So after leaving Paris and taking the train to Angleterre/Londres we arrived. Sam showed me around Spitalfield Market, which is right by where she lives. Its a very cool market, very nicely priced and if I lived there/had had more suitcase space I would surely shop there often. Some very cute dresses and t-shirts and things.
That night they took me to this pub nearby where I had steak and ale pie for the first time. It was delicious, and very different from the French food I'd been eating! Also came with some delicious "chips".
The next day, which was Tuesday, I went (by myself!) to the Victoria and Albert Museum. This was one I had particularly been looking forward to as it houses one of the most famous costume collections in the world. I took the Tube by myself and didn't get lost, thanks to some very intensive Google Maps-ing. It was a beautiful museum, and I really did enjoy it as much as I'd thought. The costume collection on display was stunning, and I also enjoyed their equally impressive jewelry collection, which had example from all eras and was overwhelming opulent. I found a theatre exhibit as well, with examples of costumes, posters and such from different British theatres over the years, which naturally I quite enjoyed. Some highlights:
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| Beautiful example of a Regency gown! |
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| 1950s glamour. |
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| Early G&S poster! |
As you can see, this museum basically was catering to me and Things I Like. To add to that atmosphere, I next went to the British Museum, where I saw my second First Folio of the day, along with lots of old manuscripts and illuminated texts. It was really a perfect day. Plus the bookshop/giftshop there was wonderful--was sorely tempted by a "Cat that Walks by Himself" t-shirt.
The next day, Wednesday, Sam didn't have any classes so she took me round to some markets--first Petticoat Lane Market, which was mostly used/consignment type clothes, then over to Convent Garden, which I was a big fan of. Lot of adorable shops and booths with artsy things, plus I got to go in a very cute store I'd only before been able to eye online. After that we went to High Tea, where we had a reservation and met two of Sam's friends there. It was extremely delicious and elegant and fancy, so naturally I wore my new dress I'd gotten in Paris.
When at High Tea one has, of course, the Tea Tray and the Tea Cup:
That night we went to Pizza Express, which is pretty much everywhere in England. Its always nice to enjoy foreign chains. Plus the pizza was pretty good.
Thursday I met Susan (one of my mother's many cousins) at the Royal Academy for a Manet exhibit, which was good but arranged rather confusingly and VERY crowded. One thing I have found in Europe: the museums are generally rather packed. Perhaps they are more cultured than we are? After lunch we parted ways and I went over to Fortnum and Mason's to find a gift for the host parents. The host mom loves tea so I got her an assortment, but mostly oohed and aahed at the fanciness. That is the Style to Which I Wish to Become Accustomed.
I then went to the British Museum, which I thoroughly enjoyed, particularly the various hordes and such. Hordes are fun--I wish we had them in the US. I focused on old Britain, then met my great-aunt for tea, after which we worked our way over to get dinner with my great-uncle--we ended up eating at a French place! I was amused. But it was very good and I got duck so I was quite happy.
Friday I left for Manchester, where I had a beautiful visit with some family who I hadn't seen in a long time. I also got fish and chips then, and was fed some very nice home cooked meals.
Sunday I had to go back. I flew direct from Manchester to Grenoble and was absolutely, as they say here, crevee!
Bisous,
Miriam
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