*** Note: As you have probably noticed, I’m a few days behind on my blog posting. Like Anna, I’ve been writing a little about each day before bedtime, but the photos - downloading, selecting and resizing - is the weak link in the operation. That, along with wifi only available in the common area, has caused a backup of posts. And really, what’s a post from England without photos? So, let’s get back to Friday...
Today was an especially long day, beginning with a trip to Westminster Abbey and ending with Anna’s official birthday present (three days early), a performance of La Fille Mal Gardee at the Royal Ballet. Anna and I also managed to get in a little shopping in Sloane Square while Michael was back at the hotel. We loved the fact that the Peter Lewis department store had a “knitting wool” section and were especially impressed by the number and range of throw pillows in the home section - racks and racks of them. It was hard to resist the owl and union jack pillows, but we ultimately bought only 2 cookbooks which would easily fit into our carry-ons.
At this point, Anna is quite comfortable taking the tube everywhere. She has commented more than once that London is nothing like NYC! Everyone is very friendly and helpful, and quiet, just like Anna. There have actually been a couple loud, unruly kids, and a few adults that didn’t have a good sense of their own personal space. What did they have in common? They were French.
We passed by Parliament and Big Ben on the way to Westminster Abbey. Anna was especially proud of capturing the flag flying over parliament.
I love the way the British are loathe to cut down their old trees...
We took some rogue photos within Westminster Abbey (where no photos are allowed). I was not struck down, so I think someone above also feels that if you pay nearly $50 for family admission to a church, you should be able to take a few photos. The Abbey is truly awe-inspiring. William the Conqueror was crowned here in 1066, and it is the burial place for Kings and Queens of the last thousand years. We walked next to the ancient tombs, and were able to touch the stone.
The stained glass windows and the ceiling of Henry VII’s Lady Chapel were so delicate and lovely...
Contrasted with the nave (not the best quality, but I did what I could from my coat pocket)...
We were allowed to take photos in the Cloisters...
Anna and I then walked to Buckingham Palace, stopping at the Royal Mews, which is the cleanest stable I have ever seen. There was also an impressive collection of carriages. The Royal Mews was interesting in that it is a little village. Above the stables and the carriage rooms are apartments, where everyone who works with the horses and tack, as well as the chauffeurs, live. Anna is always very happy around horses!
But not quite as happy as she is doing ballet, and going to the ballet!
The performance was excellent (to be expected), and it was nice to see this particular ballet because it was a Sir Frederick Ashton ballet originally choreographed for the Royal Ballet. It’s one of our favorite ballets (actually the first ballet we saw at Boston Ballet when Anna was just 5 years old), and I don’t think any other company can perform it quite so well or so true to the original choreography.
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