0hGhIcmylLVC-ACUvWz8S-egxPCwQfDta35Fb5damcSCttGY4Zj1gvyE93tL3LphEVqBN3ZFjJvAwX_MR6XHOab0JjaYSCk-i_SoMY5w_uzjIuIHFikw5R/s1280/cathedral%20of%20rome%20(7).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIfthX3dXFZikeOHT7hP3T1Y7V-8mV7piO_-Dsnl4HRoMc8q9xl5eZWZLK1C1hyphenhyphenPrDej9Co0hGhIcmylLVC-ACUvWz8S-egxPCwQfDta35Fb5damcSCttGY4Zj1gvyE93tL3LphEVqBN3ZFjJvAwX_MR6XHOab0JjaYSCk-i_SoMY5w_uzjIuIHFikw5R/w400-h300/cathedral%20of%20rome%20(7).jpeg" width="400" /></a><br /></p><p>The nave is a great example of art covering every surface possible. In the middle is the <i>"papal cathedra"</i> otherwise known as the chair of the pope which is the reason it is a cathedral. I was quite confused by the Lateran Basilica being the Cathedral of the Diocese of Rome. The Pope is the Bishop of Rome so this is his seat. It shows me that I just don't understand how the Vatican is a separate nation to Italy and yet the Pope is Bishop of Rome. Maybe it is a bit like Jesus being both God and the Son of God.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiud6uYrTAIzBnD2iKoK0bsDlNDzDZKag78zbo8-ahZWL53nNpTuSki4tF3iF_Q437KysaCg3F8KtC05oB_bl2pDHgzViB7l9FaNpA_dN8-MrsWHs6ZwVEvChgLXWBXO3y4nRXKcrsrkEozw33P6x9ee7XHZw-P-x_8gilrEa0lnegm6yCW-t2pDYjHsMAb/s1280/cathedral%20of%20rome%20(8).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiud6uYrTAIzBnD2iKoK0bsDlNDzDZKag78zbo8-ahZWL53nNpTuSki4tF3iF_Q437KysaCg3F8KtC05oB_bl2pDHgzViB7l9FaNpA_dN8-MrsWHs6ZwVEvChgLXWBXO3y4nRXKcrsrkEozw33P6x9ee7XHZw-P-x_8gilrEa0lnegm6yCW-t2pDYjHsMAb/w300-h400/cathedral%20of%20rome%20(8).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>The Organ is as ornate as the rest of the basilica. It would be amazing to come to a Mass here and here the music.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjafMtWlaOD_CVlN7Dg0p_yRWexfy9Fq6Etg0b4QCnagul3eHjFeWKxnW-3mEs98gOW5Fgff8eID37cusWjopZlOVjaqfRdGyhC9SvbrF6sm_gBB53EIr2EIZCD24OL2iBWMDIZiyuZkfFM8WBBQxt8i31hTU84qMNtvxK45Wje4m8xUc4PzbCYdmJF_4Ss/s1280/cathedral%20of%20rome%20(9).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjafMtWlaOD_CVlN7Dg0p_yRWexfy9Fq6Etg0b4QCnagul3eHjFeWKxnW-3mEs98gOW5Fgff8eID37cusWjopZlOVjaqfRdGyhC9SvbrF6sm_gBB53EIr2EIZCD24OL2iBWMDIZiyuZkfFM8WBBQxt8i31hTU84qMNtvxK45Wje4m8xUc4PzbCYdmJF_4Ss/w300-h400/cathedral%20of%20rome%20(9).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p>More artwork over the walls and long aisle of arches.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTna6MnE78lDbfTd9E0yZ-xmPxdJxxRPVJ4MUs5qbnymyrzQi_SNIhuprv-UKC9Sm8AbVnrjFxTnl4RLYSG18A5FrCH8Zs5q0iBls4B_KQ01KgU0NzkP2QbabRdpxs0EZnQ6QEm7HnzL1SAzV2dr7_xzb0lofWqGGG4jgCzWryf6KnJGT0Hdk-v3S1wVkf/s1280/cathedral%20of%20rome%20(15).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTna6MnE78lDbfTd9E0yZ-xmPxdJxxRPVJ4MUs5qbnymyrzQi_SNIhuprv-UKC9Sm8AbVnrjFxTnl4RLYSG18A5FrCH8Zs5q0iBls4B_KQ01KgU0NzkP2QbabRdpxs0EZnQ6QEm7HnzL1SAzV2dr7_xzb0lofWqGGG4jgCzWryf6KnJGT0Hdk-v3S1wVkf/w300-h400/cathedral%20of%20rome%20(15).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>There are many lovely chapels for private prayer.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-uDpVlNe2oOlN1kN0cTz-5rrw1zrny5mxUxfCzsC1V6tvETwNJjFVu5uL6wmAayrv4HjoqzjHPKRA8SHzvVLyHL1VQzRQy1CQImDbJo8Fj5VCcHf60JKVYQa4fzHSpmTs-RMzYUrPYMyjcQsdwPpzxL5KbUEVsYAXX904SdClnFMEplv-zxHidm9Rm75/s1280/cathedral%20of%20rome%20(14).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-uDpVlNe2oOlN1kN0cTz-5rrw1zrny5mxUxfCzsC1V6tvETwNJjFVu5uL6wmAayrv4HjoqzjHPKRA8SHzvVLyHL1VQzRQy1CQImDbJo8Fj5VCcHf60JKVYQa4fzHSpmTs-RMzYUrPYMyjcQsdwPpzxL5KbUEVsYAXX904SdClnFMEplv-zxHidm9Rm75/w300-h400/cathedral%20of%20rome%20(14).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div></div><div> </div><div>And of course there is the confessional. I think confessing your sins in this one would be a bit challenging given the insouciance of the statue lying across the top.<br /> <br /></div><div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbR3jmJE1dO1ye3LVD0-ew3xajBEH4kqn7wM8HS9qA8iI-D2yCRxKR62LwClVLvWv5LMW7S4p0gWxlop-W4HnXfTdAzo0_-TDA-JGAwRZGA8oh6KbY-ikAU6JURHPMPYF7r1hbg7QsPslhU-TNI46T9m88E_rEzm931Xv0kX2AsXp3dHTRZfBkzD1MTj3-/s1280/cathedral%20of%20rome%20(11).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbR3jmJE1dO1ye3LVD0-ew3xajBEH4kqn7wM8HS9qA8iI-D2yCRxKR62LwClVLvWv5LMW7S4p0gWxlop-W4HnXfTdAzo0_-TDA-JGAwRZGA8oh6KbY-ikAU6JURHPMPYF7r1hbg7QsPslhU-TNI46T9m88E_rEzm931Xv0kX2AsXp3dHTRZfBkzD1MTj3-/w400-h300/cathedral%20of%20rome%20(11).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div> </div><div>The Basilica is but we had to pay to visit the Cloisters. Who could resist! The history of the building goes back so far that they had lots of old stones all the way around. <br /> <br /></div><div> </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiAxwj3OB9sB1TpcVeSfVFmN_P3tDRkUTRw-8qF0u5aCSLbvlIctJXjVgnpb4gmELbvXevX6R6XPQArCQoAqZLEsnIA3pnMAJ5kjU2HSRRh1ioI7aDwWLkBmS1Bo73qn-I577uXOrl0rrVmSVyjBJi9aLwAwDPH9f3pwjGj6yQIy6dsOYMAxI5ooKyybvo/s1280/cathedral%20of%20rome%20(10).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiAxwj3OB9sB1TpcVeSfVFmN_P3tDRkUTRw-8qF0u5aCSLbvlIctJXjVgnpb4gmELbvXevX6R6XPQArCQoAqZLEsnIA3pnMAJ5kjU2HSRRh1ioI7aDwWLkBmS1Bo73qn-I577uXOrl0rrVmSVyjBJi9aLwAwDPH9f3pwjGj6yQIy6dsOYMAxI5ooKyybvo/w300-h400/cathedral%20of%20rome%20(10).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div></div><div> </div><div>The tomb slab of Elisabetta Orsini, Noblewoman from Rome, dated 1 December 1496. I am not clear where it has been for over 500 years but it shows the ravages of time.<br /><br /></div><div> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiu3LC5OEWHIyI5LAlkWpP0HNDBDhsP7v5f3xAxruclmoZo9veZR5aHPzLM533wLG5LCuj187Cso8QZ8go4kXbaay69N4s8oPpig9XtmishiLgriNVH1yKhWLxkytz1L4C6Qxx2kIQvrZ6HCqpIvU_-FgxAMqnpd3pmoZq52lBgKiT46yNN9_KioQz26fk/s1280/cathedral%20of%20rome%20(12).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiu3LC5OEWHIyI5LAlkWpP0HNDBDhsP7v5f3xAxruclmoZo9veZR5aHPzLM533wLG5LCuj187Cso8QZ8go4kXbaay69N4s8oPpig9XtmishiLgriNVH1yKhWLxkytz1L4C6Qxx2kIQvrZ6HCqpIvU_-FgxAMqnpd3pmoZq52lBgKiT46yNN9_KioQz26fk/w400-h300/cathedral%20of%20rome%20(12).jpeg" width="400" /></a> </div><div> </div><div> The pillars in the archways are quite lovely.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmZIz5guKkFZ1lC3nzG3i4xcPEHM4Y2GMyrn0fZ8IDEtk1GrZargVubKY-EiWH6pdBCtCQGVUuNKsi-7LfvZCF6tbb_NIn8JoL0Wt5R7hc6h-OXwHq71D6YMhdtUfGY1CZeBHP_UMp3KF19qBP6x4PHudnm0a0sWo_65LF2tSAjcPv3C6rZoYdR-oHgbQy/s1280/cathedral%20of%20rome.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmZIz5guKkFZ1lC3nzG3i4xcPEHM4Y2GMyrn0fZ8IDEtk1GrZargVubKY-EiWH6pdBCtCQGVUuNKsi-7LfvZCF6tbb_NIn8JoL0Wt5R7hc6h-OXwHq71D6YMhdtUfGY1CZeBHP_UMp3KF19qBP6x4PHudnm0a0sWo_65LF2tSAjcPv3C6rZoYdR-oHgbQy/w400-h300/cathedral%20of%20rome.jpeg" width="400" /></a><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiu3LC5OEWHIyI5LAlkWpP0HNDBDhsP7v5f3xAxruclmoZo9veZR5aHPzLM533wLG5LCuj187Cso8QZ8go4kXbaay69N4s8oPpig9XtmishiLgriNVH1yKhWLxkytz1L4C6Qxx2kIQvrZ6HCqpIvU_-FgxAMqnpd3pmoZq52lBgKiT46yNN9_KioQz26fk/s1280/cathedral%20of%20rome%20(12).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div></div>This is the tomb of Ricardo Annibaldi, a subdeacon and papal notary who died on 28 August 1289. He came from a notable family and had an impressive tomb and freize, which is partially preserved here.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0QnHCpG9Vr-PNSD3j-QiQsuSO2ap6xMx9yzrVfkdmZQxPDW9dL_2JIN4l_VqfwcZH9om3TqG-SutzPns_DIdLHMy9SoeNWzqrgiPeWddGPXoOi-Puj-JaOVTJ4IU49BTAKkLV7Ojnz5kfjQkQ9UAFHJJYXRdA7_LixpLppUCntVwtxoewGKdTtLiZj1p/s1280/cathedral%20of%20rome%20(24).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0QnHCpG9Vr-PNSD3j-QiQsuSO2ap6xMx9yzrVfkdmZQxPDW9dL_2JIN4l_VqfwcZH9om3TqG-SutzPns_DIdLHMy9SoeNWzqrgiPeWddGPXoOi-Puj-JaOVTJ4IU49BTAKkLV7Ojnz5kfjQkQ9UAFHJJYXRdA7_LixpLppUCntVwtxoewGKdTtLiZj1p/w300-h400/cathedral%20of%20rome%20(24).jpeg" width="300" /></a><br /></div><div><br />This tomb slab of one of the Lateran canons from the first half of the 16th Century. I love how tired he looks. It is so relatable.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRC8uRVUokP5Cl0YqYruklAzJlpwD-3o2UZF0zyH1XXnUFN3s6AHn1-ja81O4g-xsQYG2D7BgrjgC2Cc8EEXVXowm8ZJpCfEDLkOph16Hur6P0qYWTNXMBOfPP0xJJ39mo2lf9RmaKeKsJeGywFo5FOKoQ26xn_PsOBZtuS9HJhHdf7VaIVr20TsmECovK/s1280/cathedral%20of%20rome%20(25).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRC8uRVUokP5Cl0YqYruklAzJlpwD-3o2UZF0zyH1XXnUFN3s6AHn1-ja81O4g-xsQYG2D7BgrjgC2Cc8EEXVXowm8ZJpCfEDLkOph16Hur6P0qYWTNXMBOfPP0xJJ39mo2lf9RmaKeKsJeGywFo5FOKoQ26xn_PsOBZtuS9HJhHdf7VaIVr20TsmECovK/w400-h300/cathedral%20of%20rome%20(25).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There was a lot to see around the cloisters. Finally we cast one last admiring glance, returned to the basilica and walked down the last aisle to the exit. <br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDg0mdTKKwzF_pVks2M7CcHWpFRPFQsfItXEZANmhydH0VSwvGzjPMLoUkkw4s01KtDM859GuiXDrtdN0vV5cLWw3W-n33Z7NXK7mqvKwYLsYmEn_Bf6eajtT1xL-jrfjVFhmtkdR4_4BfztULfYdRY7D7o_ny-jpGlOHBtiURZdJLLtyiDzGwD7p81TuU/s1280/cathedral%20of%20rome%20(19).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDg0mdTKKwzF_pVks2M7CcHWpFRPFQsfItXEZANmhydH0VSwvGzjPMLoUkkw4s01KtDM859GuiXDrtdN0vV5cLWw3W-n33Z7NXK7mqvKwYLsYmEn_Bf6eajtT1xL-jrfjVFhmtkdR4_4BfztULfYdRY7D7o_ny-jpGlOHBtiURZdJLLtyiDzGwD7p81TuU/w400-h300/cathedral%20of%20rome%20(19).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span>I went to see the Scala Santa but it was closed for the afternoon break. So Sylvia came for some pizza for lunch with me and she headed home while I went in search of an English language novel (at the main station aka Termini). I returned alone later in the afternoon when it was open. This is quite an impressive structure to house the holy stairs. <br /><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT24qXIm2k6p7KDlp9N290eG_X1kX351ODYyXBV6P6WQapkLi2UFTuVqCZcSvt5SYOtWi8tEex7KkfLS_jF7P3qM0LJqbsVCcGL3ZfT0lNKuqRjyNjM3ayen8ZbtBk69oSKe_sR931gA-Z0F-ST7ZvU5yArBjoK_t6RIXxOxZ3rsG8QMuAAa1FDYFpEbwg/s1280/cathedral%20of%20rome%20(18).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT24qXIm2k6p7KDlp9N290eG_X1kX351ODYyXBV6P6WQapkLi2UFTuVqCZcSvt5SYOtWi8tEex7KkfLS_jF7P3qM0LJqbsVCcGL3ZfT0lNKuqRjyNjM3ayen8ZbtBk69oSKe_sR931gA-Z0F-ST7ZvU5yArBjoK_t6RIXxOxZ3rsG8QMuAAa1FDYFpEbwg/w300-h400/cathedral%20of%20rome%20(18).jpeg" width="300" /></a><span> <br /></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span>The marble stairs are said to be
the ones that Jesus ascended to speak to Pontius Pilate during the
Passion, and brought to Rome from Jerusalem by the Empress Helena in the
4th Century. They have long been a site of pilgrimage for Catholics.
People are only able to climb the stairs on their knees. They were
covered in wood in the 1700s to prevent continued wearing of the marble. Staircases have been built either side but I am so confused about who goes on which staircase.<br /></span><span> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlAaPnvbh8J01ycZmMsbx8gww5plRZBGhsIep77X79iA7EJg2eyXu6aNCJgWGEZbp9zdoDiu3wQwcI_GLWMp6yZmMIvAaKlfX5CS-BaCvGkP6M3q3r_5SX8yDOZYh5YpmfnxcmTnKHJMHrN6U57G-YiikRg9PTK76t4XQnBcQ7wDCCeGb3qMTi1JXGTpH9/s1280/cathedral%20of%20rome%20(17).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlAaPnvbh8J01ycZmMsbx8gww5plRZBGhsIep77X79iA7EJg2eyXu6aNCJgWGEZbp9zdoDiu3wQwcI_GLWMp6yZmMIvAaKlfX5CS-BaCvGkP6M3q3r_5SX8yDOZYh5YpmfnxcmTnKHJMHrN6U57G-YiikRg9PTK76t4XQnBcQ7wDCCeGb3qMTi1JXGTpH9/w300-h400/cathedral%20of%20rome%20(17).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span>I read about these holy stairs before going to Rome and was confused about if people still had to climb the stairs on their knees. There is nothing like being there watching people actually climb stairs on their knees to know the tradition continues.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span>I was really pleased we got to visit the Lateran basilica and the holy stairs. They were a wonder to see even if I could not get my head around how it all fits together. The Catholic Church is a complicated institution. <br /></span></p></div></div>Johanna GGGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08594201473931487490noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6742756814967464811.post-21231478649919356132024-02-22T10:26:00.004+11:002024-02-22T10:26:20.615+11:00Rome: Alfredo Alla Scrofa restaurant, birthplace of Fettucine Alfredo<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKXR5Xt9Bbg-svd4NvMn_meNrE5q_KppGvUmmKC6pG4cek2v6_3OgxtcgYxlm-eQWNmMAmAi-UKjBfnGmVOjd9KF90Nw0D2wkTJVPZLTzpcX7NVcHFpLhnX7lhAYaH1h11G7N9QD1SBAj4_clPtPmbDHkGv5SjBKTV_iAw6myegBQa6Z76q4t3xbUN3ES0/s1280/rome%20alfredo.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKXR5Xt9Bbg-svd4NvMn_meNrE5q_KppGvUmmKC6pG4cek2v6_3OgxtcgYxlm-eQWNmMAmAi-UKjBfnGmVOjd9KF90Nw0D2wkTJVPZLTzpcX7NVcHFpLhnX7lhAYaH1h11G7N9QD1SBAj4_clPtPmbDHkGv5SjBKTV_iAw6myegBQa6Z76q4t3xbUN3ES0/w400-h300/rome%20alfredo.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div></div><p></p><p>Sylvia loves pasta. She loves Fettuccine Alfredo. So naturally in Rome she was keen to go to Alfredo Alla Scrofa, the birthplace of Fettuccine Alfredo. We intended to go for lunch but were late and it closes between 3.30-6.30pm. The above photo is from when we passed in late afternoon to check we couldn't eat earlier than 6.30pm. We walked away with a business card and booked to return at 6.30pm.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhX8Jv1wMo82mLftw0R_mkkVDnI2WxfvsJTTE7fSED9iYrJOSTm4hkb2H3X9vvNhupJVsZWQZwsRuVYo8PNisq2QDhQ3svYY9fCBpY-COZtssaHXWRFkpb6_HTQ9czANf_ebadZmSA6-nDX6mFWGqVlzVE5gFFfRsvYEZohEZToPeTctVTPhgctiuAO-t/s1280/rome%20alfredo%20(2).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhX8Jv1wMo82mLftw0R_mkkVDnI2WxfvsJTTE7fSED9iYrJOSTm4hkb2H3X9vvNhupJVsZWQZwsRuVYo8PNisq2QDhQ3svYY9fCBpY-COZtssaHXWRFkpb6_HTQ9czANf_ebadZmSA6-nDX6mFWGqVlzVE5gFFfRsvYEZohEZToPeTctVTPhgctiuAO-t/w400-h300/rome%20alfredo%20(2).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>When we returned and joined the queue of people who had booked, we walked in quickly. We were given a choice between inside and outside. I loved the photos inside but Sylvia wanted to eat outside. She got her wish as this was her dream restaurant!<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeuMnV34sTw435nxaPvdgWTOExK_K_2hG7WVglihyphenhyphenFM-qbD2N4BFGP3wFNHNR4lLzy-mZ9o4RqT7sdEv3G-ni4T5BncLo2GYEOxVvaxy4ibjhrwVCoAs5RlXXPhmNk_lj_sDQrX5lUvbwaLPBmnFtI8uFFJSJdJrzpE18-J_0xQxyJTvshCJ80-KsWInHz/s1280/rome%20alfredo%20(3).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeuMnV34sTw435nxaPvdgWTOExK_K_2hG7WVglihyphenhyphenFM-qbD2N4BFGP3wFNHNR4lLzy-mZ9o4RqT7sdEv3G-ni4T5BncLo2GYEOxVvaxy4ibjhrwVCoAs5RlXXPhmNk_lj_sDQrX5lUvbwaLPBmnFtI8uFFJSJdJrzpE18-J_0xQxyJTvshCJ80-KsWInHz/w300-h400/rome%20alfredo%20(3).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>We were given a menu with a nice drawing of the restaurant dated 1914 when Alfredo di Lelio first made his famous fettuccine.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2knYEu9AoYl-usZhKb4H6YsYKybCnSnGlcz7uhijjKuV7ST4V7WfwiaaN9p43nwrPMAsrFXqrYrNfYA-okg2_hWlKJLAXh-hqt70nPODKXr_b3FFkApx7Sj78nOCSQ6jTkOpkASBN_-m_uZqN8BJ4D2cU3DRODSqSEs1wLmE0-jW7nH7_nZtB9KjQnzyg/s1280/rome%20alfredo%20(4).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2knYEu9AoYl-usZhKb4H6YsYKybCnSnGlcz7uhijjKuV7ST4V7WfwiaaN9p43nwrPMAsrFXqrYrNfYA-okg2_hWlKJLAXh-hqt70nPODKXr_b3FFkApx7Sj78nOCSQ6jTkOpkASBN_-m_uZqN8BJ4D2cU3DRODSqSEs1wLmE0-jW7nH7_nZtB9KjQnzyg/w300-h400/rome%20alfredo%20(4).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>The first thing we were served was water. I was not concentrating when the waiter asked and replied that I didn't speak Italian and was he able to speak English. Sylvia was amused that I had not understood him asking in English if we wanted still or sparkling. We then had a basket of fresh assorted bread (4 euros) because we were hungry. It came with olive oil, balsamic and seasoning.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI2LtYC_cgqnFXe9qMHu7ZgxX_GOspYudF2aojMihn0Wkd3pVenjoRE-UTkuJxEdn0GjHYxfaHlogFlIufr_qTQmJzZcDGCv5uBgm5uvPwQg6wFeZu6UqZppYMG2cqCtG9uWWjbuiOJXP4984zrDFIZbOiXRFqpOODAQC6ZDEdFoI2gOtFYGSbYyTdph-W/s1280/rome%20alfredo%20(5).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI2LtYC_cgqnFXe9qMHu7ZgxX_GOspYudF2aojMihn0Wkd3pVenjoRE-UTkuJxEdn0GjHYxfaHlogFlIufr_qTQmJzZcDGCv5uBgm5uvPwQg6wFeZu6UqZppYMG2cqCtG9uWWjbuiOJXP4984zrDFIZbOiXRFqpOODAQC6ZDEdFoI2gOtFYGSbYyTdph-W/w300-h400/rome%20alfredo%20(5).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>We ordered a mocktail of apple juice, elderflower syrup, lime and ginger beer (10 euros). It was lovely but we had decided to share it.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR64uOKVJEibn-5A76_bwXgyOzLdYWQTuHO5wKsxYRtgum78MzCrCxOBzGnnq4CvLSExZa579zQ_qqWGOw4_KtUIAP0ApoGrcsg-2JxjbTojRg2geC7I29rOJs6SxZSafi-p374G6-JEFQN-C7BS-32GKCeHYubKtSAzZ1d2kBPSyUroQn_2OB_PiO0q7A/s1280/rome%20alfredo%20(6).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR64uOKVJEibn-5A76_bwXgyOzLdYWQTuHO5wKsxYRtgum78MzCrCxOBzGnnq4CvLSExZa579zQ_qqWGOw4_KtUIAP0ApoGrcsg-2JxjbTojRg2geC7I29rOJs6SxZSafi-p374G6-JEFQN-C7BS-32GKCeHYubKtSAzZ1d2kBPSyUroQn_2OB_PiO0q7A/w300-h400/rome%20alfredo%20(6).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Sylvia's order of Fettuccine Alfredo was the star of the show. The above photo looks like a penguin with pasta but behind them is a performance. The waiter was tossing her pasta while telling us the story of Alfredo making a pasta dish for his sick wife with what was on hand: pasta, butter and parmigiano cheese.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw72j2o8EI4l6aUMu2eVPru3TWFVUgorSzc4kGf5WBBxLvN5FcthiCkHHDFwuCFfuqhnBvqVDajzMYgih_3g21iRpsmHHWFYSS98mrzB7NRX1TkObDKClipUzXVpW0LPF_9ZayS-fGVIj9KRm6uJ6gw2Mn7odVgi-RGmav4otq2SfUG6l3REq34Rin1J4N/s1280/rome%20alfredo%20(12).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw72j2o8EI4l6aUMu2eVPru3TWFVUgorSzc4kGf5WBBxLvN5FcthiCkHHDFwuCFfuqhnBvqVDajzMYgih_3g21iRpsmHHWFYSS98mrzB7NRX1TkObDKClipUzXVpW0LPF_9ZayS-fGVIj9KRm6uJ6gw2Mn7odVgi-RGmav4otq2SfUG6l3REq34Rin1J4N/w300-h400/rome%20alfredo%20(12).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Here is her pasta. It was listed in the menu as "The Original Fettuccine Alfredo: Parmigiano Reggiano DOP 24 months and fresh butter from the Langhe" (23 euros). She would have loved the optional extras of black "Uncinato" truffle or white truffle but it was hard to justify paying the prices of 30 euros for black and 80 euros for white. She loved it. <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZuP6_MR61lEM6RGTfOk48DjOV3y6L1ELOpmoXayk6UaOzF6PGxqBOB3RNQsIjDjlOm70l-6SwBXyqhv5dEEr-aHI6GAnM20818pDjcRw-AqQQpLFqEtXD56SRgHEGffbi_4ECBNhjAnQ82dwcaSxPWOvJmCxO_138nK-H8KMtTrzltHnkDJEJeHniY4n9/s1280/rome%20alfredo%20(9).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZuP6_MR61lEM6RGTfOk48DjOV3y6L1ELOpmoXayk6UaOzF6PGxqBOB3RNQsIjDjlOm70l-6SwBXyqhv5dEEr-aHI6GAnM20818pDjcRw-AqQQpLFqEtXD56SRgHEGffbi_4ECBNhjAnQ82dwcaSxPWOvJmCxO_138nK-H8KMtTrzltHnkDJEJeHniY4n9/w400-h300/rome%20alfredo%20(9).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>I was happy to just taste Sylvia's Alfredo. I ordered the mixed pasta with potatoes and smoked mozzarella cheese (16 euros). It was delicious. When it came it looked like a soup but I was surprised that there was no sauce left when I ate it with the fork I was given. I really enjoyed the different pasta shapes, the slightly chewy chunks of mozzarella and the soft of potato, as well as just the right amount of smoky creamy sauce.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6_fzrf7Q_8TwtXKyeR-sustRHpjTS4BNy6SG0wFnO4kKwqup5vU9mwRuiXVf3OHqOhGF5uB-QSq5B1ukjO5kT4rGSxKEngR6OsO6D6Nn2OQpPVdzFxmTjh9aH9Rv0vzXxWK15ssW40yxHYDxE_sXSM-uudx4Y92nYZ_OODGRd_H8mvgLlw7SrCUbCwdF/s1280/rome%20alfredo%20(10).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6_fzrf7Q_8TwtXKyeR-sustRHpjTS4BNy6SG0wFnO4kKwqup5vU9mwRuiXVf3OHqOhGF5uB-QSq5B1ukjO5kT4rGSxKEngR6OsO6D6Nn2OQpPVdzFxmTjh9aH9Rv0vzXxWK15ssW40yxHYDxE_sXSM-uudx4Y92nYZ_OODGRd_H8mvgLlw7SrCUbCwdF/w300-h400/rome%20alfredo%20(10).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>We ordered the deep-fried 'giudia' style artichokes (12 euros). Sylvia had never had artichokes before and I was curious to have them in this Roman-Jewish style that was unlike anything I had had before. The leaves were like artichoke crisps, shattering to pieces in our mouths. The heart was cooked to soft melting goodness. Sylvia was interested but not mad keen. I am not sure it is a great way to try an artichoke as most do not taste like this but it was definitely a unique experience.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUubciAd-Us_1gBsfrWzYJeyZANF2v0NKUB8nr13ErQXoklxXXRtKG_NDLA5j7-DxqiKp52kqPFdJgQyfTzMrNb7hzZ7XlEhbQSohNsw5umF1-H-0oikaPlW790gmjb31I0nRR-jbg9h_Um_5HntqpMp080_TWTP4sENChK60hNdAHWZ07KAnJlyHndx6L/s1280/rome%20alfredo%20(11).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUubciAd-Us_1gBsfrWzYJeyZANF2v0NKUB8nr13ErQXoklxXXRtKG_NDLA5j7-DxqiKp52kqPFdJgQyfTzMrNb7hzZ7XlEhbQSohNsw5umF1-H-0oikaPlW790gmjb31I0nRR-jbg9h_Um_5HntqpMp080_TWTP4sENChK60hNdAHWZ07KAnJlyHndx6L/w300-h400/rome%20alfredo%20(11).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p>We ordered a green salad (7 euros) to share. Like other salads we had in Rome, it came plain with oil, vinegar and seasoning on the side so we could dress it ourselves. It was a great to eat with the pasta to alleviate that heavy texture.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh0NluQG7PTYERmXRk1H6TxHEpcyAQT6B17fv1mJygVKjRZaIVTEv8p-Zj6d1w_zYxdpAC1Fbw69tnhovJXvsMrhXanFogrPRhkEPX6_lfNQ_j-KFUTBkoQ7n7p-Ucru1w7vdrXpaBzy-XoC4xYfCIARhtEKQ5-qm-IY8ilIp-JY3jcnqZdJUl0TClwKsr/s1280/rome%20alfredo%20(7).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh0NluQG7PTYERmXRk1H6TxHEpcyAQT6B17fv1mJygVKjRZaIVTEv8p-Zj6d1w_zYxdpAC1Fbw69tnhovJXvsMrhXanFogrPRhkEPX6_lfNQ_j-KFUTBkoQ7n7p-Ucru1w7vdrXpaBzy-XoC4xYfCIARhtEKQ5-qm-IY8ilIp-JY3jcnqZdJUl0TClwKsr/w400-h300/rome%20alfredo%20(7).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Here is our whole meal. It was very impressive. Not surprisingly, it was one of the more expensive. However the excellent service, the great flavours, the interesting textures, the performance of the story, the jazz music and the historic courtyard where we ate, all combined to make it one of the most memorable meals of our trip. <br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-XYRMaSSQhzItjDSN7dYUzNHSf2cXWTSKWjPsrFmRl2sIpUQLuvuiEZs38O8Q23raAYz6v_6vHM_AsofO7vNbhEtpZ6gXNlC0kwMcJIpg9t0-de3FaSPeAZmmP00wzPkR2fy2LbOxxQoxkEoX9KRJRohTFJVqJPZskGQkwqx0waI4dwt-VLH6eQVsktq/s1280/rome%20alfredo%20(1).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-XYRMaSSQhzItjDSN7dYUzNHSf2cXWTSKWjPsrFmRl2sIpUQLuvuiEZs38O8Q23raAYz6v_6vHM_AsofO7vNbhEtpZ6gXNlC0kwMcJIpg9t0-de3FaSPeAZmmP00wzPkR2fy2LbOxxQoxkEoX9KRJRohTFJVqJPZskGQkwqx0waI4dwt-VLH6eQVsktq/w300-h400/rome%20alfredo%20(1).jpeg" width="300" /></a></p><p>It was a little sad to leave the lovely outdoor table on the square outside Alfredo's. But we were out much later than we intended and were ready to catch the bus back to our apartment.<br /></p><p><b>Alfredo All Scrofa</b><br />Via della Scrofa, 104/a<br /> 00186 Roma RM<br />Lunch: 12.30-3.30pm, Dinner 6.30-11.00pm<br /><a href="https://alfredoallascrofa.com/en/" target="_blank">https://alfredoallascrofa.com/en/</a><br /></p>Johanna GGGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08594201473931487490noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6742756814967464811.post-59968610322251172962024-02-21T11:50:00.004+11:002024-02-21T11:50:36.254+11:00Rome: Babington's Tea Rooms and the Spanish Steps<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUH4oQ-xfMmxxWmudzy_HhPGuxnf32G9W0_Un4jezkE7lwqoNNL_03uuujISkU3tYuVyEfMJU5kxKlDyNndcK1OYJP0sctqLC9tBEMd6fDHduZKoTDnueWpDB3oB8YhSP5uHcq_MDwoKbXFQ1kEyDEGceQdnVL_ZenJi2eK8_Asyw1oEQZJ64mclmKSQMF/s1280/rome%20spanish%20steps.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUH4oQ-xfMmxxWmudzy_HhPGuxnf32G9W0_Un4jezkE7lwqoNNL_03uuujISkU3tYuVyEfMJU5kxKlDyNndcK1OYJP0sctqLC9tBEMd6fDHduZKoTDnueWpDB3oB8YhSP5uHcq_MDwoKbXFQ1kEyDEGceQdnVL_ZenJi2eK8_Asyw1oEQZJ64mclmKSQMF/w300-h400/rome%20spanish%20steps.jpeg" width="300" /></a> </p><p>The day we went to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_Steps" target="_blank">Spanish Steps</a>, we expected to grab something for breakfast on the way but once we took the train to the site and did not find anywhere for a quick brunch on the go. Babingtons Tea Rooms at the bottom of the steps looked good but had queues. By the time we had walked up and down the Spanish Steps, the Babingtons queues had disappeared and we were able to get a seat and at 2.30pm finally have our "breakfast". It was worth the wait!<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRIWZtNopTvKBB4VCjCRjgucsB_gjicRjeDar47kxZyX24FX4RAZ64qFONZ7dX6ewUfWpHw9_8skZUkTUy-1Pb3APMqe8-W0PixPsQwBUTGr8EJzvWmq5vcYbhT22eVsqR1rMZHt8-rIMrpUgJMoRswM1x9cl4cVeMAtYfoY0zW_i07jL2uaiMLnD4Jqg-/s1280/rome%20spanish%20steps%20(1).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRIWZtNopTvKBB4VCjCRjgucsB_gjicRjeDar47kxZyX24FX4RAZ64qFONZ7dX6ewUfWpHw9_8skZUkTUy-1Pb3APMqe8-W0PixPsQwBUTGr8EJzvWmq5vcYbhT22eVsqR1rMZHt8-rIMrpUgJMoRswM1x9cl4cVeMAtYfoY0zW_i07jL2uaiMLnD4Jqg-/w300-h400/rome%20spanish%20steps%20(1).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>I was unsure about climbing the iconic Spanish Steps but was glad I did. It looked quite daunting from the bottom.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBMohPdO514LiHvfsiHs9pL85X6hF0a0Ng-GHSaKYpzOa26682Q8aZtq9HhkU0sCdYLB29mNWfmEzH2pFjrvFAMnzOEIy4rUFufN4lMtvVaOFPdjGabL9Oj4y9cNpWgf_jeVeb6FA84j4kEGHKjXdq8zJBc8Z1ligG_brIGhyBlkNLrJxmSpJThonvF-v/s1280/rome%20spanish%20steps%20(2).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBMohPdO514LiHvfsiHs9pL85X6hF0a0Ng-GHSaKYpzOa26682Q8aZtq9HhkU0sCdYLB29mNWfmEzH2pFjrvFAMnzOEIy4rUFufN4lMtvVaOFPdjGabL9Oj4y9cNpWgf_jeVeb6FA84j4kEGHKjXdq8zJBc8Z1ligG_brIGhyBlkNLrJxmSpJThonvF-v/w400-h300/rome%20spanish%20steps%20(2).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>We had different views as we stopped at each level. This view amazed me because we could see right along the Via dei Condotti and it was so busy.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwl8Vdbof99TFgO7xDnOc61Gt4H7cDBP66lBmlQ7k2wR9aVYWwvlBuU6KWB_FjhzoNxkgdkJbCgg3z64pby6WYisNZjyp3d6GTSkZ3Ssa5U29pwnURMyPlZ-U6RAGAgcJM5wMeU_bw_urGHk5COFopio3nEyYjt3W981I1Ll0fqUpqs66DVClxL_hhP2r6/s1280/rome%20spanish%20steps%20(3).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwl8Vdbof99TFgO7xDnOc61Gt4H7cDBP66lBmlQ7k2wR9aVYWwvlBuU6KWB_FjhzoNxkgdkJbCgg3z64pby6WYisNZjyp3d6GTSkZ3Ssa5U29pwnURMyPlZ-U6RAGAgcJM5wMeU_bw_urGHk5COFopio3nEyYjt3W981I1Ll0fqUpqs66DVClxL_hhP2r6/w300-h400/rome%20spanish%20steps%20(3).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>At the very top of the steps was a wonderful view across the rooftops of Rome. The dome of St Peters Basilica is the far one that is a blue colour from this distance. I am not sure what the closer dome is.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCyfDFyak51CVIjPuxVDtcRV3ahUY1AtrccjaU2du-73fZZ0eUVFkTvf8_0_rc8V6w4bO97Jj56GJHsDPILQ2u-VaTBv1tEZVHttHSzFypzjtx4s15GB5Nzfe1aq15go8ImXUqSTUxUnE-_v3AK-3SH5JmsGegVYdjMy78HJtUa32QqqSz2FhNync9Fvd1/s1280/rome%20spanish%20steps%20(4).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCyfDFyak51CVIjPuxVDtcRV3ahUY1AtrccjaU2du-73fZZ0eUVFkTvf8_0_rc8V6w4bO97Jj56GJHsDPILQ2u-VaTBv1tEZVHttHSzFypzjtx4s15GB5Nzfe1aq15go8ImXUqSTUxUnE-_v3AK-3SH5JmsGegVYdjMy78HJtUa32QqqSz2FhNync9Fvd1/w400-h300/rome%20spanish%20steps%20(4).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>At the top, it seemed silly not to visit <span class="NA6bn ILfuVd" lang="en"><span class="hgKElc"><span><span>the Renaissance church of Santissima Trinità dei Monti that is so visible from the foot of the steps with its white facade and two towers. It was nice to look in and admire the artwork and arches.<br /><br /></span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0z0H9LyNHSYMOvo8wmdhaxNkYPAy94-r_gPOZolqyzyyKEcB5IffcsMYtWfkBu8BPwekz57YMiEHbZI8OG4OM4pjDX-gyvkuLArEkDYlhtfiP9FXWFP0ink3XN6H9ibYKWb8fXO8yACiJ_LpweVuZCwQSbWItgRNtgKOONAbEtOI7reB4I5PGOoqOPRSj/s1280/rome%20spanish%20steps%20(13).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0z0H9LyNHSYMOvo8wmdhaxNkYPAy94-r_gPOZolqyzyyKEcB5IffcsMYtWfkBu8BPwekz57YMiEHbZI8OG4OM4pjDX-gyvkuLArEkDYlhtfiP9FXWFP0ink3XN6H9ibYKWb8fXO8yACiJ_LpweVuZCwQSbWItgRNtgKOONAbEtOI7reB4I5PGOoqOPRSj/w300-h400/rome%20spanish%20steps%20(13).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On the way down the steps I made sure to have a good look at the Keats-Shelley Memorial House. Romantic poet John Keats came here for his health when he was dying of tuberculosis in 1820 and died there the following year aged 25. It is now houses a collection of memorabilia of the Romantic poets and other writers.<br /><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFIy69rr2YpGpZHR9dfP2OwhyphenhyphenRK7utYc_g2pXV9W1Rc-0dt-jnsZvss_754eeJgINjZiTUP9Kf63bgJEqeAjmDJWxVbNum-ZgICTomaRl5tuhGL_JBvQibVYln_pnclRNrgl7lQL19JXEm-TZW9O6oaW2-pJM4VMdoE9VPLkXAreLXNpYJfQzIYfdF0nZ/s1280/rome%20spanish%20steps%20(7).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFIy69rr2YpGpZHR9dfP2OwhyphenhyphenRK7utYc_g2pXV9W1Rc-0dt-jnsZvss_754eeJgINjZiTUP9Kf63bgJEqeAjmDJWxVbNum-ZgICTomaRl5tuhGL_JBvQibVYln_pnclRNrgl7lQL19JXEm-TZW9O6oaW2-pJM4VMdoE9VPLkXAreLXNpYJfQzIYfdF0nZ/w300-h400/rome%20spanish%20steps%20(7).jpeg" width="300" /></a><br /></p><p>By the time we returned to the Piazza di Spagna at the foot of the steps, we were really in need of food. It was a relief to find we could get a table straight away at Babingtons. Apparently you have to book to eat inside but can walk in for a seat outdoors in the piazza. I had seen the tea rooms recommended on the web. They have been serving tea at the foot of the steps since 1893.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_YINI3zZShTN_oVWucq8p4KlX7gGh2bEJbgwE5rd2O3O_HNeDluHBkcenTMgON995qn4lsthiAOG-YqpjdTsRKPTbdm3V6j_WuLcaU7exe9ADllx68clGcMDseJe1-1i-_xr6ca9AjgbDZEM2fAakKjNiP_LH1LMTD1vs4e8xcCyT6ZJt6CL0kAv500J/s1280/rome%20spanish%20steps%20(12).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_YINI3zZShTN_oVWucq8p4KlX7gGh2bEJbgwE5rd2O3O_HNeDluHBkcenTMgON995qn4lsthiAOG-YqpjdTsRKPTbdm3V6j_WuLcaU7exe9ADllx68clGcMDseJe1-1i-_xr6ca9AjgbDZEM2fAakKjNiP_LH1LMTD1vs4e8xcCyT6ZJt6CL0kAv500J/w360-h640/rome%20spanish%20steps%20(12).jpeg" width="360" /></a></div></div><p></p><p>We ordered drinks first. Sylvia had sparkling water and I had one of the best hot chocolates I have ever had. It was hot, dark, and rich. Just my style. I usually find hot chocolate leaves me gasping for water because it is so sweet and milky. This was neither. Although it came with cream, it was served on the side so I could just add a little. As you can see in the above photo, the hot chocolate was poured from a jug.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHVPk3t6LnqZkzT7KNNdsAF3TlcFib8TwDqVpkR5LD7mUXQvg73JZC3CqOd0ANZZ7I_GYTbo1y1iVXj4vORl3RC_VJqReM1vTtAchr6FiMgAw7NuMBLG09LvozsrDn4Sc9SPiXK_P5lVWk8jRvryyEC5_GPVsOa2XKXn0n_L6kYS-UctSnMwI4td7JBC6H/s1280/rome%20spanish%20steps%20(8).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHVPk3t6LnqZkzT7KNNdsAF3TlcFib8TwDqVpkR5LD7mUXQvg73JZC3CqOd0ANZZ7I_GYTbo1y1iVXj4vORl3RC_VJqReM1vTtAchr6FiMgAw7NuMBLG09LvozsrDn4Sc9SPiXK_P5lVWk8jRvryyEC5_GPVsOa2XKXn0n_L6kYS-UctSnMwI4td7JBC6H/w400-h300/rome%20spanish%20steps%20(8).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>We ordered breakfast or maybe brunch? Or was 2.30pm too late for lunch? We just wanted food! <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq9o2RfaiWsPvTkjkj4eEPRqMdYO0AMYKc7GwVoIISLaLlJeeejVa_jJcnvC5BjzSenHsMBP4Tj3W48d79XIter6M8FISGQqZDja_FdIdAzh92itzEnk61-2poCGSXeQVaBdTxJotz_l1zwYtGotk_ukxF2Eaxub-29NYMTUm2BRdUtt5i4tVxad1g5umF/s1280/rome%20spanish%20steps%20(9).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq9o2RfaiWsPvTkjkj4eEPRqMdYO0AMYKc7GwVoIISLaLlJeeejVa_jJcnvC5BjzSenHsMBP4Tj3W48d79XIter6M8FISGQqZDja_FdIdAzh92itzEnk61-2poCGSXeQVaBdTxJotz_l1zwYtGotk_ukxF2Eaxub-29NYMTUm2BRdUtt5i4tVxad1g5umF/w300-h400/rome%20spanish%20steps%20(9).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>I had the Vegetarian Club Sandwich which came stuffed with cooked spinach which was mixed with confit tomatoes, parmesan and pesto. I was surprised the filling was warm. This was one of the moments when the sum was greater than its parts. It was really good. Sylvia loved it and ate over a quarter of the sandwich. We were also impressed with the pile of crisps that came with it.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIgPqIOcFFPCnqFJfYJDOLhDZfIyOYD5rVHvfMNwJdwQkMDxgeYOUjSI_HDpJy74uEg4KNwl2r-4t-WHicl8pd38dgA_YghCDq9kAYK2Ax9OGMHLqFA51sBerUZ6kx4eDynDfMROrFTXzOYDmdUrWspkhxsNUmuyP0BGa6CjOVbhqfZL4_O106NiE2HF17/s1280/rome%20spanish%20steps%20(10).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIgPqIOcFFPCnqFJfYJDOLhDZfIyOYD5rVHvfMNwJdwQkMDxgeYOUjSI_HDpJy74uEg4KNwl2r-4t-WHicl8pd38dgA_YghCDq9kAYK2Ax9OGMHLqFA51sBerUZ6kx4eDynDfMROrFTXzOYDmdUrWspkhxsNUmuyP0BGa6CjOVbhqfZL4_O106NiE2HF17/w400-h300/rome%20spanish%20steps%20(10).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Sylvia had the French Toast with fresh fruit and maple syrup. She was pleased that I didn't want much of my cream that came with my hot chocolate and had a little with her toast. She loved the strawberries and pineapple but was not a fan of the melon. I tasted it and found the toast to be a bit eggy for my liking but it was nicely toasted to golden brown.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgckYRzo_Nlz7bO370JYXCjG3-McAogIkZKJDeSNiLyjpu-jdx6QjAM048HO5wbc_MwofukjsjUGHNbZy3W7D6K4XgeWonTaMDypObJW-O8LKZ6Tn8uk_ppw2VgbLLv-vn9GahP9AZXLLxt3ortlQ2BKB35PJsjob-bgz3pJcIcSX5-BxprMkFLX2uGTLUX/s1280/rome%20spanish%20steps%20(11).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgckYRzo_Nlz7bO370JYXCjG3-McAogIkZKJDeSNiLyjpu-jdx6QjAM048HO5wbc_MwofukjsjUGHNbZy3W7D6K4XgeWonTaMDypObJW-O8LKZ6Tn8uk_ppw2VgbLLv-vn9GahP9AZXLLxt3ortlQ2BKB35PJsjob-bgz3pJcIcSX5-BxprMkFLX2uGTLUX/w300-h400/rome%20spanish%20steps%20(11).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p>It was very nice to sit in the square and watch the people. The only drawback to sitting outside was that, unlike Australia, people smoke when eating outside in Rome. We had a great view of the Spanish Steps and there was added entertainment from some people in dinosaur suits. The above photo amused me because it looks like the dinosaur was eating the palm tree.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWJz0UpJZJqkVUpykMIVriIvL88WD7m8OMaLDvwOclKXh4kSdnEv6HqeSuir-FPmXzE9JETDWg5BO0GxwWvnF2lRV8Udi4Vrh1AvtKj5mtoXBGFQPJFwU7nEloOVS-jR6d86j6mDqskRyxaX1inBD43N59RWVeNaKEaCsX1V3Yq-wW_uOniOeQq3pqXr3/s1280/rome%20spanish%20steps%20(14).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWJz0UpJZJqkVUpykMIVriIvL88WD7m8OMaLDvwOclKXh4kSdnEv6HqeSuir-FPmXzE9JETDWg5BO0GxwWvnF2lRV8Udi4Vrh1AvtKj5mtoXBGFQPJFwU7nEloOVS-jR6d86j6mDqskRyxaX1inBD43N59RWVeNaKEaCsX1V3Yq-wW_uOniOeQq3pqXr3/w400-h300/rome%20spanish%20steps%20(14).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div></div><p></p><p>The dinosaurs were having play fights with each other and stopping for photos. <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfD3k7rpAZGSFlRgl5p_Vp34TyqF6KUJGJhggBRTE4ExmNIeG_7rEDCjIPv3y8x7OiPYH65K91Z6FuyrzdaOBDd_qdqSzwvraS7BryyBtYJOr1jX1KE94JbJZ1M7ckBWHQzHJ-u7WxBq_1_a0UceDArWqTJxtinAfgVa_Ya1LdotxTYeUSxLAn5shYRopN/s1280/rome%20spanish%20steps%20(15).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1138" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfD3k7rpAZGSFlRgl5p_Vp34TyqF6KUJGJhggBRTE4ExmNIeG_7rEDCjIPv3y8x7OiPYH65K91Z6FuyrzdaOBDd_qdqSzwvraS7BryyBtYJOr1jX1KE94JbJZ1M7ckBWHQzHJ-u7WxBq_1_a0UceDArWqTJxtinAfgVa_Ya1LdotxTYeUSxLAn5shYRopN/w356-h400/rome%20spanish%20steps%20(15).jpeg" width="356" /></a></div><p></p>Inside when we paid were some Babington's merchandise and also teas. We admired the cakes and I really liked this sign that said "Not entirely British, not precisely Italian, truly Roman." This was one of our favourite meals in Rome and we highly recommend it.<br /><p></p><p><b>Babington's Tea Rooms</b><br />Piazza di Spagna, 23 - 25, 00187 Roma<br />Open 10am to 9pm Wednesday to Monday<br /><a href="https://www.babingtons.com/it" target="_blank">https://www.babingtons.com/it</a></p>Johanna GGGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08594201473931487490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6742756814967464811.post-14208471244367304572024-02-20T10:31:00.003+11:002024-02-20T10:32:54.985+11:00Rome: Vatican Museum, Pastasciutta lunch and Cafe Vaticano gelato<p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY5wtyklfBAIEKVh65D2NBeN9IZvNOHyfrWKkExu0SwzTXfpW4AwM5Nvb3wb28oRXqTqv6CLGoH3aeo7GPHhjD-49x8E4OGkoxH90ccoUCqaDUzjkp0V03QUeOEdjbHZXpZU7jfTe4NC-fy8GfXfKBdvXvgQqR6JpjYLg3pjmlNo5I5YmdZWUwIcyBftqG/s1280/Vatican%20(10).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY5wtyklfBAIEKVh65D2NBeN9IZvNOHyfrWKkExu0SwzTXfpW4AwM5Nvb3wb28oRXqTqv6CLGoH3aeo7GPHhjD-49x8E4OGkoxH90ccoUCqaDUzjkp0V03QUeOEdjbHZXpZU7jfTe4NC-fy8GfXfKBdvXvgQqR6JpjYLg3pjmlNo5I5YmdZWUwIcyBftqG/w400-h300/Vatican%20(10).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>On my first visit to Rome I was so upset at the wealth of the Catholic Church that I did not think I would return. When Sylvia was interested on our recent visit I agreed to go again. This time I was surprised at how much artwork was part of the building and how little I remember from my first visit. It was more pleasant with the traditional Roman bookends of pasta and gelato. The above photo is of the Ponte Vittorio Emanuele II where we crossed the River Tiber to go to the Vatican. You can see the dome of St Peter's Basilica.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5V9WusBksR4XcmOXd557b5XaTf1DoPvqXluYa5FK_chDSaL4fRuZTrOIUb1USjT2jPJL_xkVVMjpw8q5-KzknfVS_vJiHcOBXdGMs5xsAHFNwxVl0_WLuQnWuhu3I8jLq4esz4BRowvHjVPzPxO0OdBW4Liw0FFTNKsFQrP88V7FkTD-KWu1mBllvk4d/s1280/st%20peters%20vatican.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5V9WusBksR4XcmOXd557b5XaTf1DoPvqXluYa5FK_chDSaL4fRuZTrOIUb1USjT2jPJL_xkVVMjpw8q5-KzknfVS_vJiHcOBXdGMs5xsAHFNwxVl0_WLuQnWuhu3I8jLq4esz4BRowvHjVPzPxO0OdBW4Liw0FFTNKsFQrP88V7FkTD-KWu1mBllvk4d/w400-h300/st%20peters%20vatican.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>We walked up the Via della Conciliazione towards the Vatican where the famous Piazza San Pietro, which is overlooked by St Peters, is embraced by the curved colonnades. It is such an evocative place with memories of so many scenes of the Pope and crowds in the public square. My favourite movie memory is from <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Scarlet_and_the_Black" target="_blank">The Scarlet and the Black</a> where Gregory Peck's monsignor walks around the border between the Vatican and Italy to tease Christopher Plummer's Nazi SS captain.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvXVWal3baSDVHwtgSQ72v1X-tU7VGHGuzWHNvRWzfJV5gJO1G-p5frPErVF2RfZL3FyM8qpVJ-A9qHzDxXtbCvsA6w55I7tqh61CuoLS2-TzSwRK1611aKYZ7cL5jJospqh2e9QYdhlonkqWAMokunQMC6b4Uqeb8gth4Vl1P60mDMI1TvwlIFu-wF2Rw/s1280/rome%20pasta.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvXVWal3baSDVHwtgSQ72v1X-tU7VGHGuzWHNvRWzfJV5gJO1G-p5frPErVF2RfZL3FyM8qpVJ-A9qHzDxXtbCvsA6w55I7tqh61CuoLS2-TzSwRK1611aKYZ7cL5jJospqh2e9QYdhlonkqWAMokunQMC6b4Uqeb8gth4Vl1P60mDMI1TvwlIFu-wF2Rw/w400-h300/rome%20pasta.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Sylvia was really there for the cheap pasta. She had read about <a href="https://www.pastasciuttaroma.it/en/via-delle-grazie-5/" target="_blank">Pastasciutta</a> (<span data-sheets-formula-bar-text-style="font-size:13px;color:#000000;font-weight:normal;text-decoration:none;font-family:'Arial';font-style:normal;text-decoration-skip-ink:none;">Via delle Grazie, 5) so we made our way there and joined a very long queue. It took almost an hour to queue and then wait a few minutes for our fresh pasta to be cooked. We were just behind a group of teenagers with an never ending group of friends who joined them at various times. Though they were amusing to watch. </span></p><p><span data-sheets-formula-bar-text-style="font-size:13px;color:#000000;font-weight:normal;text-decoration:none;font-family:'Arial';font-style:normal;text-decoration-skip-ink:none;">Sylvia had the </span>Strozzapreti with Truffle Sauce and Parmesan and I had the Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe (cheese and pepper). At 7 euros per pasta dish, it was rather cheap for the tourist part of Rome. When I asked for grated parmesan they spooned it on with a large serving spoon. We took it to the Piazza del Risorgimento to sit and eat. Our lunch was very good with great flavours, lots of creamy sauce and al dente pasta. It was quite a large helping and I did not finish mine.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8rvAx72ZE5CkVEM0DTK1D5d7-sIpA0QAQp0NogzFT6t7axX7uomjk66o9SBk-y85PiTHiXc2X4f6auQyHsc8XWhJ0XULWrXkXHcNU-2DrJFl07VLnh8Pyyhl9eZPkWfEXcr2Nqq2oiukTouQ7Bbe-m6dkH3HPVvG4E8MMJiNI2YwhHRdaiVCE7kKHMxm/s1280/Vatican%20(60).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8rvAx72ZE5CkVEM0DTK1D5d7-sIpA0QAQp0NogzFT6t7axX7uomjk66o9SBk-y85PiTHiXc2X4f6auQyHsc8XWhJ0XULWrXkXHcNU-2DrJFl07VLnh8Pyyhl9eZPkWfEXcr2Nqq2oiukTouQ7Bbe-m6dkH3HPVvG4E8MMJiNI2YwhHRdaiVCE7kKHMxm/w300-h400/Vatican%20(60).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Then we went into the <a href="https://www.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani/en.html" target="_blank">Vatican Museum</a>. I appreciated the cheap lunch when I paid 20 euros for me and 8 euros for Sylvia. I think the cost goes towards the upkeep of the museum rather than to help the less fortunate. Don't get me started on Catholic wealth. We started by enjoying some sunshine in the courtyards. No prizes for guessing why this one was called the Pinecone Courtyard.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs93zbZu2ZID_6-exzBWyFXF6stq_qjKtwg9vU9FtcVFpwWeBfxPfr-PMwCh5JujGXKSWpKx6kcSsnT3m5zNBzLvKXu9KsD_bnlFzSRlRR9NbIhMbqnEShKtnzR9AAMZ8p_dPGx319IBpjHGWh_wjEUN9hONFkDOhn_oMqGRAIRhs-_5uolncfYxv4VptS/s1280/Vatican%20(1).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs93zbZu2ZID_6-exzBWyFXF6stq_qjKtwg9vU9FtcVFpwWeBfxPfr-PMwCh5JujGXKSWpKx6kcSsnT3m5zNBzLvKXu9KsD_bnlFzSRlRR9NbIhMbqnEShKtnzR9AAMZ8p_dPGx319IBpjHGWh_wjEUN9hONFkDOhn_oMqGRAIRhs-_5uolncfYxv4VptS/w300-h400/Vatican%20(1).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Then we headed inside into the maze of crowded hallways. The hallway in this picture was so crowded I did not even contemplate heading in this direction. We did not do a tour of any sort and as you will see by my commentary on my photos, must have missed a lot of stories and symbolism in all the artwork.<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjonWCF7bCFzofxfx7wHMjZ1-UgmnFMXtwcwsr0dENzXM6tUp-QOC1Ywpfn_Xdyn-CP46tUp5YxCaeFXZHP4Kb8-_hTvg6pGSgvdaXkgt65ONkfMCre2UyNzCkq3yGuwWrY1ksvphwUd9tvymQecMYWQZh0zcFTmsRCm-s-VO2FvU6hl5FjmmMLYZTOREPw/s1280/vatican%20(26).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="996" data-original-width="1280" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjonWCF7bCFzofxfx7wHMjZ1-UgmnFMXtwcwsr0dENzXM6tUp-QOC1Ywpfn_Xdyn-CP46tUp5YxCaeFXZHP4Kb8-_hTvg6pGSgvdaXkgt65ONkfMCre2UyNzCkq3yGuwWrY1ksvphwUd9tvymQecMYWQZh0zcFTmsRCm-s-VO2FvU6hl5FjmmMLYZTOREPw/w400-h311/vatican%20(26).jpeg" width="400" /></a></p><p>Our first destination was the Pio Clementino collection of classical sculpture. I loved this Octagonal Courtyard with statues around the edges. No doubt I enjoyed this because I was fresh to all the statues. After walking forever with so many artworks, it was hard not to feel overwhelmed by a wealth of artworks. (The sort of experience that makes one think of <a href="https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20220110-stendhal-syndrome-the-travel-syndrome-that-causes-panic" target="_blank">Stendhal's Syndrome</a>.) <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6L5s8thahDdupLCbA3Df7WU4hE1bOAvZXmLk5UCvlEz-GzqjxJyGnm0lWN03gQplUJqk2URKjep4JX_htAQ5gT5C8ROjU8R2-jUDeM47Sh9vERdhq21MdjFjRm49VDVI0BqDM1JWmjtoPbHui5hyphenhyphenlZM5CREmgX_Fudp3bcHUJ1rc2XxZG8-rfDtSKbm9/s1280/Vatican%20(13).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6L5s8thahDdupLCbA3Df7WU4hE1bOAvZXmLk5UCvlEz-GzqjxJyGnm0lWN03gQplUJqk2URKjep4JX_htAQ5gT5C8ROjU8R2-jUDeM47Sh9vERdhq21MdjFjRm49VDVI0BqDM1JWmjtoPbHui5hyphenhyphenlZM5CREmgX_Fudp3bcHUJ1rc2XxZG8-rfDtSKbm9/w300-h400/Vatican%20(13).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>This statue is of Perseus holding up Medusa's head was impressive and a little disturbing. I could not help but think of feminist rethinking of the monster Medusa as a woman wronged and righteous female rage.<br /><br /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJP6FQ7fq38qpqNqwGoNJUwgJRNNOKZmmRWXVffNChD6H6zZkAPLx8GE_qeqv-RFWkiEwzXoaFGA4amdfqoZlTGCS1Ce9nqJRlqfYsigbIEpG2bR8lYTv9u461PJygBWRPBuDZsAG2Jd8RzUKY4yg37GtEeBaduGlsHudx2Bv2bhrnTafaPe8p810LFc-p/s1280/Vatican%20(15).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="996" data-original-width="1280" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJP6FQ7fq38qpqNqwGoNJUwgJRNNOKZmmRWXVffNChD6H6zZkAPLx8GE_qeqv-RFWkiEwzXoaFGA4amdfqoZlTGCS1Ce9nqJRlqfYsigbIEpG2bR8lYTv9u461PJygBWRPBuDZsAG2Jd8RzUKY4yg37GtEeBaduGlsHudx2Bv2bhrnTafaPe8p810LFc-p/w400-h311/Vatican%20(15).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The Hall of the Muses had striking statues dating from the time of Emperor Hadrian which were displayed in contrast with Pompeian red painted walls.<br /><br /></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPUPLnfTQuLKD4wHJjCu67QVXMRG-xdxsC59ckKtwiIwdgy101W3sG5UNZNqKS9MCGh3ghk6RG5FuzGEp2QnVldedJOlXJ7gxqh02PoOnaOYOfBbC2K9s0pE57T7tPmPnOIyTWni8PRjhJ4mTv9Rk1RJR1zTSsXX8VYjmdpkSINF1HoGcMeW2WXXoOgLk/s1280/Vatican%20(9).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPUPLnfTQuLKD4wHJjCu67QVXMRG-xdxsC59ckKtwiIwdgy101W3sG5UNZNqKS9MCGh3ghk6RG5FuzGEp2QnVldedJOlXJ7gxqh02PoOnaOYOfBbC2K9s0pE57T7tPmPnOIyTWni8PRjhJ4mTv9Rk1RJR1zTSsXX8VYjmdpkSINF1HoGcMeW2WXXoOgLk/w300-h400/Vatican%20(9).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>On the vaulted ceiling of the Hall of the Muses are frescoes by Tommaso Conca that represent Apollo and the Muses as inspiration for the arts. <br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWkN49qu0ZY-OWAh7EG1h8Rk6MLJEcwfTVxVMpqG2OSpoSBsqm6k9IinQmY0QIjo73FifE_QXv62m6fklM67MAzSNs_0tf2jiK55fcpO6m7Bu9lqz8y-dgWkvMYHVywQqekeaVYoB4x1ZmShP1CocHkAhoSgigtYIE9Iv97M8UgcY7am146IbuoyMQBuN-/s1280/Vatican%20(8).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWkN49qu0ZY-OWAh7EG1h8Rk6MLJEcwfTVxVMpqG2OSpoSBsqm6k9IinQmY0QIjo73FifE_QXv62m6fklM67MAzSNs_0tf2jiK55fcpO6m7Bu9lqz8y-dgWkvMYHVywQqekeaVYoB4x1ZmShP1CocHkAhoSgigtYIE9Iv97M8UgcY7am146IbuoyMQBuN-/w300-h400/Vatican%20(8).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>The Round Hall had a domed ceiling imitating the Parthenon.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiCTktZaEyomGviEYbfj-MOaUOOUybzC13lh4jfy34uit-cNAiLXgmNMh6XgbHqlsRbJIXQ_KcfRTQNZTtk-ZHIMDSoX0d0veUkYKTgNEvOwK1MDzA48OhxXPHfy3XDbqbHU0C9yPBpexO3J74qRm2v1KDLDEmcbtJ0Y7Nf5irEpcw4h_AmjFmHKSCk51t/s1280/Vatican%20(7).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiCTktZaEyomGviEYbfj-MOaUOOUybzC13lh4jfy34uit-cNAiLXgmNMh6XgbHqlsRbJIXQ_KcfRTQNZTtk-ZHIMDSoX0d0veUkYKTgNEvOwK1MDzA48OhxXPHfy3XDbqbHU0C9yPBpexO3J74qRm2v1KDLDEmcbtJ0Y7Nf5irEpcw4h_AmjFmHKSCk51t/w400-h300/Vatican%20(7).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>And yet more corridors of gold and marble with more classical statues.<br /> <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqoYPyQRorzJNEcU32m4mv-xufOGx68sv7VzK5Mk2I84cf92dTAsoVti6ugkiS8o_vtH9x67PeKfMWk2jQNcL6tPOx5dqlYPqDfjDuWBRAMuzLII1JfVxjx5eYtkP4Wlpx-D0MoBw0DTKXERB2oKwiED3CYB79CpX9VH4KnreyfsjD0OlLYjoaFTJL0DiW/s1280/Vatican%20(18).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqoYPyQRorzJNEcU32m4mv-xufOGx68sv7VzK5Mk2I84cf92dTAsoVti6ugkiS8o_vtH9x67PeKfMWk2jQNcL6tPOx5dqlYPqDfjDuWBRAMuzLII1JfVxjx5eYtkP4Wlpx-D0MoBw0DTKXERB2oKwiED3CYB79CpX9VH4KnreyfsjD0OlLYjoaFTJL0DiW/w400-h400/Vatican%20(18).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>This is a close up of a part of the ceiling you can see in the previous photo. It interested me because the man at the bottom of the picture struck me as looking quite bored of the adoration happening behind him. It is a change from all the people filled with religious awe.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCvFO0Tlr_7h-5AN8PtTQetWhN67NmUUS0WPgWfaFWGouO6ghC8IkBBLyBA_TFBFmEtHal-dPUBEisdHPKgl7cjNslx-Peo1yfuySZSa_kp3f2vIVcSMZ2X-0JYP7elfNDLqW-ByXoIo8WL9w2KEj01O_BOOiPFzaMOuq5WwtVFVCnNbFHvkiP20aS9fYA/s1280/Vatican%20(6).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1230" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCvFO0Tlr_7h-5AN8PtTQetWhN67NmUUS0WPgWfaFWGouO6ghC8IkBBLyBA_TFBFmEtHal-dPUBEisdHPKgl7cjNslx-Peo1yfuySZSa_kp3f2vIVcSMZ2X-0JYP7elfNDLqW-ByXoIo8WL9w2KEj01O_BOOiPFzaMOuq5WwtVFVCnNbFHvkiP20aS9fYA/w385-h400/Vatican%20(6).jpeg" width="385" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p>We then set off walking down a long long hallway decorated with artwork on the walls and ceilings. They were busy with the occasional group tour passing us by. This painting was notable for the shocking violence of the characters. I think it tells the story of Herod sending his soldiers to kill all babies in a futile attempt to avoid the power of Jesus Christ.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOF7aNX9tuhDU9oVsUV0XYXO3nOJnKIF4bV0EBhk128SC_CkFx5lsOmXVw-6VUBxH5vhswa8rrpogL4cXhQI_5ux5PT9Zha5GUMVNsY54sxbprQGJtrtmfbbc3g21hBjRivP948O3js-juG0ypfLayepXfE0BWUrjO0mtbffeZnPHZpuq8HVA-bDzuYs4/s1280/Vatican%20(5).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOF7aNX9tuhDU9oVsUV0XYXO3nOJnKIF4bV0EBhk128SC_CkFx5lsOmXVw-6VUBxH5vhswa8rrpogL4cXhQI_5ux5PT9Zha5GUMVNsY54sxbprQGJtrtmfbbc3g21hBjRivP948O3js-juG0ypfLayepXfE0BWUrjO0mtbffeZnPHZpuq8HVA-bDzuYs4/w300-h400/Vatican%20(5).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p>And this artwork is of Jesus rising from the dead. I was surprised how triumphant he looks.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZKZPUr9G-LwNF9-23yahHvuwgimqPc0ZTPSvqGiLqFkMDoSY0qyM-NJR9pzHkFCyW-DS4v-yvH5bjo1Kyo_ocXoBKQS4uDXbnw4YHaYCYDNRLdPsT-ZJm9zS1wzYdU0HTxXGZQ4XyuB5PqKFe-GdujiOMbsGXJtmx82rnM7zV6gNf5dcr9IpO6f75zRwv/s1280/Vatican%20(4).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZKZPUr9G-LwNF9-23yahHvuwgimqPc0ZTPSvqGiLqFkMDoSY0qyM-NJR9pzHkFCyW-DS4v-yvH5bjo1Kyo_ocXoBKQS4uDXbnw4YHaYCYDNRLdPsT-ZJm9zS1wzYdU0HTxXGZQ4XyuB5PqKFe-GdujiOMbsGXJtmx82rnM7zV6gNf5dcr9IpO6f75zRwv/w400-h300/Vatican%20(4).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p>This part of the hallway had incredibly gold ceilings and fascinating ancient maps on the walls, representing mostly parts of the Roman empire. <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHnX1iXFTL9F1Wa2olqNTfY1YuTW3DEiiq7eON4Z5djujYeBH7dTIqpFR_mn1Uuwo_kzVFUYIRZIxCHazSzxsVbMYI8I43ahCprEjDQVnZ6H5arX-aUnekitLjMBEwm0arVNoTctaSdSzH0dl8kzW9h4TmMJ7n3fN7bhwXqETE307qzAw9rcbLhZuilySR/s1280/vatican%20(61).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHnX1iXFTL9F1Wa2olqNTfY1YuTW3DEiiq7eON4Z5djujYeBH7dTIqpFR_mn1Uuwo_kzVFUYIRZIxCHazSzxsVbMYI8I43ahCprEjDQVnZ6H5arX-aUnekitLjMBEwm0arVNoTctaSdSzH0dl8kzW9h4TmMJ7n3fN7bhwXqETE307qzAw9rcbLhZuilySR/w400-h300/vatican%20(61).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Who doesn't love the detailed illustrations and elegant calligraphy on an ancient map!<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG51anoI4pHw4z3rxMh9HkOZlz7lrX2_91EyxGP6IXcAVD9_vxrWio5EjB-ot8NU4JNO3mctsM8JPcdry8qVGrWxQiKX5JACIHzGRF_T5OLOAOFETcwWsAYdhslC4vWvMl7OrSBEO6NgsFvLzcTHEgF1IA4o-8JOpaOV7Lc3wGMCUWqIOZluvy_ND8biDu/s1280/Vatican%20(3).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG51anoI4pHw4z3rxMh9HkOZlz7lrX2_91EyxGP6IXcAVD9_vxrWio5EjB-ot8NU4JNO3mctsM8JPcdry8qVGrWxQiKX5JACIHzGRF_T5OLOAOFETcwWsAYdhslC4vWvMl7OrSBEO6NgsFvLzcTHEgF1IA4o-8JOpaOV7Lc3wGMCUWqIOZluvy_ND8biDu/w300-h400/Vatican%20(3).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>More details of the illustrations on the ceiling of the hallway of maps. So much detail it was hard to know where to look. It was easy to get distracted by a picture and narrowly avoid other rubberneckers. <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZBtIA38e9BpChkvPBHy6lNgpDYHlHGURy7YrNPHz9VecG7YLho-tO39JFee07tckNFDb__gwJL5V_apnv4pbGdmyTGfSCnRfbrwqPOYL5QV9Wa-AkT_Bp2k9qxIaBAOvEpNwFSIHCx5nsZNkbx5BfoeSniTV5JzHKeC4DkUCU-PZcVl9fNljQtGw1Jwyu/s1280/Vatican%20(2).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZBtIA38e9BpChkvPBHy6lNgpDYHlHGURy7YrNPHz9VecG7YLho-tO39JFee07tckNFDb__gwJL5V_apnv4pbGdmyTGfSCnRfbrwqPOYL5QV9Wa-AkT_Bp2k9qxIaBAOvEpNwFSIHCx5nsZNkbx5BfoeSniTV5JzHKeC4DkUCU-PZcVl9fNljQtGw1Jwyu/w400-h300/Vatican%20(2).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p>After a while I took less and less photos because I was overwhelmed at all the lavish artworks. Many of them expressed the ultimate power of the Pope who represented God on earth, following St Peter being described as the rock on which the church was built. The above picture, that was painted to cover a lot of a wall, is typical representation of the Pope presiding over other dignitaries of the Church and his link to God the Father above in Heaven. I am not sure if this was part of the Raphael rooms but it is the sort of large scale meaningful paintings that covered the walls and ceilings of those rooms.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1iNZmdrsxzXQFTi0WRRNyqCfIX58ky3yp1lpgQji_aXVMWpVOF_wqGstF1mFY_BtDjTh3-CzShgwo2yMs0vGqbWZaPsd-oTNnAEmJUrQnVPFmlEqtLoAPD3oKUScIaonNsFQKsz_o6Co8wec-WeibzEF3k0_NVN8ACnyc4GwlmrZkXS8YpLFWZmwLlasw/s1280/Vatican%20(1).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1iNZmdrsxzXQFTi0WRRNyqCfIX58ky3yp1lpgQji_aXVMWpVOF_wqGstF1mFY_BtDjTh3-CzShgwo2yMs0vGqbWZaPsd-oTNnAEmJUrQnVPFmlEqtLoAPD3oKUScIaonNsFQKsz_o6Co8wec-WeibzEF3k0_NVN8ACnyc4GwlmrZkXS8YpLFWZmwLlasw/w300-h400/Vatican%20(1).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p>Finally we arrived at the Sistine Chapel. It is probably the best know artwork in the museum. Many years ago I was told stories about Michaelangelo lying on his back to paint this ceiling. The room is crowded and everyone's eyes head towards the famous ceiling. After being welcomed to photograph the rest of the artworks, it was a shock to be told we could not photograph the most famous artwork in the museum. The cynic in me thought it was so they could sell more images in the giftshop. Perhaps the spurred me on to take a sneaky photo including the Creation of Adam where God and Man reach out to each other. It begat a multitude of imitations and satire.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTkRGICoUuBNNH2IR68NHEMSRW0hHe_nzOGPdXcwSnUxr5zNbwTOGI9JowcnyDlLty083fk8qQRjwk7IWSVVWNLwlnEnAeKpYbCc0CuhJSBiDl9eKgXqsFmpFIeC3Zh308WogMzD0Dt3bo4gp1iHPjVmZTAA2YpGXfXziA5grphHH1EPSKMk8hbGX7UWwB/s1280/Vatican%20(62).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTkRGICoUuBNNH2IR68NHEMSRW0hHe_nzOGPdXcwSnUxr5zNbwTOGI9JowcnyDlLty083fk8qQRjwk7IWSVVWNLwlnEnAeKpYbCc0CuhJSBiDl9eKgXqsFmpFIeC3Zh308WogMzD0Dt3bo4gp1iHPjVmZTAA2YpGXfXziA5grphHH1EPSKMk8hbGX7UWwB/w300-h400/Vatican%20(62).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p>All signs had led to the Sistine Chapel. Once we had been there everything else seemed an anticlimax. We walked through many more hallways with artwork, archeological artifacts, shiny liturgical candelabra and crucifixes, and cabinets of curiosities. So much wealth. So much detail. And we had so little concentration. </p><p>It was a relief to reach the gift shop because it meant we were almost out. I refused to give the Church any more money by making purchases in the gift shop. It seemed obscene to ask for more after that display of riches. In fact I even wandered what impact it would have on the economy if the Church sold all its property and artworks. </p><p>We were so tired we took the lift to the ground floor. It was a large interior panelled in wooden with benches around three sides and an operator, The fresh air as we walked outside was so good.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaD97OR06KpcVoHiJo2FmZngtSUsPKf7LDjL7SYoiVpvGGcGevsFjhSHQJf4bkR-HtDghur7a5mhUTZB7jy0XOUaExKX0EYmF6W6IuigUj-4ZIiaybR5zbLDiL4Vj15ZR9sJQfyU6n1DBd1pbnv0ClmLaWRfz-xuhX4HDOXz3nArK7JVJ8C6aY-MsHBzYY/s1280/gelato.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaD97OR06KpcVoHiJo2FmZngtSUsPKf7LDjL7SYoiVpvGGcGevsFjhSHQJf4bkR-HtDghur7a5mhUTZB7jy0XOUaExKX0EYmF6W6IuigUj-4ZIiaybR5zbLDiL4Vj15ZR9sJQfyU6n1DBd1pbnv0ClmLaWRfz-xuhX4HDOXz3nArK7JVJ8C6aY-MsHBzYY/w300-h400/gelato.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div></div><p></p><p>Being tired means making bad decisions. When we saw the fancy gelato in a glass at <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g187791-d1089060-Reviews-Caffe_Vaticano-Rome_Lazio.html" target="_blank">Cafe Vaticano</a> just opposite the museum exit, we wanted one of those and did not think of price and flavours. When we were asked for three flavours, we gave two - pistachio and fruits of the forest. I think they gave us more pistachio rather than less gelato. It looked amazing, and ought to have for 16 euros, but it was too much for us. I was so tired I almost bought expensive focaccia as well but after sitting for a while, I gathered my energy to return to our apartment where we could find cheaper bread.</p><p>It was interesting to return to the Vatican Museum, older and wiser. I was no so angered by it but I still believe that the Church should use its wealth to look after the needy rather than its inner sanctum. But I can admit that the artwork is amazing and I can at least acknowledge that the Church is playing an important role in conserving the historic artwork and making it available to the public.<br /></p>Johanna GGGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08594201473931487490noreply@blogger.com1