Roughin’ it in London

June 8 ‐ London

Cups of Tea: 4

We did a lot of things today…

…and brought back a lot spoils!

This morning started off with the London eye, which luckily had a pretty short line.

Ida thought it looked like a giant desk lamp…

but to me, it seemed more like an alien invasion!

While we were inside, some old man photo-bombed us! So funny!

Around that area, there was a cool park, filled with street performers. We stopped for a bit to enjoy the scenery.

 

After the London Eye, we decided we didn’t want to wait for afternoon tea, so we headed to Paul’s, a cafe and bakery I had heard of (and by heard of, I do mean researched extensively while mapping out our itinerary). It was awesome- fancy yet relatively inexpensive. Also, delicious!

We both got vanilla black tea, which we had with cream and a bit of brown sugar.

We also split an open-faced salmon sandwich, which had a light, summer-y taste. It went so well with the salad and dressing, which we guessed was a red wine vinaigrette.

We both got little pastries for dessert. Ida had a millefeuille, which is basically a puff pastry sandwiching custard in the middle…

and a dark chocolate tart for me!

Next up, shopping on Marylebone! To do this, we finally had to tackle the Underground, which Ida decided is her favorite part of London. It felt like the subway systems of NYC or D.C.  only less confusing and without the smell of urine.

First stop- Baker street to do all things tourist-y and Sherlock Holmes-related.

Ida was very excited by this discovery, just adding to the reasons why she has developed a slight obsession with the London Underground!

At the Sherlock Holmes museum (where we only went to the gift shop), we browsed through all the trinkets and souvenirs. But the best thing by far was getting our picture taken with the props!

After shopping, we tried to go to the British museum, but when we got there, they were just starting to shoo people out. Grrrr… 🙁

When we got back to the hotel, it was a flurry of clothes and makeup as we rushed to get ready to go to the Old Vic Theatre to see the play Cause Celebre. This stressed Ida out a bit, so she took over as fire marshall- I couldn’t even finish putting on one of my shoes properly before we scurried out the door! At one point, I tripped and stumbled (I’m blaming the shoes). A posh British man who was smoking a cigarette started laughing at me! It was so embarrassing!

Luckily, we arrived at the theatre on time (even a bit early!), and Cause Celebre was amazing. It was a drama about a murder trial, yet it had just enough wit and comic relief. The acting was emotional but not over the top.

After the show, we decided to stay in for dinner- so of course we stopped at the grocery store! We picked up bread, nutella, and brie and edam cheese- perfect for a well-rounded meal! And on the way back, we got whistled at by some random hobo- Ida was less than amused, but I thought it was so funny!

However, that was not nearly as hilarious as Ida during dinner when she decided to make some tea- in a vase! I didn’t realize what she was doing until she called for me from the kitchen and asked me to help her pour it. I couldn’t stop laughing!

We both love this beautiful city, and now that we have mastered the subway system, London is ours for the taking!

 

Cheers!

-Zelda