I’m back from my trip to London, where I stayed with friend and Taos Toolbox roommate, Mel Melcer. We had a great time, and ended up nearly walking our feet off. And hey, I discovered some things about the UK.
For starters, all that “rain and dreary gray” nonsense was just that–nonsense–during my trip. It was hot. I mean, I packed the wrong clothes! I ended up buying a sleeveless top, and wished I’d brought a pair of shorts, or a skirt. Whew! We sought out the shade, and changed plans one day to avoid London due to the heat (well, that and our tired feet…).
Also, Big Ben isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Photo proof here:
Big Ben covered in scaffolding.
OK, in reality, the trip was awesome. I saw so many amazing things, ate and drank great things, and on top of all that, 3 of my Taos Toolbox classmates and I got together one evening, and had a great time.
Instead of blathering on, let me share a few photos with you. But first, other amazing things not pictured: visiting Forbidden Planet; attending a reading/meeting of the Super Relaxed Fantasy Club; touring Westminster Abbey, walking St. James Park; my first British tea house tea, including my choice of really superb gluten-free cakes; riding the Tube; meeting Mel’s cats, and tonnes more!
Tower Bridge. Got to see the drawbridge raise to let a paddlewheel river boat through. Riverboat’s name? Considering where I’d come from it was, ironically enough, the Dixie Queen.Panoramic view of the Thames riverside walkway, with a strange aberration from the “pano” process that tickles my fantasy-laden fancy!Beefeater Tour Guide at the London Tower. He’s also the Raven Master!One of the seven ravens held at the Tower. Meet Merlin.Shakespeare statue in the park where the Taos group met; I particularly like the quote on the scroll old Will is holding.“Alien life forms” in a greenhouse at RHS Wisley Gardens. (These gardens were a-mazing!)Sparkling wine with Mel (left) and me (right) in her garden.Feeding the swan and cygnets at Hever Castle and Gardens–another great place to explore!Inside Hever Castle, looking out into the central courtyard.Mel and I ride the London Eye, getting a great view of practically everything!Husband loves scotch. But he did NOT get this one, which I saw at the World of Whiskey, inside Gatwick Airport. (click to embiggen, and check out that Duty Free price! Yikes.)
Everyday Magic | M. E. Garber 