May 18, 2008...Strolling the Streets of London.

And a happy Sunday to you!

I had every intention of waking at just before eight this morning, but the snooze on my travel alarm mysteriously kicked in, repeatedly. All the same I rolled out by nine, and was in my walking gear by nine-fifteen.

During our breakfast conversation on the topic of organic foods and what not, I was made aware of a regulation in Europe whereby the traditional methods used to smoke cheese are outlawed. (Desperately tried to find proof of this claim but couldn't. However, they were insistent.)

This made me think of a funny...it's legal to smoke dope in some parts of the EU, but no where can you smoke cheese.

After my morning brush with enlightenment, we (both Marco and Martina...M&M) all went out to enjoy the sudden turn for the better in weather. SUN, glorious SUN! Sure it was bright enough for shades, but the nip in the air still goose-fleshed the skin.

While waiting on M&M to run back to the house after enduring a block of chilly air, I snapped a couple of architectural shots.

Sure the rich tones of brick against blue sky is cool, but gargoyles are far cooler. It's amazing how close a digital camera can bring one to an object hundreds of feet away.

We walked along the roads until we reached Hyde Park. Funny thing about this park, it has places which remind me somewhat of Central Park in NY and other places (where it's overgrown) which remind me of the Botanical Garden in Kolkata. Small world in my mind, I suppose.

Martina and I in front of the lake.

Hanging out by Diana's fountain.

Hyde Park is full of wonderful wildlife, though I mostly saw birds. Such as this lovely Blue Heron.

And this very wild pigeon.

On the way to the 'Italian' area of the park, we discussed whether I should call squirrels zquirrels or squirrels. This after I spotted iodized spelled as iodised. What is the deal with switching s's and z's. Okay, I'll admit I'm all right with things like criticising (but only barely), but iodised?? No one even pronounces it that way.

My apologies for tangenting.

Where was I? Yes, on our way to the 'Italian' area. Part of this area is a very pleasing fountain. I look like a dumb tourist in front of it, but the fountain itself has interesting detail (and lack there of due to time).

The journey continued out of the park toward the Notting Hill neighborhood. I have to admit this area is all quaint charm, though it plays host to dubious characters.

Pizza to go...

With regard to the black -shirt, I don't think it's really fair to compare Bush to Hitler. I'd like to think he isn't quite as bad as all that. Only history will tell.

Because I like the colors, so what?

If you've seen the movie with Grant and Roberts, then you might recognize the store behind me.

Apparently the last time Martina came here was with her sister late at night with only the mission of finding this store. We just happened upon it.

Lot's of cool old stuff for sale...*to self* must avoid more dust collectors.

And even more cool junk, er, I mean collectible artifacts.

I couldn't resist a snapshot with a name like this...

Flower power(ed)

Um, Portable Porkers says it all.

We went to this lovely little restaurant for lunch.


Marco's brother Dario was to meet us. We arrived at 12:30, Dario arrived at 1:45. I, in the meanwhile, got to feel like the third wheel as the tension of a late brother escalated before me. I kept reminding myself "she's Czech, he's Italian, it's natural." Then the next minute they'd be all lovey:

They give new meaning to PDA before and after the on-point quibbles.

Afterward, we enjoyed a lovely taxi ride home rather than the 2.5 hour walk there (which includesd a fair bit of meandering).

BLOG UPDATE! Remember how I said I'd assume the truth about the house I posted as Gregory Peck's, well that was dispelled this morning (by the very book Martina drew her original information). And now I present the actual proof.

This is the real house. We passed it on our way to catch a taxi.

Martina and I weaved through L-town to visit with Dario for an hour or so for some pre-wedding discussions...shhhhhh. It's not really a secret (or is it) that we went, I just like sounding clandestine.

Along the way I did all my London sight-seeing (I'll catch the Palace on Tuesday).

Westminster Cathedral where Martina went to get some of the official Church paperwork in order for their Catholic wedding. This place is not to be confused with...



... Westminster Abbey, the well known sight of Diana's wedding and other stuff. I'm joking about the 'other stuff'...I can't think of anything more important than that wedding :)

The London Eye

By the way, I am not ashamed to say I have an unchecked paranoia about going on ferris wheels. I have anxiety attacks on them. So no, I didn't go on the Eye.

Big Ben...it's a clock.


Admiral Nelson's column...that just sounds funny, but I didn't name it.

And the back side of Constitution Arch. Beggars can't be choosers from the back of a moving taxi.


Overall, a wonderful day of traipsing around. It's interesting being at ground-zero for the final days leading up to the wedding. I can see this either being more amusing or more terrifying as time passes.

I'm out of London for most of the day tomorrow, as I fly off to Dublin and New Grange. Check in about this time tomorrow for an update.

Cheerio,

A Pink American