Hello
Here I am in Merrie Olde England, en route to our son's wedding in Ireland, and a fine time we are having.
That castle is Hampton Court Palace, where we trod the path of King Henry VIII and his many wives....
Our flight from Australia was interesting. Since we came over in 2014, the situation in the Middle East has led to changes in flight patterns.
I come from a family of map-lovers, (I know, weird), and spent most of the flight from Dubai to London studying the flight path screen, and noting it on the little map in my travel diary. For the record, Qantas now flies directly across to Iran from Dubai, follows Iran right to the north, then crosses to Turkey along its border with Armenia. I looked out the window and think I saw Mt Ararat, which I know can be seen from Yerevan (seen the photos at the QAG). We were flying right past Yerevan, so what do you think:
A short time later we crossed over the Black Sea, my first sighting of it. Previously, we flew much further south.
Shoreline of the Black Sea, which was white on the day...
A cheerful cushion greeted us in our hotel in South Kensington
Never ones to let jetlag cause a delay, we headed out on day 1 to the Victoria and Albert Museum.
I will do some detailed posts when we return home, time being short, and I find it difficult using Mr C's laptop.
Sunday found us at the gorgeous Cathedral of Westminster (not Westminster Abbey), listening to the most glorious choir singing the Latin Mass.
Beautiful marble and mosaics...
Later we took the lift to the top of the Tower for some great views of London.
We made it to Buckingham Palace, to see the State Rooms and the Collection of the Queen's dresses over the years.
It was wonderful...
There was a strict no photography rule, but I will write about the tour at a later date. The State Rooms are very beautiful, and I enjoyed the gowns so much.
The Wedding and Coronation gowns were fabulous creations, so worthy of a Queen. I enjoyed the line of dresses she has worn to royal weddings over the years. The outfit worn to the wedding of Princess Alexandra in 1963 was my favourite (and that of many others).
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A most delicate shade of Eau de Nil, with tiny silk lily of the valley flowers.
Exquisite...
After our tour we enjoyed tea at the Cafe overlooking the Palace Gardens...
And on to the Shoppe:
Yes, Reader, I bought it!
My own replica of the Queen's Wattle Brooch, presented to her by Australia during her 1952 tour, and often featured on the Blog...
I am thrilled with it, the perfect addition to my outfit for the wedding..
Off to the Theatre tonight...
more in a few days...
xxxx
That was a nice stop in London on the way to your son´s wedding. Your Queen´s Wattle Brooch is a beauty!
ReplyDeleteStill in London, having a great time. Wattle brooch says Hi!
DeleteEngland and Ireland is on our bucket list, a we have traveled other places in Europe, but not there. Now we have to get going on this idea!
ReplyDeleteLots to see and do in London. Enjoyed a night at the theatre and more art today.
DeleteLove the wattle brooch!!!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you are having a wonderful trip so far...I would like to travel to both those places at some point...they are on my bucket list!
Enjoy!
So much fun to be had in London, we can only touch on a few things in a week. I know you would like it too. The wattle brooch will be my best souvenir!
DeleteWelcome to Merry olde England Patricia - I particularly like the Stations of the Cross in Westminster Cathedral by Eric Gill, and admire also that quirky chandelier in the V & A Rotunda by Dale Chihuly.
ReplyDeleteWhat a treat to find the Wattle Brooch which I know you have admired ever since the Queen's visit to your homeland - it will be a happy memory of your time here especially as it will be linked with the forthcoming wedding in Ireland.
Happy days to you both.
Thank you Rosemary, Yes those Stations of the Cross are wonderful to see, and strikingly different from what we see in Australia. My friend recently showed me photos of the Chihuly chandelier, and it was so much better in reality - a wonderful centrepiece. The wattle brooch will no doubt have a spectacular debut in Ireland and will be a piece with special memories forever.
DeleteWell can't say you've been wasting any time!! It's so nice to see your face ;) pretty lady! Last time I was in London Buckingham Palace was not yet open to the public. It's something I've wanted to see since it did. I love that you bought your own wattle brooch. What a great piece to wear with pride to your son's wedding. Have a great time!
ReplyDeleteWendy
Hello from London, Wendy. No, we don't waste much time, but do have early nights when travelling. We have missed out on Buckingham Palace several times, arriving too late in the season, so it was a thrill to do it this time. Well worth the admission, it is a beautiful palace. Today I went to Liberty of London!
DeleteHello from London, Wendy. No, we don't waste much time, but do have early nights when travelling. We have missed out on Buckingham Palace several times, arriving too late in the season, so it was a thrill to do it this time. Well worth the admission, it is a beautiful palace. Today I went to Liberty of London!
DeleteGoodness, you have been busy already - I'm not sure how many days you have been in London, but you have certainly packed a lot in. When we visit, we actually go to church services as members of the congregation. And for good, sensible eating, most of the churches have cafeterias in their basements or crypts. Do you eat in those? The Palace tour must have been a treat, just imagining all those beautiful dresses - and the day dresses would also have been good to look at, especially with regard to fabric and construction. How lucky to find a replica of the wattle brooch - enjoy wearing it :)
ReplyDeleteYes, we have done quite a bit, but then no fun sitting in hotel rooms :) We have been here a week, and a bit more to go. We did attend the full Mass at the cathedral and with the choir it was a wonderful experience. Looked at the stairs to the basement, and decided against it! However will try St Pauls this Sunday, and maybe lunch there after. I know you too would have enjoyed the dresses, the detail and construction, and even the level of deterioration in some, and perfect preservation in others. And wondering why that might be (poor lining? inferior fabric? design flaw?) The Coronation gown is absolutely pristine, and a wonder to behold. Photos never do it justice.
DeletePatricia, you are having fun times, my dear! I like that cushion on the chair at the hotel in South Kensington. The Cathedrals are beautiful. So old and rich in history. The girls go to mass at the old Cathedrals in their travels. How pretty is the replica of the Queen's Wattle Brooch. It is going to look lovely on your dress for the wedding.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful journey, be safe, and I look forward to seeing pics of the wedding. :)
love, ~Sheri
Trish, what wonderful pictures! I feel like I'm there too. Glad you got the beautiful brooch.♥️ Looking forward to seeing more!
ReplyDeleteWe are making the most of it Debbie, but there is never enough time ! Wattle brooch says Hi 🌾
DeleteOH goodness this is such fun!! I love traveling vicariously through you dear Trish and gobbled up each photo!! I can't wait to hear and see more. That brooch is amazing!!
ReplyDeleteHope you're continuing to have a great time!! Prayers and blessings that all will go beautifully with the wedding.
xoxo
Hi Carrie, love that you are enjoying the sights of London. I will do another post with more to see. We are having a rest day!
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