Stepping away from the kitchen for a day, we took the kids into London for lunch and a walk around the West End. This is where Hubby and I met, where we used to work and where, in its various cafés and alleyways (that’s a story for when you’re older), our relationship bloomed.
The weather wasn’t overly pleasant (that top image of a blue sky in Piccadilly Circus was taken by Hubby on another, sunnier, day) but when can we ever count on British weather to cooperate? We pulled up our hoods, stuck out our stiff upper lips and got on with the business of enjoying our touristy selves. (All the other photos, by the way, were taken with my iPhone because of course I forgot to take my real camera with me.)
The first thing we stumbled upon, in Covent Garden, was a fabulous egg-xhibit. (Sorry – had to be done.) These were the culmination of the Fabergé Big Egg Hunt that had taken place all over London during the preceding weeks. How very thoughtful of them to bring the eggs all together in one place for us – save us all that running around!
Just as we were rounding the corner, we heard the most incredible voice. I wish I had better filming skills. I wish I had captured more of her songs. I wish I had asked her name…
For lunch we eschewed the chain restaurants that seem to have swallowed up central London, and found an old favourite haunt tucked away in New Row. The food isn’t worth mentioning but the cosy, eclectic atmosphere, and memories of our early days, more than made up for it.
Bellies and hearts full, we took the kids around the corner to the candy shop. Not just any candy shop, mind you. Cyber Candy specializes in imported, and wildly-priced, American sweets. I grabbed a Skor bar, a York Peppermint Patty and a pack of Sweetarts, for nostalgia’s sake. The kids wanted Betty Crocker lip balm. I’m not sure they realized they couldn’t eat it. In fact, based on the number of applications they go through in a day, I think they are eating it.
We continued on through Leicester Square, then back along Charing Cross Road, where we first met. Along the way we passed my favourite alley in London, home to specialist antiquarian book sellers. If I had a fortune, I would spend it here.
Down past the St. Martin-in-the-Fields, the church which presides over Trafalgar Square, and then into that vast space itself, now almost completely pedestrianized and (rather sadly for me) de-pigeonized. The kids were hoisted up for the requisite ‘lion shot’, despite complaining about the resulting wet bottoms!
And then, just as quickly as we had zipped into London, we were gone again. When we moved away I knew I’d miss it, but being only an hour’s drive out I figured we’d still come into town often enough. And yet we don’t. Not anywhere near as frequently as I’d like to anyway. I need to change that. We have so many other walks to take. Places I used to hang my hat, like the South Bank and Camden Town, and new neighbourhoods to discover. Is it too late in the year to make a New Year’s resolution?
Belinda @zomppa
Apr 11, 2012 -
Never too late! How fun to go back with your kids – I can never tire of walking around London.
Maureen @ Orgasmic Chef
Apr 12, 2012 -
Never too late. Loved the egg photos. I would have loved the candy shop too. I haven’t had a York Peppermint Patty since I was back home in the states 2 years ago.
I would walk around London every day if I could. I love it there.
Beth
Apr 12, 2012 -
Looks like you had a great time. I love the eggs at Covent Garden – so pretty!
Lora
Apr 16, 2012 -
What a lovely day and how wonderful to retrace the steps of your romance with your children. p.s. I want that gum ball machine in my living room.
Ruby
Apr 16, 2012 -
You’d have to fight my kids for it Lora, and did you see the look on my daughter’s face (with the lion)? You don’t want to mess with her.
denise @ singapore shiok!
Apr 17, 2012 -
Peppermint Patty? Awwwww! Now I want one too! Love those eggs, especially the snake and church window ones. Thanks for the walk around London
Ruby
Apr 17, 2012 -
The York was good, but I made the mistake of opening it in the car, so I had to share it 4 ways.
I learned my lesson though, and saved the Skor bar for a night when everyone was tucked up in bed and I alone was downstairs, watching my previously-recorded episode of Desperate Housewives. It was perfect.
Biren @ Roti n Rice
Apr 20, 2012 -
The next time I am in London I’ll have to get you to be my tour guide. I was at Trafalgar Square but had no time to explore the area around it. Must do that next time. Do remind me to bring two bags of York peppermint patties with me.
Ruby
Apr 20, 2012 -
Sounds good Biren!
Spicie Foodie
Apr 22, 2012 -
Never to late Ruby:) I love this kind of posts, that’s why I do them too. It’s a great way of learning about places and the surroundings of our blogger friends. I hope you make it to London more often:)
Ruby
Apr 22, 2012 -
Thanks Nancy and yes, I’ve definitely been inspired by yours. I’m actually going into London tomorrow to meet a friend. One of the few resolutions I’m actually keeping! This time I’ll try to remember my big camera…
Spicie Foodie
Apr 22, 2012 -
P.S.
Where are the ghraibeh you mentioned in your comment?
Ruby
Apr 22, 2012 -
Sorry Nancy, I was planning a post in honour of my mom’s birthday but decided against it at the last minute. I might post it for mother’s day instead.
Spicie Foodie
Apr 22, 2012 -
Okay, I’ll look forward to the recipe then.
BTW, you gave me a good giggle:) And I can’t wait to see your next London post.
Laura @ Family Spice
May 2, 2012 -
What a fun day! We live a 15 minute drive from the ocean and we don’t go often enough!
Ruby
May 2, 2012 -
I’m envious Laura – we live 2 hours from the beach, the farthest inland of any point in Britain. I grew up near the ocean and miss it horribly!
Magic of Spice
May 5, 2012 -
Of course it’s not too late
What a lovely day trip…your kids are adorable!