Thursday, October 31, 2013

Halloween

Maggie has returned home.  The hustle and bustle of London a bit more than she could tolerate. No big deal. I'm laying low anyway. Trying to keep this cold virus from completely taking over my soul.  So far, so good. Tea, and self medicating seemed to curtail it's advancement.  The sore throat seems to have waned. Here are images from 10/31/2013.  Happy Halloween


The Overground train at Kilburn High Park Station
Liked the visual geometry.
Art shot of the passenger's reflection
Art shot at Paddington Station
The visual gem, the Natural History Museum. 20 minute queue to get in. Seems it's a school term holiday, there was drizzle so where else do you take the kids?
To see dinosaurs of course!
Which one is the new kid on the block?
I'm on Daddy's shoulders so there!
The gorgeous interior
Art shot 
Maggie admiring Mary Anning's Lyme Regis finds.
Mary Anning found her first fossil at age 12.  Given the her gender, impoverishment and lack of formal education she was never fully credited for her numerous scientific finds. Fascinating story though and now, of course, she receives the recognition she deserves for her life long fascination and discoveries in the marine fossil beds in Dorset's Lyme Regis area.
We'd actually gone to the museum to take in National Geographic Magazine Wildlife Photography exhibit. No photographs allowed but some truly inspiring and breathtaking images by mostly non professional photographers.
The photo defines the lack of curiosity by today's youth. 
Outside a winter carnival had been set up complete with ice skating rink.
Thought the penguin helpers an absolutely marvelous concept! 
She, however was uncertain. "Mom, remind me again why this is fun?"
Another day at the office.
St James of Piccadilly. Returned for more Xmas Cards.
A true old fashioned sanctuary to the down trodden.  Pews on one side of the church were filled with those less fortunate.
He's lighting a candle and saying a prayer, she's writing a prayer note.
One prayer note left in January. After some more shopping finds at the Xmas fiare we headed off for SoHo to lunch at Ciaran's restaurant.
Window displays at Liberty were interesting.  A store I'd never been in.  Not a shopper so why would I have been.  Thankfully Maggie is a shopper and knew I'd love this place for obvious reasons.
Would you look at this incredible interior??!!
Large Scrabble Tiles Flying From a Child's Back Pack.
Ho! Ho! Ho!  Oh look a filming notification!  LOL!
British humor
Exterior workmanship.
Front Door. What an architectural gem!!!
Window display which is a miniature version of the set from Matilda the Musical  and the tie in to the large art piece hanging in the interior of the store. See the Scarbble tiles?
Those are not Halloween costumes!
Ciaran putting up Halloween decorations.
Happy days!  
Took Maggie into the WholeFoods market where were amused by the pumpkin carving contest.  Hands down my bean went for the clown pumpkin. Brilliant!
Exterior of the Kilburn Green Underground station.
 Maggie got back to Boscombe around 9:30pm and emailed she arrived safely.  I was still awake but just barely. NyQuill had been taken to fight the cold virus.  Not nearly as tasty as some pints of Guinness would have been in putting me to sleep but it did the trick. Thus, a quiet Halloween night in London.




















Camden Town

Awoke with a scratchy throat and immediately took Airborne 
hoping to stave off whatever bug had invaded. Thankfully, I'd brought some eucalyptus cough drops which immediately soothed the pain. Stayed at Ciaran's chatting with Edson until it was time to head off to the Kilburn Park neighborhood where I'd booked a twin room for Maggie's arrival from Bournemouth.  Even with two train changes arrived early.  Room wasn't ready so they stowed my bag and I found a comfortable couch in the chic lounge of the Quality Maitresse Hotel and enjoyed hot chocolate while snapping artsy fartsy selfies.  
I see you do you see me?
A diverse neighborhood where gentrification is apparently taking place.
Don't we all!
Free Willy 

Maggie was a bit late but that worked out perfectly as we were able to check in.
Even though we knew the basement twin room would be windowless Maggie expressed discomfort when she saw it.  We tried to see if anything available but I knew there wasn't. It was a Priceline bid. We'd discussed the lack of a window via email but the reality was a bit unsettling when we walked into "the tomb." However, once we realized we had no options we unpacked and headed out to met up with her friend Sarah in the Camden neighborhood.

Let me say the staff, bed and the shower are A-one.  Seriously, I'd return window or no window, just for the shower. It's like being under Niagara Falls!
How did he get my purple hat?
Waiting for the animal dispensary to open. 
Loved the fact Maggie and Sarah wanted to meet up here. One of my 
favorite spots to visit when in London.
Che in Camden
Fun Times
Boo!
Above the entrance to The Stables
Never Gets Old
Tee Shirt Mecca
Mother and Daughter?!??!!

After we wandered about the market we walked out and up the block so Maggie could check out the GAP store.  Thought we needed a cuppa so Sarah and I walked across the street to Tupelo Honey.  An adorable 3 story tea/coffee  
cafe complete with fire place.
Sunset
Off a side street a tad bit more grittier than the main shopping drag.
British humor 
I have no words.

Sarah left us after our spot of tea so Maggie and I bussed back to Kilburn Park.  The windows on London busses are huge. Great views of the city sprawl.
We got back, pared down and walked across the street to The Old Bell pub.
Absolutely a local's pub. Character's in every nook.  
See, definitely time for a pint!
Lost in thought.
Roll on you Bears!!!
There Will Always Be An England!

Two pints and called it an evening.