Mum in front of the beautiful gates at Kensington Palace
Mum arrived on Thursday so I picked her up at Paddington Station and we took the Tube to the hotel. She was a good sport about it although in Victoria Station she dropped the bag containing Johnny Walker Black Label and sadly the bottle broke. For some reason London does not like to put garbage cans in their stations. I am not sure why this is. But as the bag is leaking whisky I scoop it up and try to stop the flood and go to a security guy to ask where a garbage is and that he might like to call the cleaners. Well he tells me there is no garbage and I have to go outside to dump the liquid and then just leave the bag and its contents by the information booth for the cleaners to pick up. So this I did. In the meanwhile finding it all very strange.
One of the many gorgeous fireplaces
So curious, I have just looked up this issue regarding trash cans and the fact that London has none in their stations and according to what you find through Google, the idea is that you will reduce trash by removing trash cans. I can see the logic but it has to assume that most people are responsible which sadly they are not. But anyway, that is the whisky story.
One of the many incredible ceilings in Kensington Palace
I was pleased to be able to show Mum London on foot and via the Tube, which she otherwise would not have used, since I showed her how cheap it was to get around all day without using taxis and the like.
Mum with a headless Prince Albert
So the day Mum arrived, we went off to Kensington Palace for a roam – which was spectacular. They have just spent 17 million pounds refurbishing and setting up the old historic apartments for viewing and you get to wander through the ages of the 1600s through to Queen Victoria with a special exhibition on Princess Diana. It really was uniquely done. There are some bugs still to be sorted out in the self-guided mapping and information, but it really was quite good. And really so beautiful.
More artsy shots of Mum
The grounds, Kensington Park, and its surroundings are gorgeous. Again, another blissfully sunny day.
A close up of some details of the Diana wallpaper
Then Mum and I headed up Notting Hill as I was hoping to find the quaint little neighbourhood where Julia Roberts and Hugh Grants movie was supposed to have taken place, but I did not find anything easily enough, so we abandoned that effort. So Mum and I again hopped the Tube and headed to Oxford Circus. There I took her through Soho and down to Trafalgar Square. Trafalgar Square really is one of my most favourite city centres in the world. It is so grand and imposing but in such a stellar way. Then through St. James Park again and Buckingham Palace and back to the hotel.
Which is bigger? the fountain or the Palace - sorry for the sloppy composition
We had a brief break and went for dinner at the pub which was just on the corner. Both of us were completely knackered so we both headed to our rooms about 9 pm and I know I was fast asleep by 10. Poor Mum. I think I exhausted her poor feet with all the walking. But she was a trooper and she was pleased to see London again.
A giant nose on the wall in Soho - what's with that?
The last time Mum had been to London was right after the war in 1945. So needless to say, the city has changed “a wee bitty”. A little larger, a little more multi-cultural and certainly more busy.
Mum by the Olympic Clock in Trafalgar Square
I’m happy that you and your Mom had this opportunity to spend time together and that you made happy memories. I think it’s great that you were able to show your Mum the 21st century London. It looks like both of you had fun and the two of you sure did a lot of walking! (hopefully, you wore good walking shoes)
I have always wanted to visit Kensington Palace and I’m definitely interested in that Priness Diana exhibit.(Thanks for sharing that wallpaper picture.)
Too bad that you were unable to find the movie “neighbourhood”.
I have just one question: did you ever locate the rest of that face?? HAHAHA
Hmmm, I will have to check the pictures in the post again to see what face you are referring to.
FYI: You do not have to post this below comment, b/c it is too silly and personal. lol
Sorry, I was trying to be funny, but I guess, it didn’t work. 🙁
The picture I was referring to is the one of the giant nose on the wall. I just thought that you would have found the other parts of the face, i.e. eyes and mouth on that same wall to complete that face.
Ohhhh , no no, that’s not too silly. Now I remember – sorry – don’t necessarily look at the post when I see the comments. No ran (pun not intended) into the nose by chance. Didn’t look for the others but I bet you they are around