Dreaming of London
Oh, I’m homesick for England, and I’m dreaming of London
So, I’ll look at these pictures, and imagine myself there
Oh, I’m dreaming of London
And wanting to move there
A New Year makes me ponder
Ponder of yonder, and whether I should just dream
Or make that dream a goal, and put it into action.
I think you can read between these lines, that my heart aches for London
And I may have to act upon it real soon. Hope to see you soon, London!
Real question is…..do I go back after so long away? Will it be the right step, the right move, or will I regret it? It’s not easy to move when you have kids to think of. When I moved here a long time ago, it was just me, and so much easier then. This will be the question of the year for me, shall I do it? Time will tell!
It’s Not Just A Yard – It’s Neal’s Yard!
Oh, the wonderful places near Covent Garden. But remember, when I told you it’s not just a garden…..it’s Covent Garden – well now, there’s a yard thrown into the picture too. However, it’s not just a yard…..it’s Neal’s Yard! It’s a most colorful looking place, close by to Covent Garden. Don’t miss it! Just ask anyone when you’re at Covent Garden where Neal’s Yard is, and they should be able to tell you. Here’s some pictures.
Close To Covent Garden Is Neal’s Yard
Neal’s Yard
Close To Covent Garden Is Neal’s Yard
Close To Covent Garden Is Neal’s Yard
In case you are wondering, you will find Neal’s Yard on the corner of Neal Street and Shelton Street
Close To Covent Garden Is Neal’s Yard
Now, you will see Neal’s Yard close by to Shorts Gardens – you have arrived!
Close To Covent Garden Is Neal’s Yard
Close To Covent Garden Is Neal’s Yard
Fancy some tea?
The Tea House, close to Covent Garden
Fancy some cake?
Lola’s Cupcakes, near Neal’s Yard
How about now? I think it’s tea time!
Lola’s Cupcakes, near Neal’s Yard
As you can see these are not just any gardens or any yards, they are special places and getting to be quite well known now. Don’t forget to look out for them when you go to London.
I hope you enjoyed your visit to Neal’s Yard via my post, and I hope you have a great week!
On The Way To Covent Garden, London
I find everything worth taking a picture of, especially in London. So, you won’t be surprised that I took several pictures on the way to Covent Garden when I was there last year. Here are the pictures:
Close to Covent Garden
Close to Covent Garden
Close to Covent Garden
They have the most interesting names of pubs in England, don’t you think?
Close to Covent Garden – The Nags Head
Close to Covent Garden – The Nags Head
Close to Covent Garden
Do you think that I wouldn’t take a picture of this place – The Chandos? Why would I not, when it’s kind of named after my little Chandi. Didn’t get a chance to go there though, but will pop in next time.
The Chandos on St. Martins Lane, near Covent Garden
After we visited Covent Garden, pictures of which I showed you last week, we went to a street not too far away, and found some really lovely places to gaze and gawk at too.
The Tea House, close to Covent Garden
More, next time.
I hope you liked the pictures close by to Covent Garden, sometimes, it’s not just the destination, but even the trip that’s worth it. Always remember to take as many pictures as possible, or you might just forget what you saw on your way.
It’s Been One Year Since I Visited London!
Oh, it’s been one year since I visited London, and I miss it already! I have a video to share with you, something really short. Perhaps you will be able to see that the Underground gets packed, and the stops are very brief. Keep in mind that exiting passengers should be allowed to get off first, before new passengers board. Always remember to Mind The Gap!
I think we must have been on our way to see my favorite Bridge – Tower Bridge. I have to include at least one picture – so here it is.
Tower Bridge, London
I really wish I was in London. Sad, sad, sad!
Not Just A Garden – It’s Covent Garden!
I’m not sure why it’s called Covent Garden. One would expect to see flowers, and perhaps a fountain. However, I don’t think anyone visiting Covent Garden will ever be disappointed, as you will see more than just flowers.
You will see crowds and the wonderful red telephone booths
Covent Garden, London
You will see crowds, and they are forever entertained!
Covent Garden, London
You will see sights that you don’t know if you should even photograph, but then you will do it anyway!
You will see fantastic opportunities to take pictures of your little ones with amazing characters! Here’s my little girl Chandra – she will never be able to say I didn’t take enough pictures of her in London!
Covent Garden, London
You will see people just out for a walk, to not only get some fresh air, but to be entertained, to see, and therefore, to live.
Covent Garden, London
You will want to go into one of the main market areas to have a look at the goods for sale.
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Covent Garden, London
Covent Garden, London
Covent Garden, London
Covent Garden, London
Covent Garden, London
Covent Garden, London
Who said there weren’t any flowers?
Covent Garden, London
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Covent Garden, London
You will want to go see the architecture outside – it’s quite amazing!
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Covent Garden, London
I just noticed the London Transport Museum – from looking at my pictures! Must go here next time!
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The London Transport Museum at Covent Garden, London
Covent Garden, London
Did you know that Covent Garden is in central London, is a short walk from Trafalgar Square, and has it’s own tube station? Yes, Covent Garden tube station is on the Piccadilly line (the blue line). I hope you enjoyed my post on Covent Garden.
The View From The Trafalgar Hilton in London
The view from the Trafalgar Hilton in London is ever so fantastic! In fact, you might say it’s exceptional! I think I should have taken more pictures of the view from the Trafalgar Hilton when I was in London last year. This hotel is so central, and just across the road from Trafalgar Square – you can’t get better than that! In addition, it is walking distance to Green Park, St. James’ Park, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Victoria, and so much more! I highly recommend staying at the Trafalgar Hilton.
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View From Trafalgar Hilton
View From Trafalgar Hilton
View From Trafalgar Hilton
View From Trafalgar Hilton
View From Trafalgar Hilton
View From Trafalgar Hilton
View From Trafalgar Hilton
Memorable London. Fitzroy Square Reminds Me Of The London Shown In The Oliver Twist Movie
I have many memories of London, but it all began when I arrived here age 18 (many years ago now) not knowing where I would stay. I actually arrived at Victoria Station, with one big suitcase, and asked the taxi driver to take me somewhere that is affordable, and he drove me to a bed and breakfast on Fitzroy Street.
Victoria Station, London
On my recent trip last July, I had to go seek it out. When I first arrived here at age 18, all alone – I was somehow mesmerized by this area.
Fitzroy Street, near Warren Street tube, London
On first glance when you look at the picture above, you may think this is not a really spectacular street, but look what is around the corner! Such beauty, such historical elegance and exquisite architecture! Such a magnificent sight of the most wonderful homes – oh, how I wish I could live in one of them right there
Fitzroy Square area, London
Fitzroy Square area, London
Do you see how many famous people have lived here in these homes (look at some of my pictures below and you will see that Prime Ministers have lived here, so have writers, artists and architects.
Fitzroy Square area, London
I’m certainly not famous, but I can say I lived in one of the homes – well, it’s actually a bed and breakfast – for about 3 weeks! This place gave me such fond memories of London, that a few years later, I stayed here again, but this time sadly, I remember it for other reasons. I was staying on the very top floor, about two or three flights of stairs up. I opened the window, and unfortunately, it dropped down onto my finger that had a ring on it, and squashed my finger somewhat – the window also squashed my ring! I had to scream until some passers by heard my screams and alerted the hotel staff who finally came to my rescue, as I could not get the window back up or off my finger. I was in such pain, and had to then go to the hospital, where they cut my ring off in order to save my finger. What a horror story! But, true! You have to be really careful of windows I’ve learnt – please take note of this also, as some of London’s hotels are quite old, and you don’t want the same thing happening to you.
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41 Fitzroy St Hotel – bed and breakfast
Still, I have good memories of my first visit there at 41 Fitzroy St Hotel, and nothing can take that away. That is when I first fell in love with London. I was a stranger to this place and showed up without knowing where I would stay or what I would do. I remember thinking this area in particular reminded me of the Oliver Twist movie in the good part of the movie, (I say the good part of the movie, as I categorize it into two parts – the good part is when Oliver was happy and well looked after, and the bad part is when he was taught to pickpocket to line the pockets of Bill Sikes, and Fagin). In the good part of the movie, where he lived with the kind elderly gentleman in London, Oliver would look out of his bedroom window onto the streets below, and he saw Nancy in one of the songs (the movie is a musical, and the song I refer to is “Who Will Buy These Wonderful Roses” and Nancy is Bill Sikes’ girlfriend). I remember the London I saw in the movie, looks just like the London I know in the Fitzroy Square/Fitzroy Street area.
The hotel is not at all fancy, it is simple, but very central – in a great location! Who would not want to be in an Oliver Twist like setting?!! This is a bed and breakfast, and I’m sure they have fixed up the windows since that time. I remember they served a wonderful hot English breakfast, complete with bacon, eggs, sausage, toast and jam, as well as coffee and tea. Needless to say, I went in to the hotel on my visit to London last year, and took a few pictures. After all, this place is part of my history! This hotel used to be only something like £30 or £40 (pounds) per night for a single room, now I’m sure it’s more like £80 per night, and you may have to share a bathroom. I believe I shared a bathroom back when I first stayed there, probably even during my second visit.
41 Fitzroy Street Bed and Breakfast, near Warren St tube
41 Fitzroy Street Bed and Breakfast, near Warren St tube
41 Fitzroy Street Bed and Breakfast, near Warren St tube
41 Fitzroy Street Bed and Breakfast, near Warren St tube
It is quite notable to see that High Commissions, and Embassies also are in this very same area. If the signs weren’t on the buildings in such a visible way, you would never imagine that it could be a High Commission or an Embassy.
Fitzroy Square area, London
This is Telecom Tower, as you head towards Tottenham Court Road tube station, which is also only a few minutes walk away.
Fitzroy Square area, London
The picture below reminds me of the scene from the song where Oliver looks out from his balcony. It probably was not this very street, but to me – this is what I remember or imagine it to be. I must watch the movie again – what a fantastic movie it was, and so memorable – just like London is to me. “Please sir, can I have some more porridge?” Then we all know what happened to Oliver, and how he was thrown out of the orphanage just for asking for more food!
Fitzroy Square area, London
Fitzroy Square area, London
Fitzroy Square area, London
George Bernard Shaw and Virginia Woolf both lived here.
Fitzroy Square area, London
Fitzroy Square area, London
Fitzroy Square area, London
Fitzroy Square area, London
Fitzroy Square area, London
Fitzroy Square area, London
Robert Adam, the architect, lived here.
Fitzroy Square area, London
Of course, i had to take a picture of the Indian YMCA – also very close to Fitzroy Street, and I remember this being here years ago too.
Fitzroy Square area, London
Fitzroy Square area, London
Just in case you are curious, “To Let” means to rent, and I’m sure you know that a flat is an apartment.
Fitzroy Square area, London
Fitzroy Square area, London
This is also nearby, but it is Bedford Square, just as pretty, but not quite as spectacular as Fitzroy Square. Bedford Square is shown in the next four pictures.
Fitzroy Square area, London
Fitzroy Square area, London
Fitzroy Square area, London
Fitzroy Square area, London
Back to Fitzroy Square again.
Fitzroy Square area, London
Well, hopefully, you got a feel for one of my favorite areas of London – the Fitzroy Street, Fitzroy Square area – near the Warren Street tube station. It is also walking distance to Tottenham Court Road tube station. I hope you enjoyed my little trip down memory lane, plus the pictures that show the surrounding area. Also, did you get to see the clip from the Oliver Twist movie – to compare it to my pictures, click here – so what you do think? Is it the same place? Here’s to good memories of where ever your travels take you to. Happy summer!
Trafalgar Square, a Stone’s Throw From St. Martin-In-The-Fields
I meant to show you more pictures of Covent Garden, but before we got there on Day 5 of our trip to London in July, 2014, we went for an early morning walk from our hotel at The Trafalgar Hilton, situated right there in Trafalgar Square – so convenient! First we went across the road to Trafalgar Square to see the Blue Hen and the fountains – why not wake up to a hen in Central London? There’s nothing like it!
Trafalgar Square
The National Gallery is a very impressive art museum, and it’s located bang in the middle of Trafalgar Square.
The National Gallery At Trafalgar Square
Look at this, you get Nelson’s Column, the lions, Big Ben and London Buses all in view! Oh, how I love London!
Trafalgar Square
Here I am in Trafalgar Square in front of the Blue Hen.
Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square
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Trafalgar Square
What a fabulous place to take a walk, but then again – it’s nice to be walking anywhere in London.
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near Trafalgar Square
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near Trafalgar Square
Right there at Trafalgar Square is a beautiful church – St. Martin In The Fields. I’m not sure how it got this name as I don’t see any fields around – but I’m sure there’s a reason to the name. However, it is a beautiful church.
St. Martin In The Fields near Trafalgar Square
St. Martin In The Fields near Trafalgar Square
St. Martin In The Fields near Trafalgar Square
So, now…..we have made it across the Square to this beautiful church – St. Martin In The Fields.
St. Martin In The Fields near Trafalgar Square
This is not the main part of it, rather the pictures above show you what it looks like – I am including the one below because it is unusual to have such a structure – I do believe it’s the Crypt – and think it houses a cafe. Since it’s surrounded by such gorgeous architecture, I had to throw in this picture too.
The Crypt at St. Martin In The Fields near Trafalgar Square
I went inside this beautiful church. How I love to go into churches!
St. Martin In The Fields near Trafalgar Square
St. Martin In The Fields near Trafalgar Square
I saw quite a bit of the service, and joined in singing some of the hymns. It reminded me of my childhood when we used to sing hymns at my school – as part of our assemblies – most mornings in northern England.
Anyway, I still have more pictures from Day 5, and guess what? The next day is the last day of London before we headed up north to where my family lives. Still, I have many more pictures to share. Until then.
A Trip to Covent Garden in London
Covent Garden is such a lively place, a vibrant place. There are outdoor markets, street shows, shops, restaurants, pubs, crowds and so much more. It is a great place to go out and sit at a table outside, and people watch.
Covent Garden, London
Covent Garden, London
So first, we people watched a little, then we did a little more from our table at this restaurant – The Covent Garden Kitchen (address: The Market, Covent Garden, London, WC2). It was a lovely evening, nice and warm and great to be sitting outside. I wish I had got a family picture taken, but we got pictures separately, first me, then my two oldest and then my little one.
Covent Garden, London
Covent Garden, London
Covent Garden, London
Here’s some of what we ate in Covent Garden:
I love how in England, they cater for people with spicy tastes – there are so many Indians and other Asians here who love spicy food, that it is quite pleasant to find that the food is more spicier or that they will add to it to make it more appealing to those with certain tastes.
Covent Garden, London
My son likes paninis, and anything with lots of cheese, so his was not too spicy (which is fine with him)!
Covent Garden, London
This was a nice fish and risotto concoction.
Covent Garden, London
After we left the restaurant, we wandered around a little.
Covent Garden, London
Covent Garden, London
Covent Garden, London
Our feet were quite tired that it was tempting to take a rickshaw, but we didn’t. We weren’t too far from our hotel in Trafalgar Square.
Covent Garden, London
Covent Garden/Leicester Square, London
Covent Garden, London
Covent Garden, London
Look at this picture, it must have been the way I took the picture, but the ladies infront of the telephone booth came out blurry, and added to the effect of the “Ghost Stories” picture.
Covent Garden, London
I have been to the Hippodrome Nightclub once or twice when I used to live in London many years ago, now I see there is a Casino – not sure if there is still a nightclub.
Covent Garden/Leicester Square, London
Oh, how I wish I could take away this fish and chip shop and have it in San Diego, so that I could have it’s fish and chips when I pleased!
Covent Garden/Leicester Square, London
Covent Garden, London
Covent Garden, London
I have more pictures of Covent Garden and the surrounding area. I will share them next time. I hope you have a great week!
Diana & Dodi Memorial at Harrods
I still miss Princess Diana so much. She was a special kind of person, born to be a Princess, and fit to be the Queen. Sadly, she was taken away from us. I am so glad that Harrods has a memorial for her and Dodi, the man who was the love of her life, and who also died in that fateful car crash in Paris – on that awful day that I will never forget. Here are some pictures of the memorial.
Dodi & Diana Memorial, Harrods, London
Dodi & Diana Memorial, Harrods, London
Dodi & Diana Memorial, Harrods, London
Dodi & Diana Memorial, Harrods, London
Dodi & Diana Memorial, Harrods, London
Dodi & Diana Memorial, Harrods, London
Dodi & Diana Memorial, Harrods, London
Dodi & Diana Memorial, Harrods, London
Dodi & Diana Memorial, Harrods, London
Just heard there was a story in the papers today on how the British public don’t want Camilla to be the next Queen. I certainly don’t want her to be the Queen either. How could she be? She grabbed away Diana’s chances at happiness, and was the third person in that marriage. If Camilla had not interfered in the marriage – I strongly believe that Diana would have been here today. That is one reason why Camilla will never be part of my Pinterest Board – The Royal Family. My Pinterest board is dedicated to Diana’s memory, and adding any pins of Camilla would not be in Diana’s interest. Diana, we will never forget you. You were, and are always the People’s Princess. May you rest in peace always.
luchanik 