I developed an especially wandering heart these past couple of years. It used to be that when we would visit a place, we would max it out by dashing from one point of interest to another, just to make our time at the destination worth the while Being the nerd of the 2 of us, I would research the destination to death.
There would be a folder with us, containing lists of places to go, broken down into categories with the address, operating hours and cost (if any). I would plan each day to maximize the time we spent there. We would leave the hotel early and come back ready to collapse. Haha...
I think sometime during the past 2 years, things change. We stopped rushing, we spent time sitting around in coffee shops, just strolling along the area. I think I enjoyed the change. This way we are able to take more in, rather than just rushing around and ending up needing a vacation from the vacation.
Last May, while I was really down, hubby promised to bring me to Europe. =) I am so blessed. It was supposed to have taken place last July but we weren't sure about being in London the same time as the Olympics. And so it got postponed. I almost thought that it would not happen, then hubby just booked it 2 to 3 weeks before we left for the trip. And so, we left on July 24 and headed to our first stop - London!
Tea at the Chesterfield Mayfair *Yums*
The actual cup of tea that I had. *Bliss!*
The day we arrived, we had tea at the Chesterfield Mayfair. The scones were super duper yums! Unfortunately, we were unable to finish the lovely treats and had to take the sweets to go. The service was wonderful. I would really, really love to go there again.
Eggs Benedict and Smoked Salmon for Breakfast.
Did I mention that we stayed at the Chesterfield Mayfair for 4 nights. Super love! We had complimentary cooked breakfast each morning and I really miss the Eggs Benedict with Smoked Salmon. We stayed in a themed-room - Music Room. I had been to London in 1996 and the hotel that I stayed was kind of old and small. So imagine my surprise at the big bed and big bathtub! In short, I would love to go stay there again, the next time I visit London. =)
Westminster Abby
We walked so much in London. I discovered calf and feet muscles that I never knew I had. Haha! One of the places we visited was the Westminster Abby. Everything seemed near and yet far at the same time. I think we overestimated our fitness level and exhausted ourselves walking around and taking everything in.
Change of Guard at Buckingham Palace
Oh, incidentally, it was really hot while we were there. Just thought I'd mention that. There was a huge crowd waiting outside the Buckingham Palace to witness the change of guard on the day we choose to do the same. It's like everyone turned up to watch this. It took me back to my previous visit, which was also in July. I don't think it was that hot and definitely not as packed. However, this is hubby's first visit to London and therefore, this is a must-do. After all, we traveled an entire day to get there.
Yummy Yummy at Portobello Street Market
On Saturday, we headed to Notthinghill after my Eggs Benedict and Smoked Salmon Breakfast. As it was Saturday, there was actually a market on Portobello Street. I love it! There were locals and tourists everywhere. I love wondering the street and looking at the wares that are available. I think I bought 2 fridge magnets and enjoyed my time there.
Underground Map made of Lego
Other places we visited include, Oxford Street, Covent Market, Chinatown, Shakespeare Theater, Tower Bridge, Big Ben, and many others that I can't recall at this moment. All I can say is, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves there and 4 days is too short for London! If we were to go back to the UK again, I would spend just 10 days in UK, visiting Wales and Scotland as well. =)
We headed to Paris next and that shall be in another later post. *Dreaming of being back in London*
Back to reality, for lunch today, we had stir-fried romaine lettuce and rendang beef.
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