Charles Dickens Museum
Had a “Dickens” of a time at his Victorian home-turned-museum at 48 Doughty Street, which included the desk where he penned many of his most famous works such as Oliver Twist and Nicholas Nickleby. Handwritten drafts of those novels, done by quill pen and often by candlelight, were there, too.
We visited his book-lined study, the family dining room and bedchambers, and the servants' quarters and saw the family's furniture, table ware, portraits, photos, paintings and china ornaments, among other things.
Fun facts:
- Charles and his wife, Catherine, moved into the home a few months before Queen Victoria began her reign in 1837
- their three oldest of 10 children were raised there
- the Dickens' hosted many of the time period's leading figures with dinners and parties. Wouldn't those have been intriguing parties to attend?!?
Gelato Festival
Sweet! It was the European Traveling Gelato Festival for us! Tickets got us up to 8 scrumptious (and some unique) cups of cold deliciousness from various venders to try and then vote on to help determine the ultimate winners. Competitors hit several cities in the European Union and wound up in Italy to tally votes and crown the winner! Portions were huge, and so became our dinner. Our favorite was the nougat chocolate peanut concoction!
Royal Opera House (ROH)
A major performing arts venue in Covent Garden, The Royal Opera House is something to behold. It is home of The Royal Opera, The Royal Ballet and the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House. Initially it was a playhouse (for 100 years). Then in 1734, the first ballet was presented and a year after that, operas by George Frideric Handel played there. "Many of his operas and oratorios were specifically written for Covent Garden and had their premieres there." - Wikipedia
Mike and I toured this opulent venue with its grand greenhouse-style, arched window foyer, luminous circular, ribbed ceiling in the main theater and it's crystal chandlers, its rich red velvets and golden trim work. It was a sumptuous feast for the eyes! We were fascinated to see an amazing ballet class in session, look in on costume-making in progress and see completed outfits on display. We were even treated to a quick listen to a musical group during warm-ups. Can't wait to take in a show there!
Photo Credit: Internet
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