Good morning! I mowed yesterday and it was a wee bit tiring! Lots of long grass, but it’s done and I’m hoping it’s the last time I have to do it this year. It was good to get the exercise, as we’re now used to walking a lot and I don’t want to get too sedentary.
But, now that I bring up walking, by the time we hit Wednesday in London, we decided to take it easy. We had been going full throttle since we left for Paris. My sinuses were acting up. Don felt unorganized and, after doing laundry by hand in our hotels, was sick of waiting for things to dry. He decided he was going to go to a laundromat and do our laundry. Bless him. I just read and took it easy. Then, when he came back, we made the move to our upgraded room and settled in there. One of the hard parts of traveling for us is living out of a suitcase. Our first room in the Holiday Inn had very little storage space and Don had a real need to get everything in its place, which I must admit, I felt as well. It’s also important, we have realized, to schedule a day of rest. Our muscles were tired. We were tired. There’s so much visual stimulation, so much information coming at you – the day of rest was essential.
After all that was done, we took a walk and meandered around the neighborhood. But that’s about all.
Love the wood, the tile and the light fixture.
Regent Street was preparing for Christmas.
Gorgeous.
Why can’t we have mailboxes like this? Bright red, great shape, cheery!
The next morning we felt re-energized and ready to roll. We headed to the tube with our Oyster cards, asked for directions, and started on our journey to a very special place.
A side note: The Tube and the Metro are so much cleaner, brighter and just plan nicer than the NYC subway system, where both Don and I always feel we have to take a deep breath, dive in, and get on with it. Both systems are so much more pleasant. As I said on IG: NYC – do better.
Eventually, we emerged from the Underground and found our way down tree-lined streets in St. Johns Wood to this:
Don’s idea of heaven on earth. Don had originally wanted to take a day trip to Liverpool, but we soon realized that was only possible if you have more time in England than we did. Secretly, I think this was better.
It’s so popular with tourists that the crosswalk there is constantly full of people taking pictures. One family of four recreated the Beatles’ walk and we cheered them on. It was very convivial, everyone sharing their stories, drivers obligingly pausing so that photos can be taken. It was a lovely sunny day, as well.
Of course, we’re no different, as you can see.
It was so much fun! A taxi driver later told us that there are people here day and night. He’s taken people there at 3 in the morning!
Abbey Road Studios.
There’s much more to the studios than the Beatles. It was founded in 1931 by the great composer Sir Edward Elgar and the London Symphony Orchestra. Prokofiev made his first record there. The “King’s Speech” was recorded there. Glenn Miller’s last recording session was there. Pink Floyd recorded there. The score for Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark was recorded there. The score of the movie, The King’s Speech, was recorded there with Colin Firth recording that speech via the original microphone used by King George VI. And on and on.
In front of the studios:
We signed the wall. On the second ‘i’ in Living.
Found on the wall belonging to another property which adjoined the Abbey Road wall:
Do you think my guy was thrilled to be there? Look at that smile!
Of course there is a gift shop, where we went slightly bonkers. T-shirts, buttons, pens, coasters and – you know I had to have them – these:
I might have shouted when I saw them.
I’m so glad we went. I tried to get there the last time I was in London to take pictures for Don, but I didn’t have the time. It was so much better to experience it for the first time with Don. He was beyond happy. So was I.
Afterward, we walked down the street towards the Tube.
Loved this beautiful mosaic street number.
St. Johns Wood is gorgeous and I hope to explore it more someday.
We emerged at Baker Street.
The Royal Academy of Music.
We were heading to the Marylebone High Street, and our first stop was Conran’s. While we were there, this young man who was starting a flower delivery business approached me, most likely hoping to sign me up. I explained that we didn’t live in London, but he handed me a bouquet anyway. Suspicious, I asked, “What’s the catch?” He said there was none, he just wanted to give the flowers to a pretty lady. What a lovely man! I thanked him effusively. I was so touched by his gesture!
Couldn’t stop smiling.
We stopped at Emma Bridgwater Pottery – her only London shop. I stopped here 17 years ago and bought some pieces that I still use every day – part of her Toast and Marmalade series. The shop was very basic then and it’s much more stylish now.
What did I buy?
One of her egg cups.
And this rabbit mug.
I’m a huge fan of her pottery and I’d have a house full of it if I could.
And a daylight visit to Daunt Books, where I might have purchased another book.
We went back to the hotel to rest a bit before we headed to the theater to see Ian McKellen in King Lear.
That’s for tomorrow. It deserves its own post.
Happy Thursday.
The profound happiness I get from reading these posts. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for sharing this amazing adventure.
Tomorrow I will make sure I have tissues near when I read your post. Sir Ian McKellen. Sigh…
Sigh, indeed! Thanks, Debbie!
I just have to know … what was your final egg cup count from your trip? Will we get to see your egg cup cabinet with the latest acquisitions?
I love Emma Bridgewater too. I have her rabbit cup plus her squirrels, hedgehogs, robins, and chickens. I know I am getting her NYC mug for Christmas. That will be the highlight of my EB collection.
I bought 6 – 3 were new, 2 were not all that old and 1 was vintage. It’s hard to take photos of the cabinet with things inside unless it’s really sunny – and it’s cloudy today! Thanks, Brenda!
I am smiling ear to ear reading this post and looking at the photos. Don is so happy at Abbey Road studios and the egg cups…perfect! Now you make me even more anxious to go to London. I would be such a tourist and enjoy crossing that road. Of course I love the Beatles and saw them once as a girl at the Hollywood Bowl. Amazing! Can’t wait to hear more about the play tomorrow. Hugs!
We love them too – Don is maybe their greatest fan. He knows everything about them. I never got to see all four of them, but we did see Paul a few years back and our friend Brian plays in his band. Talk about a dream job!
Thanks, Linda.
Thank you for sharing! Did you go by #10 Downing Street? As a political junkie and history buff that would be on my itinerary.
No, we didn’t go this trip, but I’ve been there before. Thanks, Carolyn Marie.
Amazing! Your photography skills are exceptional, Abbey Road and the shops….. priceless.
Thank you, Deb!
From the moment I heard them (in the ninth grade), I was a diehard Beatles fanatic! How amazing to be walking across Abbey Road. Jealous!
Shanna, I was also a Freshman in HS when I first heard them! I remember watching them on Ed Sullivan and being totally speechless. I still feel pretty happy when I happen upon one of their songs on the radio. Time flies.
What a great time to be young, Chris!
It was really wonderful. I’ve been the same. The minute I heard them for the first time, I knew they had a sound unlike anything I’d ever heard before. And I’ve been a fan ever since. Don? Uber fan!
Oh goodness, I always enjoy looking at other people’s travel pics. You and Don so remind me of my husband Harry and myself, he is the best traveling companion ever! Hmmm, thinking it’s time to dust off our passports. Thanks for sharing.
Dust them off, Teresa!
Love these posts. It is so much fun to see the places I’ve been and ones that I want to go to.
The egg cups are priceless and made me smile ear to ear.
Me too! Thanks, Julie!
I found myself smiling throughout this post, too. Especially Abbey Road studios….that pic of Don says it all!
Yes…we should have mailboxes like that here….big swoon. It’s all in the details …just like that pub entrance. I can’t stop smiling! ;)
He looks so happy, doesn’t he?
Thanks, Donnamae!
It’s interesting seeing what catches your eye. As a Brit, I probably don’t appreciate London, though I do love going there and loved living there. Mind you, for underground systems, you need to visit Moscow! Maybe a future trip?
Most likely not, and definitely not while Putin is in power! But someone else said that the other day; Moscow and St. Petersburg have incredible subway systems. I’ll have to google some photos! Thanks, Karen.
Shopping at Emma Bridgewater ~ surely time so well spent!! Abbey Road, well what can I say? The egg cups to add to the collection!! The book store! Love your photos of all of it.
(P.S. Personally, I always thought I was the walrus.)
Ha! I’m definitely the egg man! Thanks, Chris!
Goo goo g’ joob!
Claudia, your trip to Abbey Road reminds me of when my husband and I visited Abbey Road in the mid-80’s. There was no gift shop then and as a working studio, one couldn’t get pass the front door, so we took a picture on the steps, and of course my husband had to cross the street too, with me taking his photo. There’s was no one around! And it was early afternoon.
Love those Beatles-inspired egg cups! So perfect for you and Don.
The man who installed my garden came yesterday to do the annual tidying up and replenishment of the compost and mulch. When my daughter got home, she said it looked like a new garden! Also happy that daughter climbed the extension ladder and hammered in the joint strip that loosened and fell down. The joint strip covers the gap where two siding planks abut, and I wanted it done before the rains started. She did a great job, despite being afraid of heights and climbing ladders. So glad to get two pre-winter chores out of the way.
You still can’t get past the front door of the studios. That’s behind the gate you see in the photos. We still have pre-winter chores to do, including taking the A/C units out of the windows.
Thanks, Wendy!
To be fair you wouldn’t be praising the tube if you travelled in summer, much of it has no air con and gets horribly hot.
I agree with Karen, Moscow has a stunning underground.
Oh, I think I would. Do you think NYC subways are pleasant in the summer, with the hot tunnels and the smell of urine? Nope.
I have long experience in the NYC subways. I’ve also traveled in London subways in the very hot days of August!
Thanks, Rue.
I feel like I’m back in London! it’s so wonderful to see everything larger than a mere photo here!
I’m like Don I loved the shiny black taxis so clean outside AND inside! and the red post boxes and the “fairy liquid” in our townhouse that was for washing dishes!!! seriously called “fairy liquid!” I’m loving your whole trip! you two are looking very stylish. very theatrical! and flowers for milady! xo
Yes, I used to have a laundry bag when I was in college that had a graphic advertising “Fairy Soap.” Haven’t thought about that in years!
Brilliant post Claudia- I could feel how much fun you and Don had as I was reading
Love the picture of you with your flowers- and the ring you are wearing is exquisite
Where are the egg cups going to live ?
Siobhan
They’re already in the cubby cabinet, Siobhan, along with their fellow egg cups.
Oh, Claudia! I love your posts! I would LOVE to go to England one day. I am so addicted to the British shows on PBS. Oh, I wanted to tell you this! I was slowly perusing your post and taking my time. My husband asked what I was reading. Without even thinking, I said, “Oh, my friend Claudia is back from abroad and she is sharing pictures.” So you see how I think of you. Keep sending all the pictures you want! Thanks again for sharing.
That’s the nicest thing to say, Dottie! Thank you so much!
Claudia, Don does indeed look happy . I love the pictures especially Abby Road shots. Cute eggcups. You sure packed a ton of memories into a short time. I am truly happy that you got to do that trip. Blessings, xoxo, Susie
Thank you Susie. I wish I was still there, learning new things, visiting new places.
oh, how i am enjoying your trip … your wonderful pics are bringing it to life- thank you for sharing your wonderful moments with us-
umm, have you been able to vote early- i thought about you as i cast my ballot (for change … merciful CHANGE) –
all regards-
barb in texas
No early voting here. I wish there was! But I’ll be there on Tuesday, you can bet on it!
Those photos are amazing. I love that mailbox and of course the book store. You and Don look so happy and contented.
Marilyn
Thank you, Marilyn! We loved every moment of our trip.
Enjoying the photos and commentary. You make me want to go back to London. After being on the road for 4 months I learned that a day of rest is essential. Don is one cool dude.
He sure is! Thanks, Kay!
Like some others have said I have been smiling the whole way through this post!…you are bringing me such happiness…I don’t know when I last smiled this much!!
Well, that makes me happy! Thanks, Nancy!
That WAS a lovely man! It sounds like a wonderful day out. Yes, I remember the laundry in the hotel sink with shampoo or whatever. How nice you hit the laundromat!
After a while, hand washing grows tedious!