Our first day we stayed within the traditional tourist rout: Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, the Buckingham Palace, the Big Ben and the National Gallery.
This summer in London they have the
exhibit of baby elephant statutes all over the city, just like the Cow show several years back in Chicago, but with a more serious message.
The jewel of the day was the hilarious street show that we saw in front of the National Gallery. The showman took volunteers (two Germans, two French and a Pakistani boy) out of the audience and have them preform and acrobatic trick. The act itself was very simple but the execution was priceless. My favorite part was the declaimer: "Ladies and Gentlemen do not attempt this at home, unless you have two German and two French men."
Canalletto room. Photos do not give justice to the brilliance of the his work.
Our second day we began by stopping by Conor's college to check him in. Then with the help of the Conor's super Google phone we found our way to a gigantic playground. On the way, while babies were sleeping, we stopped at a small park and then a pub.
"No unaccompanied adults" was one of the playground's rules posted on the gate. The playground has three play areas, a large lawn in the center, a petting zoo (goats, rabits and perrots), cafe (with small table and chairs just for kids) and party rooms at the perimeter. Liz climbed the highest towers despite of the intimidating gang of older boys. Then she made friends with the goat.
After having an entertaining eavesdropping session at lunch, we walked over to the King's college area. It left me breathless with its endlessly diverse and harmonious architecture and mature greenery.
We made a quick stop by the Buckingham Palace. Where Liz and Conor went toward the fountain and Peter and I stayed in the Park feeding squirrels and collecting complements form passersby.
On the third day in London we send dad of to school and went looking for playgrounds in the area. The first one we found was by a field that royal horsemen use for practice. The second was in the St. James park that is close to the Palace. Liz and Peter enjoyed both very much. However, because I did not drink enough water throughout the day, skipped customary second cup of coffee and hiked across four parks, the day to me seemed like it was never going to end.
Next day we first went to a nearby playground and waited for the Science museum to open. The Science museum has a compact but fun children's play area. Liz thought that the rest of the museum exhibits were also for her to play with. The elevator proved to be the most interesting attraction. After the Science museum we had some crapes for lunch and kids went to took nap at the park (at the same time!) . Later we went to play at Prince Diana Memorial Playground. It is an amazing park with many play areas that are inspired by the Peter Pan story. I am not positive about that but I do not want to Google it.
We started to slow down as the week continued. The fifth day in London we started of later than usual. I have originally planed to take kids to the Nature museum in the morning, but somehow Liz felt asleep before we got there. Instead me and Peter had lunch and ventured out to a off path London neighborhood. After Liz woke up and had her pint of blueberries we took a swift tour of the Nature Museum.
On Thursday we took it even slower. I had no agenda, no plans, no places to see. As soon as we entered the Kensington gardens I let Liz out of the stroller. She spend all morning wondering in the meadows like the Monty Python athlete with not sense of direction. For lunch I found a spectacular small cafe (
what a cliché) that had soup and cheese and curred meat platter on the menu and had me at hello with its tasteful interior and kid friendly attitude (not a common combo). In the afternoon Liz played in the Princes Diana's memorial fountain, which is a path flooded water for people to walk in.
Friday was simple and relaxed. A short stroll in the park, Di Playground, long nap back in hotel room and meetup with Conor at by the Buckingham Palace Fountain. Packed the luggage up for the next leg of the race.
"We laid out rugs and pillows on the grass, served desserts and Chai tea, and projected an old black and white film in the garden."
I am amazed by the effect that the music and the art in these lullabies have on my mind and body.
