I spent my first afternoon in London, today, just walking around the streets and taking everything in. Ostensibly I was looking for a tote bag to carry my iPad, but could not find what I was looking for. So I made my way up Oxford Street and then turned right heading down Regent Street, with its elegant curved Georgian buildings that conform to the curve of the street. See picture below:
Arriving at Picadilly Circus, I made a bee line down Picadilly and got entrapped in Hatchards, aka simply one of the best book stores that I have ever been in. I spent several hours browsing through the book stacks and purchased three books (although I could have bought many more, but I have to carry all of them home with me eventually.
I bought Digby Smiths book on SYW armies and uniforms, The Red House Mystery by AA Milne, and one of the Saint-Simon Templar books by Leslie Charteris. I'm a big Saint fan and have been for a long time. I've always enjoyed Milne's non-childrens book such as "England Have My Bones", so now I have some good reading material for the rest of the trip.
A few steps down the street is Fortnum & Mason food emporium and I probably spent a good hour strolling through the store and admiring the food displays, such as these:
You have to love a cheese called Stinking Bishop.
Tomorrow it will be museum day.
Looks like a good day, I traveled through last week after going from Nothumberland down to Ascot for a buisness trip and at 53 years of age went on the underground for the first time. What a country yokle! Quite enjoyed it though.
ReplyDeleteDave.
An interesting mix of swag - I especially approve of the Laphroaig, a dam fine choice.
ReplyDeleteAnd it really goes nicely with some Blue Stilton and biscuits and a few grapes. :)
DeleteJim,
ReplyDeleteSounds like my sort of day. Make sure you save some pennies for Sunday :)
The exchequer is fully loaded, I'm happy to say. I brought metal, so it's only fitting that I bring some home with me.
DeleteA positive tonic for you Jim.
ReplyDeleteHave fun and relax.
Bill P.
Glorious stuff - have a wonderful holiday.
ReplyDeleteI notice the Stinking Bishop is well wrapped up, probably best to leave it that way. It's called a rind washed cheese and I think we all know what the rind was washed in.
ReplyDeleteHave a great time.
John
Have a really enjoyable day at the museums Jim!
ReplyDeleteAlan
Enjoy your stay on our side of the pond! Hope to say 'Hello' on Sunday at Partizan.
ReplyDeleteJim - are you still around on Tuesday? If so we would be delighted if you could join our AWI game (using a bunch of your wonderful figures!). N London area.
ReplyDeleteThank you Simon, but I will be flying home on Tuesday. I return to London on Monday and spend the night there before flying out on Tuesday.
DeleteI love going to the Smoke. Never fail to find something to see and do. Glad you're enjoying your trip so far. If you want to look at food displays then Harrods is the place to go - amazing décor and a truly jaw dropping fish counter. Look forward to meeting you on Sunday (I won't be wearing a Bears shirt though).
ReplyDeleteThere is no shame to wearing a Bears jersey. They will be much better this year now that they have a new general manager and an experienced coaching staff.
DeleteI was going to bring my Frederick the Great shirt, but thought the better of it. :)