Day 10: Gently Down The Stream

  The weather forecasts for England seem to be more of a guess than a prediction based in any kind of science, but because the weather was supposed to be fair we decided to spend as much of the day as we could outside. First stop Hyde Park where our dear friend Jenny specifically asked us to visit the Lady Diana Memorial. The place is enormous and after a rendezvous with Steve and Sylvia in front of Kensington Palace we lost them before we reached the memorial sight. Shoot! I was feeling so much better today and had a anxious feeling that my illness had burnt up a nice chunk of my vacation. We barreled on. Through the park we marched snapping photos, and taking in the sights. The Albert Memorial, the Queen's Temple, and the Peter Pan Statue. We walked along the Serpentine and paused to walk among the fountains of the Italian Garden. After a couple of tries to reach our travel companions, we made the decision to head to Little Venice for the last boat tour of London's Canal system.

 On the way we stopped by James Smith & Sons Ltd. a shop specializing in umbrellas and walking sticks. In operation since 1830, this shop carries not only factory made models but umbrellas made in the basement workshop downstairs. Greg and I found a Smith & Sons umbrella that doubles as a walking stick. A young salesman who was smaller than Greg (if you can believe it) and had wavy hair shot through with grey waited on us. He measured us to determine the correct height, and showed us the ins and outs of properly opening, closing, rolling, and storing their umbrellas. I think we may have found our English shopping splurge. A classic black bumbershoot hand made in London and oozing British civility. $$$

  On to the boat tour, but not before a nice panini at an old canal boat that had been converted into a cafe. With our stomachs full we boarded our vessel, Jason, for a forty-five minute drift through the heart of London. Colorfully painted boats rocked in their moorings along the waterway as we lazily made our way past restaurants and mansions. Through Regent's park and the London Zoo we floated. At one point catching sight of an elusive wild boar lurking in the bushes. Our little journey ended at Camden lock.

  After disembarking we grabbed a coffee and wandered the funky Camden market. Edgy young Londoners crowded the streets, and lounged in the ubiquitous tattoo parlors. The energy and spirit was invigorating, but it didn't take us long to figure out we were about twenty years too old for the scene. So back to our flat we retired.  

Day 10 Photostream