It’s always been my policy to respect my children’s privacy, and so I rarely mention them online. However, I had to make a short diversion in this trip to watch my daughter collect her PhD from the University of Edinburgh, and I’m so proud of all she’s accomplished, I just have to stop here and give her a little cheer. Hooray, Meaghan!
After the little, joyful side-trip to Edinburgh, it was time to make my final stop in this whirlwind circumnavigation. London!
To paraphrase Sam Johnson, when a woman is tired of London, she is tired of life. I love this city so much, and since I never tire of her many faces, it’s a fitting place for me to wrap up this incredible adventure. London is, after all, where Phileas Fogg began and ended his quest.
As such, it was a given that I stop by the Reform Club — the site where Fogg made the infamous wager that would take him around the world — for a visit. While it is open to women these days [unlike in Jules Verne’s time], the dress code does not allow for either jeans or running shoes, so I didn’t get to see inside.
Instead, I spent my time wandering the city,
visiting the Tower of London …
[mostly to chat with the ravens],
hanging out in the underground,
and spending a bit of down time with the Queen [and her dad].
Do you have a favourite place in London? Share!
I need to throw myself into finishing this novel now, but will poke my head in here as much as I can to chat more about this splendiferous journey. I return home humbled and grateful for the experience, and — of course — eager to head off again as soon the opportunity arises.
More soon…!
~kc
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Thanks for sharing your travel adventures with us, kc. I thoroughly enjoyed the trip and wasn’t the least bit tired. Looking forward to the book.
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With 90% of our family still living in London, it goes without saying that I love London! I love the sitting in the gallery at the Law Courts on Fleet Street and then heading to St. Paul’s Cathedral to sit quietly and look up at the Whispering Gallery. Any time walking along the Embankment is also a treat.
Your time at the Reform Club reminded me of a similar experience. Years ago we went to my (posh) cousin’s Club in The City for lunch. My husband was told to wear a nice shirt and tie, but, not to worry, a suitable jacket would be provided by the club staff. When we arrived, the plan fell apart. My husband looked fine. I, however, was wearing white dress pants. The shock on my cousin’s face said everything! After a great deal of concerned discussion, The Club people allowed me to enter and dine. I smiled demurely at the other patrons as we walked to our table and I *may* have crossed my pant-clad pants a bit dramatically as we were seated. 🙂
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Love Edinburgh more than any other place. And splendiferous, oh yes, get that book out soon 😉
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I simply adore London and it’s hard to pick a place, but two pop to mind: Ye Old Cheshire Cheese, where Dickens used to hang. Love those little dark and dingy alcoves! Second is the little street called Cecil Court (near Leicester Square). It features many cool shops, many of which are children’s book stores. One is dedicated almost entirely to Alice in Wonderland!
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