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
Punjabi Dance Party
You cannot stay still when you hear Punjabi music! Bet you! You will want to break out in bhangra, and why not! It’s definitely good exercise. Want to see a video that I made when I was in the UK? This video was made at a pre-wedding party, but I just called it Punjabi Dance Party.
I love the songs on the video, here’s a playlist. The timings are listed so that you can go forward and see certain songs without seeing the entire video – but why you would want to do that – I don’t know – you shouldn’t! The whole video is good!
Playlist
At 19 seconds into the video: Aaja Soniyeh from Foji ft Gurlej Akhtar – Mentah. I just called it Aaja Soniyeh as these words are in it, but not sure what the name of the song is (one of my favorites);
At 1:01 minutes into the video: Aaj Blue Hai Pani Pani from Yo Yo Honey Singh
At 1:55 minutes into the video: I love the song, but don’t know what it’s called or who is the singer, but the dance to it in this video that I made is rather wonderful. This is when the men get together and dance like crazy! The song refers to Jallandarh, a big city in the Punjab – where I have been just once when I was 14 years old.
At 3:30 minutes into the video: There is a ritual dance that is in honor of the groom who will be married the next day (yes this is the party that the boy’s side held). The girl’s side held their own party the same day at a different venue. We were invited to the boy’s side.
At 4:25 minutes into the video: There’s a song that I like to refer to as the “Snake Song”. It is the same music that there was a fabulous dance to in Bride and Prejudice, the “Cobra Dance” that had one of the sisters entertaining the guest Darcy as well as Mr. Khan who was visiting from Los Angeles. Aishwarya Rai was in this movie and played one of the sisters. This was a truly fabulous movie!
At 5:57 mintues into the video, it’s the women’s turn to dance! Again, I don’t know the name of the song, or the singer – but you should tune into to see how Punjabi women dance – they do a dance traditionally known as “giddah” – a traditional folk dance.
At 6:40 minutes into the video, there’s Moorni from Panjabi MC (one of my favorites);
At 6:59 minutes into the video, watch out for the men’s turn again as they dance to the Dhol, and do my favorite – bhangra!
At 8:43 minutes into the video, tune in for nightclub/disco like bhangra!
At 9:04 minutes into the video, tune in for Spanish Bhangra! That’s all I can call it as there is a song that I should know the name to, but don’t and it is Spanish I believe, also popular, and the men love dancing to it bhangra style!
At 9:45 minutes into the video, tune in for the Bhangra finale!
If you love the songs you hear in my video, and want to hear the full version, and see the corresponding video from the artist click on the song links below
Aaja Soniyeh from Foji ft Gurlej Akhtar – Mentah.
Aaj Blue Hai Pani Pani from Yo Yo Honey Singh
Moorni from Panjabi MC
Cobra Dance from Bride and Prejudice, and I know this is part of another Bollywood movie too
Don’t forget with a good Punjabi Dance Party, you need a nice cup of tea, and some Indian sweets, so here you go – just for you! I took the first two pictures below in the USA, but the rest are taken at the Punjabi Dance Party in the UK at Walsall Football Stadium.
chai (nice cup of Indian tea)
Jalebis
Punjabi Dance Party
Punjabi Dance Party
My daughter Niki took a selfie of us when we were in the car on the way to Walsall from Northern England.
Punjabi Dance Party
Punjabi Dance Party
Punjabi Dance Party at Walsall Football Stadium
Here I am at the party before it got started.
Punjabi Dance Party
I hope you liked my video, and the pictures. Don’t forget to watch some of the other videos of the songs that I really like – they are some of the best, but mostly don’t forget to watch my video. Remember, there’s nothing like good Punjabi music, and especially bhangra!
luchanik 