A Royal Treat!
Billed as a “Royal Welcome,” the annual opening of
Buckingham Palace’s State Apartments did not disappoint! Mike, Tyler and I were feeling almost regal
as we perused the palace’s grand entry, imposing staircase, the throne room
(complete with sword and kneeling bench where men are knighted), portrait
gallery and various drawing rooms. Such
opulence and gilding – quite something to be sure!
Our favorite had to be the ballroom though. Currently where the state dinners are held,
it was spectacular with its vastness, perfectly attended-to settings, china, chandeliers,
flowers, pipe organ, and murals. Every detail
is precise and fit for royalty. Even the
place settings are specifically measured for utensil placement, there is
someone whose career is strictly to manage the beautiful crystal stemware, and
the tables feature tiny, goose-necked LED lights which illuminate the immediate
eating area so the menu may be easily read.
The gardened grounds were also lovely, although we only saw
a speck of those areas on this trip.
We’ll have to take a longer wander there next time we’re invited over
for luncheon or tea. ;)
St Paul’s
Cathedral
One of my favorite cathedrals has to be St Paul’s. English Baroque in style, it was designed by
Sir Christopher Wren, and is an imposing structure with intricate and beautiful
mosaics, detailed murals and spectacular views of the city from the dome’s 365
foot high top. The original church on
that site was founded in 604; the current one dates from the late 17th
century.
It’s history is replete with important services including
Queen Victoria’s Jubilee celebration, WWI and WWII peace services, funerals for
Lord Nelson, the Duke of Wellington and Sir Winston Churchill, the wedding of
Charles and Diana and the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.
Tyler and I explored the church from the basement crypts to
the main floor naves & side chapels to the top dome viewing platform (via hundreds
of winding stairs). Each hour visitors
are requested to pause and join in a brief prayer for various causes; it is led
by a priest.
We were also able to stay
for Evensong (daily evening prayer service with Bible readings and choir
music). It was wonderful to be able to
hear hymns sung by a talented visiting choir as their voices filled the huge
church reverberating their praises to heaven.
Some few of us were actually allowed to sit in the elaborately
wood-carved quire area where the choir sits, too.
Munching through Borough and Maltby Markets
What a taste treat to meander through some of the local
street markets here, perusing delicious offerings of everything from sweets to
artisan breads & cheeses, to balsamic vinegars & olive oils, to
luscious fruits and vegetables and more.
Such fun places to explore, eat and people-watch!
Borough Market is a short walk from the flat and is one of
the largest and oldest food markets in London – this year is its 1,000 year
anniversary! Hard to get my head around
that kind of age! We recently found out
it is listed as one of the world’s 10 best fresh markets -- and, we’ve found if
you go there on a Saturday, it seems the whole world is actually there (so I’ll
be looking for you)!
Some of their special lunch options are not to be missed –
such as the roast hog (right off the spit!) with rosemary and apple sauce
sandwiches and the artisan cheese toasties (think cheese fondue sandwich). You nibble your way through the samples and
move through the booths taking in the feast for the eyes and nose as well. You could go there every day for weeks and
never eat the same thing twice!
Top choices there are the Scotch eggs (soft boiled egg, wrapped in sausage, rolled in breading and deep fried), fresh apple juice, New Zealand peanut butter, and fluffy waffles. The sausage sandwiches and gratin potatoes are new favorites, too. Yeah, not so much a health food zone, but a delicious “sometimes” meal!
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