Ah yes guys…I have taken another holiday over to London. Just can't get enough of this place. I feel like this trip was really wonderful in a different way then the others have been. It felt comfortable, easy and much longer (in a good way) then the 4 short days that it was. Flight was easy as was the border crossing. It was so funny getting off the plane and walking to the crossing and I was literally the only one who went into the Non-EU passport area. I hopped on a coach, then the tube and arrived safely at my little home away from home in St. Margarets. I absolutely love winding my way through the little front garden and opening the door to this
 |
| Experiencing a new bit of the river….so lovely |
inviting home. It was then a quick bag drop and out the door for dinner on the south bank with Polly and Helly. On my way to get to them I had one of my new experiences this trip…tube delays. I now feel the frustration that Londoners feel when there is delay after delay. No matter how many times you try to switch. I suppose it is comparable to LA rush hour. I did finally make it and had a great catch up with these 2 amazing ladies. Lauren was home when I got home so we cracked open a bottle of wine, settled in our usual spots in the sitting room and had a proper chat which was long over due. I do love this lady and was
 |
| Beautiful Old Church |
happy to hear all the wonderful things that are happening in her life right now. Day two of this trip was by far my favorite day. First off I got to sleep in…not that I can thanks to my internal body clock that wakes me at half 6 but I didn't have to get out of bed which was heavenly. I strolled in through Richmond and hopped the tube to meet up with Tad to spend the day in his neck of the woods. We headed off on our adventure and I had absolutely no idea what I was in for. It was his world and I was just visiting. We began our walk and we had to go through the dodgy area (not really that dodgy) first then it eventually opened up onto a beautiful path right by the river. It was gorgeous. We made our way along the river and I could not stop talking about how beautiful it was. I am sure I sounded like a silly tourist but I suppose I still am one so it's ok right? At one point I just had to stop and take in the moment. It was just picturesque. Half way through the walk we had an impromptu picnic because it was such a beautiful sunny day and you can't let that pass you by with out taking all the available opportunities. At this point I didn't know this day could get better then he diverted us off the path to check out this lovely old church. You all
 |
| Wandering through an archway |
know I have a slight obsession…yes it is still classified as a slight obsession…with old buildings and pretty much anything old so this was absolutely perfect. The dark side of me adores old cemeteries that are attached to these beautiful buildings. I love the stories they tell about the past. I could just walk around for hours and read about all these families and who they were to each other and what they did. This one did not disappoint. We weren't able to go in which was unfortunate because the combo of the sunny day and the stain glass windows would have been gorgeous. We continued along the path and took in more of the river before heading to his flat for lunch. I have to say that I adore flats in London. Everything is so unique and beautiful. They always seems so thought out. I suppose because they had to really maximize smaller spaces they were more thoughtful when building. Settling into a corner of the couch in his quaint little living room we had lunch and chatted which was lovely and comfortable. Such a lovely day but it wasn't over yet! So Tad is an amazing musician and you all should definitely check out his brand new album that is out. The band is called CrossHarbour. You
 |
| Another view of the church |
will love it! Anyway, I was lucky enough to get a piano lesson and it was such fun! He taught me a few things and also played along with me. I am not sure that I will be the worlds best piano player but I am really looking forward to playing more since we have one at the house. After my lesson he needed to head out to give music lessons to some kids so I headed back to the train station leaving behind a lovely afternoon. All my favorite things packed into a few hours and it was pretty perfect. Since it was so gorgeous out I headed back to Richmond to sit in one of my favorite spots along the river. It was full of people laying on blankets popping bottles of champagne or wine and just enjoying the lovely early evening. This is another thing I love about London in the sunshine. People here know how to take advantage of it. I joined in with my wine, kicked my shoes off and read my book for a few hours. I was lucky enough to be there as the sun was setting which is such a beautiful time of night obviously but add in this lovely setting and you can get some amazing photos. I could not stop taking photos because it was so beautiful. At one point the entire area kinda went sepia tone. Here are a few of the photos…….
 |
My favorite spot along the river.
|
After my glorious evening on the river bank I met Lauren and her boyfriend back at the house for family dinner which was such fun. In all my times there I have never sat down for a proper meal with the whole family that lives there. It was such fun chatting with all the people I pass in the hallway on all my trips. It was a true family style evening with lots of food, wine and great conversation. Going to bed that night I felt so content. Grateful for all the people that are in my life. I'm a truly lucky girl.
 |
| A day at the theater |
I always try to take advantage of going to the theater also every time so I decided to stay with a music theme and go see Once. I enjoyed the movie years ago and have thought about seeing it quite a few times. This trip it just seemed like the right choice. It did not disappoint. As I walked into the cheap seats which in my mind were really the best because I was right on the ground floor with a perfect view of the stage. The stage was great too. It was set up just like a pub and there were a bunch of people milling about up there. I wish I would have realized that you could go up there and by drinks. I thought it was the cast but I was wrong. Next time I will know better and hit up the pub stage. Before the show started also the cast came out and started playing Irish music. It was such fun. The people who had bought drinks were still hanging out up there. The actors were great, the music was wonderful and it's such a good story. I teared up a bit at the end. I know I can be an emotional sap sometimes but I don't mind. It was one of those plays that when it ended I wanted more. I believe I will go and see it again…after I get through all the other ones on my list. Once it ended I headed back to Richmond and stopped in
to see a couple of my favorite men…Rudi and George. These boys have grown so much and I was so grateful to get to see them this trip since I missed them on the last one.
 |
| Just some afternoon sword fighting |
 |
| My superhero just defending the world |
There was some serious sword fighting that occurred and I am grateful that I am still Super Girl when we play. Best super hero ever! These boys are growing so quickly and I miss seeing them. Bella got home and we got to have a quick catch up but it wasn't long enough. On these trips nothing ever is.
 |
| Dinner by the river |
Lauren and I had a lovely dinner by the river and tucked in early which was fine with me. Leaving the next day was sad but just made me start thinking about the next trip. The travel to the airport was uneventful but the airplane ride was the opposite. There was a 30th birthday boys weekend that was happening that I got stuck in the middle of literally. I will just leave it with…boys are crazy!
It was another amazing trip to London filled with some of the most perfect days. Sunshine and beautiful friends. A girl can't ask for anything more.
