The London Adventures of Thelma and the Weeze

After MUCH discussion, date-changing and fretting, my Hot-lanta girls finally made it across the pond! We crammed in as much as possible in 2.5 days and had just as much fun. I'm so grateful for their visit- it was just the medicine I needed. And my, they smile pretty for the camera!

we started the mini-vacay in the pub garden
with the all-important pitcher of Pimm's...

the following day, we shopped at my favourite Notting Hill chocolate shop...
and perhaps a few other Westborne Grove locations

then we relaxed in Hyde Park before heading over...

to the DORCHESTER for fancy-pants afternoon tea! 

we concluded our whirlwind holiday by hopping on a luxury coach
to do some luxury outlet shopping in Oxfordshire

Thanks, ladies! Next visit will involve 100 degree temps, Georgia peaches and backyard misters. Trust.

Bowling... in London?!

Apparently, when you work for an American company in England, team build events inevitably have an American theme. And here I didn't think I'd ever BOWL whilst abroad ;)

Oh, I joke! The best part of bowling with people who have little to no experience is that I had the highest score. That year I spent all my Saturday mornings in a kiddie's league has finally paid off. HA! Where's my award??

Just Look Up

Sometimes I have to remind myself to look up while walking through the streets of London. It's not that difficult to remember to do when there are so many wonderful bits to take in. It's a special treat to look up and see a blue circle affixed to a random building or home, signaling someone important lived or something important happened there. It can make your leisurely stroll - or quick run to get out of the rain - all the more meaningful.

I don't claim to be a great literary mind, but how cool is that? Just one of the many fantastic perks of this grand city.

p.s. If anyone is wondering where this one is: between the High Street Kensington and Gloucester Road tube stations. I'm sure there is a web site which lists every blue circle in London...

Winchester

No matter where we go in England, I can't really comprehend how old the towns are, or how much history they contain. For instance: Winchester.  It was the first capitol of England... you know, over a thousand years ago, before even Londinium. It's hard to believe the town (or any place, for that matter) has been populated for that long. Do the people that live in and near such history reflect on the significance?  Perhaps its because I come from place incorporated less than 200 years ago that I can't stop thinking about it.

Anyway, Winchester. Another quintessential British town steeped in English history and lore. Massive cathedral? Check. Castle ruins? Check. Crumbling Roman wall remains? Check. Seriously, this town has it all, plus adorable pubs, lovely shops and a rambling canal. The weather was nice and the drive down wasn't too bad... if only the guide books told the real story about heavy motorway traffic. Oh, there was a choir and symphony in the cathedral practicing for a performance that night - Mozart's Requiem. It was a flippin' amazing cap to a great afternoon out.

Chewie in a pub strikes again!

Winchester Cathedral

a hospital built in 1607

Wolvesly Castle ruins
(home to many rich Catholic Winchester bishops)

don't worry.. a new one was built in the 17th century.

home to Jane Austen

just one of the mortuary chests which contain
Saxon king remains

sculpture by Antony Gormley.. when the crypt floods (annually)
the sculpture looks to be standing on water

Notting Hill Gate Cinema

My favourite cinema in London, so far... only been once, but I think all movie theatres should have the same amount of class.

(taken with my phone- not the best quality)

BTW, I saw the most awesome film, Cave of Forgotten Dreams. It will blow your mind. 

And it's in 3D. Hence:

sweet glasses, eh?

Chewbaca and the Tube

I think he likes it...

A few weeks ago, we embarked on a grand adventure to Holland Park via the Tube, to meet up with Chewie's friend, Jonah. He enjoyed himself immensely.

Apsley House and Wellington Arch

As I've been on the tube more, I've found myself reading the free press available at all Tube stations, more. And while they're not good for ACTUAL news, I came across an article previewing "Museums at Night," in which different museums around London host candle-lit tours and viewings. Naturally, I was interested ;) After giving Gavin a few choices, we settled on, um, he picked, the Apsley House, home of the Duke of Wellington. It's the grand building at Hyde Park Corner, across the street from the Wellington Arch.. natch.

I had higher hopes for the visit than what we received, but some of that is due to the exact nature of the event: trying to view historical oil paintings by candlelight doesn't work too well. However, the home itself is wonderful to tour and we enjoyed the discussion/overview of the Battle of Waterloo- something I never learned much about.  Plus, the added bonus was that the tour included entry into the Wellington Arch... which again, wasn't overwhelming, but was pleasant enough. And dinner in Mayfair wasn't too bad either!

Apsley House

Wellington Arch

view from the Arch towards Buckingham

view of Apsley House from arch

Fun Fact: The Duke held annual dinners to commemorate the British victory at Waterloo at the Apsley House for about 30 years until he died. I'm really not sure what to make of that...