By George, it was St. George (and Iris) . . . Maltby Street Market Treats . . . "Eye" Spy . . . Churchill War Rooms

Phase 10  -- Phases of Living in London -- Experiences

Terrific tourist times aplenty filled our calendars while Ashley, Chris, Jackson, Justin and Elise have been here with us.  It has been an amazing treat for us and such a gift to share time with each of them, and even have some overlap time right after Justin and Elise arrived in London and A, C and J had to leave for the U.S.  How blessed we feel!  How much we enjoy being together and love them all!  Here are some highlights:

By George, it was Saint George . . . (and Iris)

Saint (pronounced "Snt") George is England's patron saint and places throughout the country pulled out all the stops for the annual celebration of his defeat of the dragon that threatened the Empire back when.  We joined in the festivities in Trafalgar Square which included traditional food -- such as meat pies, meringue with toppings, and bangers (sausages) -- and games, old English dances, a Beatles tribute group's performance, tossing rings onto the knight's lance whilst he sat astride a horse, and taking silly pictures. Check out the photo (bottom right of picture collage below) of my new acquaintance, Iris, from the square.  She was a hoot, so friendly and very pleased to be asked if I could take her picture and feature her as having real St. George spirit.  

Maltby Street Market Treats

Munching our way through this area which is located close to our flat was delicious+!  Favorites at this weekend marketplace  are:  apple/pear juice, scotch eggs, french potatoes, ice cream sandwiches (the girl selling them was so relieved I knew what they were, 'cause evidently the Brits haven't quite caught the vision of this goodie.  They eat their biscuits and ice cream separately!), wood-fired flat breads with lamb & rocket (no, not space debris -- it's actually what they call arugula lettuce ;)   ), and fresh flowers galore!


We Spy with our Little "Eyes" . . . 

We spied the London Eye (and my cousin's mission president -- really)!  A spectacular sunny day meant clear, expansive views of London all around as we rode the circular icon.  Secure in our windowed pod, we went from side to side to take it all in -- the buildings, winding river Thames, the colors and the azure sky.  So cool!

Also, I have a cousin who is serving a mission in the London North area.  She got to London just a little while before we did.  So when we spied her mission president, we had a quick visit which resulted in permission for us all to travel to the Hyde Park visitor's center the next day during a mission conference to give Sister Ranck a quick hug and "happy birthday" wish.  It was very kind of President to allow that!  

Bright and early the following morning we were all Sunday-best dressed and perched in the visitor's center when Sister Mission President (Jordan) brought Sister Ranck out to the foyer.  She saw us and burst into tears -- ever so surprised.  It was hugs and happy all around.  And, when the President recognized Chris from the church's missionary training films (called "The District") the day before, he invited him to say a few words to the elders and sisters then, too.   Nicely done!

Churchill War Rooms

Hidden under the streets of Westminster are the Churchill War Rooms.  "The original Cabinet War Rooms protected the staff and secrets at the heart of Britain's government during the Second World War and it was here that Churchill and his inner circle plotted the route to victory.  . . . the maze of rooms and corridors have remained as they were when the lights were turned off in 1945"  touts the official IWM (Imperial War Museums) brochure.  It was fascinating to take this trip back in time and experience the feel, the sights and the recorded sounds/voices of that time.  What a time capsule!  Plus, the Churchill museum is located there, so we got to know him better.  Quite something!