The weather was a bit chillier on this day, sending us to a local souvenir shop for sweatshirts for the girls. Looking ahead at their forecast I think we got the best end of their weather for awhile.
Our last day in London allowed us to sleep in a bit while David left early to meet a tour guide to see the palace that houses Parliament. He highly recommends this for people to see how the British government conducts their political affairs, and he puts it on the top five historical attractions he's seen. Aside from the incredible history of the building,one can actually get to stand in the middle of both houses (lords and commons).
The girls and I met up with David mid-morning to tour the incredible Westminster Abbey. There are nearly 3000 people buried or memorialized there to include kings, queens, poets and important philosophers like Sir Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin. The staff at the Abbey are very helpful, and the audio tour is excellent if you aren't privately guided through. I was overwhelmed by the weight of history this sacred place has held, the intricate beauty of its architecture, and what this church has endured over time between wars, power struggles within the church and the immense additions and renovations that have been done over time. Some of the tombs are so elaborate (bigger was definitely considered better back then), I suppose besides memorializing it must have been a way to ensure one's place in history and status within the church for future generations to come.
I sat quietly for a moment reflecting on my memories of watching on TV both Princess Diana's funeral procession and then 15 years later her son William and his bride, Catherine making their way down the grand aisle of Westminster. It is a powerful experience and one that I highly recommend you add to the top of your list on your next trip to London.
This also makes one realize that for all of us royalty or not, life is a fleeting prospect. Relative to history we really don't have long to make our mark on this world. Most probably there wont be a shrine in Westminster Abbey to memorialize our existence, but that doesn't mean we cant make just as important of an impact on those around us whether it affects the world or just a few.
What mark are you making on the world right now?
The rest of our day was spent shopping near Harrods and taking an afternoon nap- something that for me only happens on vacation!
Foodie Alert!!!!
(As we go on with this blog, we will write a paragraph or two at the bottom of our posts for our foodie friends on some of our more unique culinary experiences.)
David booked one fine dining experience for London. At the recommendation of the fantastic Goring Hotel concierge, John, he chose Hibiscus primarily because the food is outstanding, but also for the fact they will cater to kids who might not find foie gras appetizing. Of course we do. The kids went with a custom three course tasting menu while we went with six. We are both proud and horrified at the fact that Emily has taken a liking to lobster, and our little lady Sophia is gaining some refined tastes. Sophia's starter was Cornish Winkles with girolles and cured pork cheek. Very adventurous for an 11 year old. For the record, she loved it. Winkles are small snails. While there are currently more decorated fine dining establishments in London, I highly recommend Hibiscus. A fine meal with exceptional service that attends to children. Hard to get all three under one roof, but i suppose you should expect this from a restaurant that was at one time ranked in the top 50 in the world.
Meal highlights: Hibiscus & Elderflower Soda (served in a frosted glass before the meal), Poached Cornish Skate with brown butter and capers (this was remarkable thick cut of this fish), Adore Foie Gras on a Liquorice stick with pear purée (we were in heaven here) and Barbequed Goosnargh Duck in coriander and mint.
By the way, Elderflower anything is huge here in London. I had the elderflower liqueur known as St Germain nearly every night added into my champagne cocktail. I even found a sparkling elderflower soda at Harrods that was wonderful. It makes the perfect summer drink!
RSS Feed